Recently in Asian Food: Fun and Trivia Category

When its lunch time, what do you eat? Do you run out to the nearest fast food joint and chow down on a greasy burger and fries? Or maybe you pack your own PB&J sandwich and a piece of fruit. Perhaps you're eating a little left over take out from a paper carton. Well we here at AsianFoodGrocer.com want to let you know that you are behind the times! In Japan, Bento Boxes are a staple in lunchtime dining.

Bento Boxes are containers that come in many different styles. Think lunch box or Tupperware that's more aesthetically pleasing. They can be constructed out of organic materials like wood and bamboo, metal, or more commonly plastic. Each Bento usually has separate compartment to house each meal item, however, some have no boarders. Most plastic and metal Bento boxes come with a resalable spill proof lid that snaps into place. Some Bento Boxes come in bundles packed with chopsticks, knives and forks, and sometimes even a thermos. As for the wooden and bamboo boxes, the food inside is usually wrapped in a thin layer of plastic wrap to help prevent spillage. The organic material boxes may not be the best at holding food but they sure do look cool!

Another uniquely Japanese trait of Bento boxes is the furoshiki. The furoshiki is a decorative piece of cloth that plays two roles. It is slipped underneath the Bento box and tied at the top to act as a carrying bag. When unwrapped, it doubles as a table cloth.

You have probably figured out by now that the foods inside of the Bento Boxes are also designed for beauty much like other Japanese foods and the boxes themselves. A lot of time and careful preparation goes into every handmade Bento meal. They usually consist of fresh and cooked veggies, seafood, a few pieces of homemade sushi, pickled veggies, and cooked rice with toppings like shredded seaweed nori, seasoned furikaki, salted spiced plum, or sesame seeds. Bento making is truly a culinary art form, hot dogs and sausages can be cut into the shape of sea creatures, fresh vegetables can be carved into flowers, and even the rice can be colored using different spices and food colorings. It is not uncommon to see popular cartoon characters or other well known icons like Hello Kitty. The artistic possibilities are endless!

Luckily for all of you, we just got in a huge shipment of brand spanking new Bento Boxes right from Japan! Check them out and tell us what ya think!

Summer is just around the corner and Asian Food Grocer has just what you need to quench your thirst, Japanese Ramune Soda! These incredibly iconic marble topped sodas are very popular in Japan during the warm summer months. Because they were so popular over there, they essentially exploded on the scene here in America. But what is a Ramune? You may be asking yourself this question if you happen live under a rock... or in a cave. So, let us give you the 411 on these fantastically fizzy fountain drinks. 

Ramune is a carbonated soft drink straight from the Land of The Rising Sun. The word "Ramune" is actually derived from the sound of the English word "Lemonade." As you may know, there is no "L" in the Japanese language. To compensate, the letter "R" is substituted in its place. Therefore Lemonade turns into Ramune! There are tons of flavors too. Here at AsianFoodGrocer.com we carry Original (it taste kind of like a bubble gummy lemon limey flavor), Strawberry, Lychee, Orange, Blueberry, Watermelon, Green Apple, Yuzu (Japanese Grapefruit), Muscat Grape, Raspberry, Pineapple, and more! We have 21 flavors in all, including our must try novelty flavor, Curry! Other novelty flavors include Beef Teriyaki, Wasabi, Octopus, and more. Another strikingly unique quality of these fabulous beverages is its oddly shaped bottle.

Known as the Codd-neck bottle, it was actually invented in Europe in the late 1800s by Hiram Codd. Around 1876, Lemonade and the Codd-necked bottled were both imported to Japan at the same time, making them linked with one another. Instead of using a cork or a bottle top, Codd-neck bottles use a glass marble and a rubber gasket as it was believed, at the time, to be able to contain high pressure carbonated drinks better than conventional methods. During the container's construction, the glass is pinched into a special shape to prevent the marble from falling deep into the bottle. This causes the marble to rattle around like a wind chime as the beverage is consumed, making the drink very well loved by children. To make sure that the marbles have a good seal, the bubbly liquid is pumped into the bottles upside down so that the weight and the pressure formed by the expanding CO2 pushes the marble tight against the seal. On the outside of the bottle there are two dimples, giving the bottle its "alien head" appearance (we think it looks more like an octopus). The two depressions in the bottle aren't just for decoration, they act as barriers to keep the marble from rolling back into the opening of the bottle, making it easier to drink from. Although there is a blockade to stop the marble, it still takes a bit of skill to drink from the ramune bottle. Shoot, it takes some skill just to open it!

