Must-Try Japanese Snacks for Pinoys: A Taste of Japan

Japanese snacks are must-try goodies for Filipinos! 

Yes, Filipinos may not be as familiar yet with Japanese snacks as they are with famous Japanese food like ramen and sushi. 

Fortunately, thanks to the internet and the emergence of more Japanese grocery stores, it’s become easier for Filipinos to get their hands on famous Japanese snacks.

So, if you're looking for tangy or sweet goodies from Japan, you have plenty of options. Each snack brings its unique charm. They’re also perfect for sharing with family and friends or keeping for yourself. 

In this article, we’ll explore these must-try Japanese snacks that Filipinos will surely love. With this information, you’ll know which snack suits your taste and which ones you can include in your pasalubong.

Why do Filipinos love Snacks?

Sa totoo lang, mahilig talaga ang mga Pinoy sa snacks.

Just look at a typical Filipino’s schedule! There’s time for morning snacks; there are also snacks after siesta in the afternoon. And for some Filipinos who stay up late at night, they make time for midnight snacks, too!  

Whether it’s chichirya or some modern-day street food, Filipinos love munching on delicious snacks. 

A woman arranges local snack items in her "Pinoy Pasalubong" stall at the center island of a mall. Photo courtesy of  Philippine News Agency.

From Mikmik to Kwek-kwek, there's a specific snack that satisfies a Filipino’s cravings for a certain taste. What appeals to many Pinoys are snacks that combine familiar and exciting flavors. 

Beyond their taste, snacks also evoke memories and personal experiences. Snack time allows many Filipinos to cherish the presence of their loved ones. During their “me-time,” Filipinos can re-energize themselves with snacks while doing some deep thinking.

It’s no wonder why snacks are integral to the Filipino lifestyle.

Why should Filipinojs try Japanese Snacks? 

Most Japanese snacks are no different from Filipino snacks. 

Their flavors range from sweet to salty, sour to savory. Moreover, these snacks’ textures are a mix of crispy, chewy, and creamy.

That’s similar to almost everything most Filipinos love in a good snack!

Some Japanese snacks may appear and taste weird to Filipinos at first. But that makes trying Japanese snacks an adventure for your taste buds. 

Also Read: Best Japanese Snacks You can only Find in Japan

For Filipinos, these Japanese goodies offer a new way to enjoy the flavors and textures they already love. Only this time around—with a Japanese twist. 

Japanese snacks for sale in a ‘konbini.’ Photo courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization.

Even better is that most of these Japanese snacks come in various sizes and cool packaging. This gives you more reason not only to try them. You can even gift these Japanese goodies as your pasalubong.

Where can you buy Japanese Snacks in the Philippines? 

These days, it’s easier than ever to get your hands on Japanese goodies. 

Storefront of Darumaya Japanese Foods Center in Pasay City, Philippines. Photo courtesy of Darumaya’s official Facebook page.

With more Japanese grocery stores opening up in the Philippines, it's easier than ever to find these yummy treats. A quick search of ‘Japanese stores near me’ on most web browsers will easily lead you to where to buy Japanese food.

Alternatively, you can buy these must-try Japanese snacks from online proxy shopping services like ZenMarket and have these items delivered to your homes. 

What are the Must-Try Japanese Snacks for Filipinos? 

Filipino and Japanese snacks share similarities in terms of taste, texture, and aroma. 

To help Filipinos get more acquainted with these goodies from Japan, we’ve highlighted ten of the most famous Japanese snacks that strike the palate of familiarity, adventure, and a little bit of mystery.

1. Ume Candy (Dried Japanese Seedless Plum Candy)

If you’re a fan of Kiamoy, you’ll easily fall in love with Ume candy. 

Suppaiman seedless plum candy in a customer’s hand. Photo courtesy of Japanese-Products Blog.

Ume is a dried plum candy. This candy perfectly combines a tart and tangy flavor. Imagine the sour-sweet explosion of Kiamoy, but wrapped inside a hard fruit candy. 

It's the perfect combination of matamis (sweet) and maasim (sour). This snack will most likely make your face scrunch up with the “mukha-asim” expression. At the same time, it offers you the chance to experience the unique Japanese plums.

Package of the popular brand Suppaiman Ume Candy. Photo courtesy of Japanese-Products Blog.

This candy is perfect if you like bold, strong flavors. Masarap ang snack na ito especially if you’re looking for something different to cleanse your palate between meals.

2. Shiroi Koibito

Shiroi Koibito is a classic Japanese snack that many Filipinos can compare to the famous Haw Haw candy we enjoyed as kids. 

Shiroi Koibito  on display with its gift box. Photo courtesy of Sapporo Travel.

