WE ALL HAVE OUR FAVOURITE konbini buys—the ones you dream of on the plane ride over and reach for as soon as you land in Japan. Some snacks and drinks are available 24/7 all year round, perfect for stocking up in your luggage. Others make an appearance during a particular season, be it sakura-themed gentei shouhin (limited edition goods) or cooked food like oden that signal the start of autumn.
Then there are the most prized konbini finds—those sold in certain locations or only carried by regional convenience store brands. Seicomart’s ‘hot chef’ offerings in Hokkaido, which some consider Niseko’s official après-ski food, come to mind. The best thing about Japanese convenience stores, is you can pick anything that catches your eye as it won’t break the bank. We ask five food lovers living in Japan about their favourite konbini purchases so you can be more strategic on your next run.
Calbee Jagariko
“Calbee has mastered the balance of flavors, making Jagariko reliably tasty every time. Whether it’s the salty-sweet balance or the seasoning combinations, it’s a snack that consistently delivers. It’s a Japanese classic for a reason—perfect for enjoying with a beer while watching Netflix.”
— Simone Macri, Director of Food & Beverage at BVLGARI Tokyo
Truffle Nuts & Osouzai
“Sebun, as we locals call 7-Eleven, offers delightful Japanese osouzai (side dishes with rice), like marinated octopus with broccoli and beans—a pinchos-style treat that evokes Spanish tapas. Another favorite is 7-Eleven’s premium truffle-flavored nuts—perfectly snackable and a rare find. They pair beautifully with red wine for a picnic or gathering, delivering a tasty snack sensation that is a hit across the board!”
— Nana A. Kinno, COO of Taro Club
Nikuman
“I once worked as a newscaster at a TV station in Yokohama, located next to the city’s Chinatown. During that time, I loved having nikuman (steamed pork buns) as a quick snack; sometimes, it became a substitute for lunch and dinner, eaten on breaks between busy broadcasting work.
Nowadays, I live in Tokyo, far from Chinatown. When I miss it, I go to the konbini and buy the pork and mushroom nikuman. It’s not exactly the same as the ones I used to enjoy in Yokohama, but it has a comforting and nostalgic flavor for me.”
— Kyoko Nakayama, Food Writer
Karaage-Kun Red
“When I was in high school, on the way home from football team practice, we would always stop at Lawson. I was very serious about soccer back then, so I never ate fried food
However, my seniors, who had more opportunities to play in games, always bought Karaage-kun Red after practice. The price—¥250 for five pieces—was expensive for me as a high school student, so I had to put up with my hunger.
But to this day, Karaage-kun Red is a konbini snack that I still crave. Even now, that longed-for taste is still the same as it was then.”
— Kentaro Wada, Head Bartender at Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
Egg Sando & Ume Kimuchi Onigiri
“When you buy the 7-Eleven egg sandwich, also buy the korokke (croquette) that you’ll spot beside the cashier. Usually, the staff will ask you whether you want the sauce or not. Always say yes! Then open the sandwich, put the croquette on one side and put the sauce on top then put the bread back. Voila, you have a croquette egg sandwich. Another favourite is an ume kimuchi onigiri. I originally bought it by accident and now it’s a go-to!”
— Kenjiro Hashida, Chef & founder of Hashida Sushi
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