It can be a little tricky to open a Ramune Soda. What you want to do is remove the white plastic wrapper from around the top of the bottle. Important: DO NOT THROW AWAY THE GREEN PLASTIC CIRCLE! Or else you will have a very hard time opening the bottle. Punch out the plastic plunger from the perforated ring it's attached to, place it in the hole in the thick plastic mouthpiece, and use it to push the marble down into the bottle with gentle yet firm pressure. As soon as you hear the pop sound of the soda opening, remove your hand quickly. If you're not used to opening Ramune, make sure you've got a towel handy because your Ramune may fuzz out of the bottle. Drink chilled, and enjoy!

What's in a name? When it comes to food, everything. If snails were called snails on the menu, no one would dare eat the slimy slugs.  But the chic, French name "Escargot" makes all the difference. Presenting seven Japanese snacks that taste better than they sound.

1. Couque D'asses

Sanritsu Couque D'asses Choco Cookie is a delicious cookie mixed with smooth chocolate. But the term D'asses makes us want to "passes" this treat right up in the Asian grocery store. How about we rename it the choco cookie? Rolls right off the tongue.

2. Glico's Cream Collon

Sure, Glico's Cream Collon is not pronounced "cream colon," but the spelling is a little too familiar for our taste. Don't be misled: The collon is a sweat treat with a crispy shell, creamy filling, and an unfortunate name. One collon-oscopy please!

3. Dars Bitter Chocolate

Did Morinaga name it Dars Bitter Chocolate so it sounds like the Western candy Mars? (Or vice versa). We don't know who started this "bitter" chocolate trend, but we guarantee they aren't a marketer. Anytime we see a chocolate dubbed "bitter," it brings about a vision of a caustic old woman trying to get the neighborhood kids off the lawn. She's bitter, this tasty Japanese candy is not.  Our suggestion for an appetizing new moniker: Dars Dreamy Dark Chocolate.

4. Bourbon Every Burger

Bourbon, chocolate, burgers - we like them all...in separate meals! The Bourbon Chocolate Every Burger sounds like something a mad scientist would create. And what exactly does "every" have to do with this chocolate burger? Those who think a meaty bourbon chocolate burger sounds tasty will be sorely disappointed. It's chocolate in the shape of a burger. But what a fun Japanese candy for after your next barbecue!

5. Kasugai Shrimp Peanuts

There's something fishy about the name Shrimp Peanuts. Most people don't realize that shrimp and peanuts go together like peas and carrots. Before you put this Japanese snack on the list of food you'll never try, break open a bag. Shrimp peanuts are even better than shrimp chips.

6. Love Ring

Because we're a classy bunch, we're not going to go into what's wrong with the name Love Ring. The joke is obvious. After you've had a good laugh, try this tasty pastry. Soft Japanese bread by any other name would smell as sweet.

7. Calpico/Calpis

It's called Calpico in the U.S. and Calpis in Japan. Say "Calpis," three times fast and guess why they switched the name in English speaking countries. Sure, the name might make you shutter, but Calpico makes the perfect summer drink. It has a light, somewhat milky acidic flavor often compared to yogurt.

Don't let these names fool you. All of these Japanese snacks are incredibly delicious! Shop Asian Food Grocer for all your favorite Asian fare.

10. Chocolate Ramen Soup

The Japanese candy maker Lotte teamed up earlier this year with Ghana, the popular chocolate manufacturer to introduce the first ever chocolate flavored Ramen. If you've ever had Ramen noodles, you probably know there's nothing sweet about the spicy soup meal. The chocolate flavored Ghana Miso is nothing short of a bizarre combination of sweet chocolate with salty Ramen soup broth. What won't the Japanese do if it'll make for good marketing? Well, Chocolate Ramen Soup was available earlier this year in honor of Valentine's Day. Does that answer your question?  If that sounds nasty, check out these normal Ramen noodle soups.

9. Kimchi

This spicy garnish is a traditional Korean favorite. You may be familiar with the popular side dish. You may even be wondering why this dish made the top ten most bizarre Asian foods. What you don't know about kimchi is that the spicy cabbage you're eating carries with it a unique zesty quality due in part to long periods of fermentation. That's right, kimchi is rotten cabbage. And any rotting dish that has managed to become as popular as kimchi makes our list.

