As what has traditionally been deemed “Asian Snacks” gain popularity, it may be a common response when browsing the aisle at your Asian market to see something that involuntarily raises your gag reflex. In Western culture, seeing something with the word “seafood” in the name usually doesn’t cause you to think “yummy snack.”
However, it is very common to see something like that play a prominent role in many Eastern Asian snack products. So, before you turn up your nose at something because of an unusual name or ingredient, here are some of the best Asian snacks you should try:
Haw Flake
The perfect combination of salty and sweet. Haw flakes are made from the Chinese hawthorn berry, helping to provide the delicious tangy-sweet taste. Bon Appetit described it as a “cross between a Fruit Roll-Up and a Necco Wafer”. Although there has been some controversy regarding Haw Flakes and the US FDA, they are still an amazing snack that does not deserve to be skipped over.
Kasugai Roasted Hot Green Peas
This Japanese brand provides the perfect snack for when you want that pleasant “Wasabi Burn” feeling in your nose, but don’t want to try actual wasabi (hey, no shame. We’ve all been there!). Although you might initially be scared off by the promise that it’s spicy, don’t be! These peas are a healthier alternative to the Blue Diamond Wasabi and Soy Almonds (at only 120 calories vs. 170), and you can bet you’ll be tossing them back for hours with no guilt.
Kasugai Gummy Candy
Also by Kasugai, this gummy candy is as addictive as Reese’s Pieces. Coming in a variety of flavors, these candies are about the size of a Lifesaver, meaning it’s not hard to down the entire bag in one sitting (although you should probably refrain from that).
Squid Snacks
I know what you might be thinking. How can something with "squid" in the title be good? But trust me, they are. Squid Snacks usually come in a form like this, in which a peanut is encased in a squid flavored shell. Think of it like a savory peanut M&M. M&Ms are probably one of the easiest snacks to eat a ton of, and the same goes for these squid snacks. The refreshing, salty taste will leave you crunching these for hours.
Yin Yan
These sweet treats are the Asian version of Dunkaroos. The snack consists of two compartments, one with biscuit sticks and the other with creamy frosting. Yin Yan also comes in four different flavors, letting you choose between vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or a combo (which is chocolate and strawberry). The biscuit sticks also come with funny sayings and images of animals, providing you with entertainment as you eat.
Yakgwa
Chapssal Yakgwa or simply Yakgwa is a deep-fried, Korean honey snack. They are dense, sweet, and not too big, providing a perfect little snack for when you’re craving dessert. Unlike many bakery cake slices sold in Western bakeries, these little cakes do not border on sickly sweet and are therefore easy to finish. They are also usually individually packed, meaning they are the perfect thing to share with friends.
Calpico/Milkis
These two drinks are wildly similar, but also inherently different. For starters, Calpico, also known as Calpis in Japan, is a non-carbonated soft drink with a milky, yogurty taste. Milkis on the other hand is a carbonated drink with a similar milky, yogurt taste. However, the Korean treat does boast a more fruity taste. Regardless of differences, both are delicious. (If you need a frame of reference, it is reminiscent of this scene from To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before).
Roasted Seaweed
Let’s be honest. Dried sheets of seaweed or nori are GOLDEN. The reasonably sized, pleasantly salted sheets are the perfect thing to snack on when watching Netflix. There is little to no aquatic taste, so you’re not even aware you’re eating something from under the sea.
Banana Milk and Melon Milk
Yeah, you read that right. Although many artificial banana or melon flavored things are not pleasant, that is not the case when it comes to this milk. The flavors are mild and not overpowering, and it provides a refreshing sweetness.
Honey Butter Chips
Finally, the pièce de résistance. Many Korean snacks boast this unique honey butter flavor that may seem like a closed case of clogged arteries. However, they are no different from eating something like a cheese danish or a baked potato. Also, the small size of the chip does not leave you feeling guilty. Now you might be asking yourself, does this combo of honey and butter even work? The answer is a clear, resounding yes! Think of it like the syrup and butter melting together on top of a stack of pancakes.
In summary, while these snacks may not seem appetizing at first glance, they are not ones to be glossed over. Inside are hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered! Trust me when I say, all these snacks will leave you craving for more.