Today we introduce traditional snack which is called Umaibo.
Japanese people bought this snack at a candy store when they were children.
The price was 10 Yen for each one 40 years ago.
Now it is 15 Yen. It is reasonable price for kids.
Umaibo (うまい棒), literally meaning "delicious stick," is one of Japan's most iconic and beloved budget snacks.
It's a puffed corn stick, similar in texture to a cheese puff but with a much wider variety of unique and often surprising flavors.
First launched in 1979 by Riska Co., Ltd. and sold by Yaokin Co., Ltd., Umaibo has been a staple in Japanese convenience stores, supermarkets, and dagashiya (traditional candy shops) for decades.
Key Features that Make Umaibo So Popular:
- Incredibly Affordable: Umaibo is famous for its consistently low price, typically just 10-20 yen per stick. This makes it a popular everyday treat for everyone, especially students.
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Diverse Flavor Universe: This is where Umaibo truly shines! It boasts an astonishing array of flavors, constantly introducing new ones while keeping classics. Common savory flavors include:
- Corn Potage: One of the most popular, tasting like creamy corn soup.
- Cheese: A classic, savory cheese flavor.
- Takoyaki: Replicating the flavor of Osaka's famous octopus balls.
- Mentai (Spicy Pollock Roe): A distinctly Japanese spicy and savory taste.
- Shrimp & Mayonnaise: A unique umami combination.
- You might also find sweet flavors like chocolate or sugar rusk.
- Unique Texture: Umaibo has a light, airy, and crispy texture that melts in your mouth. It's satisfyingly crunchy without being hard.
- Distinctive Packaging: Each stick comes individually wrapped in colorful packaging featuring Umaemon, a friendly, doraemon-like character that changes outfits to match the flavor.
- Perfect Souvenir or Daily Treat: Its affordability, portability, and wide variety of flavors make it a fun and easy snack to try or to bring back as a quirky souvenir from Japan.
How to Enjoy Umaibo:
Just unwrap and crunch! Many people enjoy trying different flavors to find their favorite, or even buying a mix to share. It's a simple, yet incredibly satisfying snack that offers a true taste of everyday Japan.
So, next time you're in a Japanese store, grab a few Umaibo sticks and embark on a delicious flavor adventure!