8. Quail Egg and Roe Sushi

You might have tried quail at a gourmet restaurant. Maybe you even had the opportunity to try this smaller bird's egg cooked once or twice. But have you ever had one raw, wrapped in seaweed, and resting on a bed of raw flying fish roe? It's unlikely you'll see this on the menu at your local sushi restaurant, but it's likely to be available. If you're an old hat to Japanese sushi and you're feeling adventurous, request raw quail eggs the next time you visit you're nearby sushi bar.

7. Octopus Testicles

Alec Baldwin's Schweddy Balls have nothing on these fried Japanese delicacies. Taboyaki is deep fried in batter and consumed at some of Japan's most prominent national festivals. Don't let their donut appearance fool you: these balls are filled with fish shavings, ginger and - of course - octopus testicles.

6. Bird's Nest Soup

This Chinese soup's broth is literally made from the nests of Swiftlet birds. If you think that sounds odd, what makes this soup bizarre is the fact that Swiftlet's make their nest almost entirely out of their own sticky saliva. Anyone for more saliva soup?

5. Durian

Dubbed the 'king of fruits' in Asia, Durian is the most pungent fruit you will ever encounter. It's infamous smell is notorious to foreigners, and this unpopular smell has lead to the fruit king's banishment from Asian hotels and public places. Durian's smell has been likened to raw sewage. Yummy! Maybe mother nature had a deeper meaning behind making Durian's exterior shell spiked like a porcupine.

4. Sea Cucumber

Remember those sticky slimy sea critters you encountered on your grade school field trips to the aquarium? Well, the Japanese have been eating this oblong shaped gelatinous blob of an animal for centuries. If the texture and the look aren't enough to have you running for the hills, considering the sea cucumber's anatomy is essentially one giant gonad surely will!

3. Duck Embryo

What's with Asia and its egg delicacies? Full of embryonic goodness! Served still in its shell and known as Khai Luk in Laos this dish is the innards of a nearly mature duck or chicken embryo. Mostly available through Vietnamese street vendors, Balut is just as bizarre looking as its name suggests.

2. One Hundred Year Old Egg

This Chinese cuisine is made by preserving duck, chicken or quail eggs in a unique clay mix for months at a time. The process makes the egg yolk turn black, and is supposed to enhance the flavor of the surrounding egg white, which becomes clear and gooey. Whatever the change may be, century egg's are yet another bizarre Asian spin on a food we all grew believing came scrambled, fried or poached.

1. Stinky Tofu

Originally from Taiwan, stinky tofu is also a popular cuisine in China and Indonesia. What makes this fermented tofu dish top our list of bizarre Asian foods? Simply put, stinky tofu is one of the most pungent smelling, uniquely tasting foods anyone encounters. Even the native Taiwanese have mixed feelings about their regional tofu based cuisine. And, hey, if Andrew Zimmern - the host of Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods series - can't even stomach the stuff, you know it's truly one of a kind.  Stinky Tofu may be the most disgusting smelling food on the planet, but don't let it stop you from checking out these healthy Tofu Shirataki Noodle products.

Back to Black Black

If you're like the rest of us, it's been a while since your investments were in the black.  Those red earnings figures plaguing your monthly accounts may even be worsening those somnolent afternoons.  Packed full of caffeine and other stimulating Chinese extracts, Lotte Black Black gum could be just the solution to such a problem.  Not only is Lotte's Black Black the strongest caffeinated chewing gum not counting the US military, its pleasant black color will bring back memories of a stabler and more profitable economic climate.

What Makes Green, Jasmine and Tie Yan Guan so Special?

If your morning routine has been that hefty cup of coffee for too long, consider an Asian tea alternative to improve your day-to-day health.  A few Asian teas getting a lot of attention in the US these days include green, jasmine, and Tie guan yin(Oolong) tea varieties.

China and India have both known and praised the benefits of green tea for thousands of years.  Both cultures have used the tea to treat all form of illnesses from minor headaches and influenza to chronic depression and cancer. Green tea is a proven cholesterol reducer, having been shown in tests to reduce your triglyceride levels.  Switching to green tea is also advantageous for those interested in increasing their daily antioxidant consumption.  

What makes it so special?  It turns out that green tea has many redeeming nutritional qualities. One cup of Green tea contains high levels of Vitamin's C and E, boosting your immune system and general well being.  More recently, scientific research has begun to prove even broader benefits associated with regularly green tea consumption.  Studies like the 1994 Journal of the National Cancer Institute indicate green tea reduces the risk of certain types of cancer, some times as much as 50 or 60 percent. The Chinese used the tea's ability to kill bacteria as way to store food, and these same properties have been identified as helping to prevent tooth decay.

