If you’re ever in Japan and you’re craving something cold, sweet, and cheap I highly recommend the Tiramisu which you can find at Family Mart. This inexpensive Tiramisu is made with one layer of chocolate cake, one layer of vanilla pudding, and coffee + cocoa sprinkled on top.
The price… 105 Yen.
The satisfaction… 80%
It seems to have more pudding and fluffier cake than the 300 Yen Tiramisu’s at 7-11, but it’s nice because it’s light, sweet, and delicious. I took some pictures so you can see it in action!
This what 105 Yen looks like. This is all you need to get this party started. Reminds me of a quarter and a big penny with a hole in it.
And this is what a Family Mart looks like (picture taken from Wikipedia)
And this is the Tiramisu. The conbini clerks also give you tools to conquer your quests. Today’s weapon of choice is a tiny tiny spoon.
As I open the container I see it has Japanese writing on each side. I can’t read it so I assume it says “Tastes great! Only 105 Yen hellz yeah! Fat free and calorie free, just like the State Fair food you eat once a year back home! You should try to put it on a stick and deep fry it some day. Enjoy! / 140ml”
And here it is in the final stage of life. It took 2 minutes to devour with the tiny spoon. I like the spoon… it forces me to slow down and enjoy things.
Looks strange!
oh… i just had tiramisu today! for dessert at Royal Host…you know…the family restaurant???? i like tiramisu too..but havent compared the convenient store’s version of it… not yet anyways!
Sascha - At least it’s good and just 105 Yen!
Jyankee - You had it today too? What a small world! Yeah I know Royal Host… I’ve seen it but haven’t been there, but I want to check it out at least one time. I’m assuming it’s similar to Joyfull. If you compare the restaurant version you had and the Family Mart version let me know what you think. I’d probably like the version better, but you can’t beat the convenient store price.
may be a bit too sweet for me but i’d still try it!
You said the 5-yen piece looked like a big penny with a hole in it. Well, I have to say that since you can’t use 5-yen pieces in vending machines, they’re about as useless as pennies anymore.
Jamaipanese - Yean, do it up! You only live once.
billywest - At least they’re heavier than the 1 Yen coin that feels like aluminum foil.
The tiramisu is certainly nice on those hot days. I’ve been partial towards the メロンパン as of late. It, too, is 105 Yen, and I can keep it in my bag for an afternoon without worrying about whether it’ll melt or not
I love family mart! I just thought they were a Thailand thing!
btw- I’m linking your blog on my site!
ジェイソン (Jason) - I don’t really dig the メロンパン thing. It tastes like an overly dry failed doughnut.
Nomadic Matt - Ah yeah! Family Mart is in a few countries but I think it originated in Japan. Check it out on Wikipedia. Too bad the Thailand web site isn’t listed there. By the way I like your name, Nomadic Matt. If we hang out I will probably call you Nomadic Matt instead of just Matt because it sounds cool and I don’t know anybody else with Nomadic in their name.
And thanks
That is a useful recommendation! I am not afraid of trying new stuff, but my experience with convenience store food suggests that unless it’s already on my tried-and-trusted list, I will usually regret it because 9 times out of 10 it turns out the packaging is tastier than the contents.