Jasmine tea is another healthy morning replacement to coffee.  Jasmine tea eliminates free radicals, a quality that has been shown helpful in preventing cancer and aging.  The benefits of Jasmine tea are also believed to include supporting a healthier circulatory system.  Drinking Jasmine tea regularly has been associated with lower instances of brain strokes, heart attacks, thrombosis, and arterial sclerosis in individuals.

Finally, the Tie Guan Yin, or Oolong, variety of Chinese tea is yet another healthy hot beverage choice for those curious to discover Asian teas. Tie Guan Yin's high concentration of the Polyphenol antioxidant has also been linked to lower instances of cancer and illness in those who regularly consume it.  Tie Guan Yin's significant Polyphenol levels also produce the unique flavor and soft texture characterizing this Chinese tea.  Stock up on green, jasmine, and Tie Guan Yin teas, at Asian Food Grocer.

Move over mashed potato volcanoes! Some of us look at rice and see a tasty side dish. Others visualize distant landscapes, far off mountains, even album covers. It takes creative vision and a lot of will power to make a masterpiece out of food. Here, we present a gallery of our favorite cuisine creations.

Most Original: Album Cover Artist

Jacket Lunch Box is written in Japanese, but don't worry if you can't understand it because the  work speaks volumes. The artist and apparent Andrew W.K. fan replicates famous album covers in bento boxes, then dishes about his creations on Jacket Lunch Box. Made from rice, seaweed, fish cakes, and every ingredient imaginable, these cuisine creations are incredibly realistic. A rock n roll twist on rice!

Most Educational: Bento from Junko Terashima

Mom Junko Terashima makes the most incredible Bento boxes for her kids. Most of us would be happy with a pb-and-j from dear old Mom. Junko creates fantasy worlds and brightly colored characters out of lettuce, rice balls, and sushi. Check out her Bento version of Mozart. Note to moms and dads everywhere: vegetables taste better when they resemble a cartoon or historical figure. If you want your kids to clean their plates, start crafting bento boxes. Or mix furitake seasoning into your rice for bold color and flavor.

Most Awe-Inspiring: Rice Patty Art

Now that we've seen awe-inspiring rice patty art, we'll never admire a plain old crop circle again. Each year, farmers in the town of Inakadate create breathtaking works of art using yellow-and green-leafed rice. If you want to get the best view of the rice patty fields, take to the sky, but get there before the rice is harvested in September. View more photos at Pink Tentacle. 

Most Huggable: Asian Animal Art

When it comes to food, presentation is almost as important as flavor. This pup taking a bath in golden curry looks too cute to devour (almost). We'd rather cuddle with him or scratch his little chin. And he's waving! We don't know the name of the original artist that crafted this adorable meal, but we found the photo at PJ Lighthouse.

If you're hungry for more food art and Bento or want to learn how to make it, check out Just Bento and Lunch in a Box. Before you start molding rice into animals and characters, stock up on Asian food and groceries at Asian Food Grocer.com.

Those of us who enjoy sampling just about every sort of Asian food that we happen across know that at times a fearless attitude can be a little dangerous. We're not just talking about danger in the improperly-prepared-fugu sense. The fact is that a lot of foods from the far east are a bit too daring for us meek westerners and if you're not careful it's easy to get in over your head. One of the places you might not expect to get in over your head would be beverages, but even in this seemingly safe harbor it can get a little dicey.

Take for example Curry and Wasabi Ramune Soda. An alternative to drinks that cool and refresh you, these drinks are designed to burn your head clean off. Here at AFG we can't count how many times we've thought to ourselves "ramune soda is great, but it just isn't spicy enough." Wait, yes we can. None. None times.

On the less-appalling-but-still-wildly-inappropriate front is Kid's Beer, a frothy non alcoholic drink marketed to small children. As a generation whose parents wouldn't let them have candy cigarettes and who balked at Big League Chew (it just seemed a little too close to chewing tobacco), one can imagine the cable news freak-out that would occur if this made its way across the Pacific. It isn't surprising, then, that this is still only available in Japan

"Yes yes," you're saying, "this is all well and good but what do you have in the way of fish-extract based drinks?" Well we're glad you asked. Unagi Nobori is a carbonated health drink infused with the theoretically delicious extract of eel. As much as we love a slice of eel on a sushi tray, this fizzy fish drink is a bit too far.

The final drink in our cavalcade of calamitous cocktails is not for the faint of heart. InventorSpot (warning: this link is not for the squeamish) lays out the details of Placenta 10000, the drink made with real pig placenta. The manufacturers guarantee that you won't be able to taste it a bit, and they'd better be right if they expect anybody to pony up the yen for a drink made from... do we have to say it again?

Things like this might seem like more than enough reason to keep you from experimenting with Japanese drinks but remember that adventure is part of the true gourmet experience. Who knows, you just might find that curry soda goes really well with your favorite burger, or that eel soda is the perfect compliment to fantastic sushi. Who knows you might even find out that placen- On second thought, maybe not.

Images Courtesy TokyoMango, Japan Marketing News, and Wired

Do you remember the first time you saw a Keroppi Pencil? If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, you probably do. But what started out as a grade-school fad has been cultivated into a full-blown branded empire. Hello Kitty and her friends have inundated the lives of young (and young-at-heart) collectors everywhere.

Arguably, The World's Cutest Brand

Started in 1974 by the Japanese-based manufacturer Sanrio, Hello Kitty was the first and most popular of their cheery characters to reach the states two years later. And although the cute TV and video game tie-ins were a logical addition to the franchise, it's always been about the Hello Kitty merchandise. Hello Kitty and her friends Keroppi, Cinnamoroll, Chococat - their likenesses have been sold on everything from clothes to home appliances.

Believe it or not, the young girl audience hasn't been the only demographic swayed by the lovable cartoon animals. Newer characters like Badtz Maru (the quirky penguin, favored by boys) and Kuromi (the edgier, punky rabbit, popular with teens and young adults) has expanded Sanrio's appeal recently.

That isn't all they've accomplished. Just this year, Sanrio won their most important role yet for Hello Kitty: Japan's Ambassador of Tourism in China and Hong Kong.  No, we're not kidding - her image has become such an impressive worldwide symbol, that Japan has entrusted Kitty with spreading national goodwill to potential tourists.

Hello Kitty Candy

What does all this have to do with asian food, you ask? Hello Kitty candy, of course! Much like their American 'toon counterparts from Disney and Warner Brothers have, Sanrio didn't hesitate to enter the food market. Hello Kitty Hi-Chew, Hello Kitty Chocolate Dip Biscuits, Keroppi Kawaii Cookies, and all the sweets you could imagine can now be found bearing the embodiment of everybody's favorite Japanese cat.

Given all this growth, there's no doubt in our minds that the Hello Kitty brand will remain a sensation for years to come.

Need a flag pole for your gingerbread house? Or fuzzy antlers for your reindeer? Or drum sticks for your little drummer boy? Asian Food Grocer presents...drum roll please...the most inventive holiday Pocky creations ever! From a Pocky winter wonderland to Pocky gingerbread houses, these confectionery creations make working with Pocky look like a piece of cake.

Pocky Wonderland Forest

Walking in a Pocky wonderland. Who wouldn't want to get lost in this edible forest? This creation comes from Not Quite Nigella - an Australian foodie with a passion for homemade Pocky. Not Quite Nigella made her own Pocky for this cake (we know, she's seriously talented) but if your baking skills aren't up to par, replicate her winter wonderland with Milk Pocky, Chocolate Crush Pocky, or Hazelnut Dessert Pocky. She also includes a recipe for an equally appealing and visually stunning Pocky sundae. Can't wait to see what the Pocky pro makes next!

Pocky Gingerbread House

When it comes to gingerbread houses, Pocky is the new candy cane. Use it to make a door frame or flag pole, spell out words, create a snow-lined roof, or even as logs for a cabin gingerbread house. For inspiration, take a look at this gingerbread house from Miss Jellybeano. And this award-winning gingerbread castle from Unschool Me is the perfect example of how you can use Pocky sticks to make flag poles. A medieval feast for the eyes!

Purely Ornamental Pocky

To give Pocky presents that don't come with poundage, take a look at these adorable earrings by Shiritsu on DevianArt. When you wear these earrings, don't be surprised if someone tries to nibble on your lobes. Pocky is just that good. If you're super crafty like this artist, don't stop at earrings. Make Pocky ornaments for the tree!



Send us pictures of your own holiday Pocky creations for future Pocky posts. And check back later for holiday recipes and ideas from Asian Food Grocer.