Instead of powder, you get this creamy, white chocolate sandwiched between two crispy cookies. Think of it as a more luxurious version of our biscuit and candy combo.

It’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea or as a light dessert. The sweetness is just right—not too much, not too little. Kung mahilig ka sa Haw Haw, you'll enjoy Shiroi Koibito's light and creamy goodness.

You’ll easily find Shiroi Koibito in many Japanese grocery and convenience stores. After all, this Japanese snack is a favorite among locals and tourists. If you have the chance, you can even visit a Shiroi Koibito park in Hokkaido!

Shiroi Koibito Park | Japan Travel Guide | Chocolate Factory in Japan | Hokkaido. Video courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization’s official YouTube channel

Why not give this Japanese snack a try and make it part of your pasalubong?

3. Squid Amasetouchi Lemon Flavor

Pinoy na pinoy ang lasa ng Squid Amasetouchi Lemon Flavor. 

It’s very similar to the calamares many Filipinos love. This time but with a zesty lemon twist. 

Package of Squid Amasetouchi and Nori Amasetouchi Sudachi Flavors. Photo courtesy of Rocket News 24.

This squid snack has a chewy texture and a refreshing lemon flavor that balances the saltiness. It’s a bit tangy, a bit salty—just the right mix for your taste buds.

Perfect for seafood lovers! This snack gives you the essence of grilled squid with a citrusy punch. 

Para kang kumakain ng calamares with lemon zest and in a convenient snack package. You can enjoy this anywhere, anytime with your family and barkada!

4. Jaga Bata / Potato Butter

Love patatas? Then you have to try Jaga Bata or Potato Butter. 

This Japanese snack is super simple to prepare. You either steam, boil, or bake some potatoes. Then, you add a bit of soy sauce and salt to the potatoes. Of course, you add pats of butter. 

HOW TO MAKE JAGA BATA | Soy Sauce Butter Potatoes. Video courtesy of Tokyo Kitchen’s official YouTube channel.

The butter in Jaga Bata adds a rich, creamy taste that Filipinos will love, especially those who can’t get enough of buttery treats.

Jaga Bata is a perfect snack for merienda, or even as a side dish. If you get the chance to visit Japan, you’ll see this famous Japanese snack in food stalls during festivals.

While many enjoy Jaga Bata as a freshly cooked snack, you can still buy Jaga Bata in stand packs, tappuri packs, or boxes.

Jaga Bata flavored snacks all in one
 

So, Pinoy patatas lovers, this one’s for you!

5. Suppa Mucho

If you love the taste of vinegar cracklings, then Suppa Mucho is another must-try Japanese snack.


Suppa Mucho Vinegar flavor produced by Koikey. Photo courtesy of Koikeya.

This snack offers a tangy, sour flavor that Pinoys adore. Just picture the vinegary taste that many Filipinos enjoy during their pulutan sessions. The sourness is softer, not as strong, but still leaves your mouth watering for more.

It’s perfect for those moments when you’re craving something sour and crunchy but don’t want to go overboard. And Suppa Mucho has plum and calamansi flavors!

Kung mahilig ka sa maasim na snacks, Suppa Mucho is your next favorite snack! 

6. Choco Baby

Small but packed with flavor, Choco Baby is a must for chocolate lovers. These little pellets of chocolate melt in your mouth and give you that quick burst of sweetness. 

A 32g Choco Baby pack by Meiji. Photo courtesy of Meiji. 

Choco Baby is an ideal snack if you want something simple yet satisfyingly chocolatey. It’s a great snack for when you’re watching a movie or just relaxing at home. 

Masarap siya for those moments when you just need a chocolate fix. Also, it’s another favorite pasalubong for Filipinos.

Also Read: The Best Japanese Chocolates to Buy for your Valentine

7. Kobe Strawberry Truffle

For those who love fruity flavors, Kobe Strawberry Truffles are an absolute snack delight. 

Kobe Strawberry Truffle by Frantz. Photo courtesy of Frantz.

These truffles are filled with creamy strawberry goodness. That’s because there’s a whole freeze-dried strawberry delicately placed inside a smooth and milky chocolate.

This snack’s flavor is rich, natural, and perfectly balanced—parang kumakain ka ng pastillas with real strawberries. Each bite gives you that sweet, tangy flavor of strawberries, paired with a smooth, creamy texture. 

If you love pastillas or anything fruity combined with a milky taste, this Japanese snack is worth trying and worth gifting!

8. Galbo

Speaking of chocolates and strawberries, Galbo will have to be on the list of must-try Japanese snacks for Filipinos.

Galbo is another popular Japanese snack because of its texture. It has a crispy outer shell but a soft, creamy chocolate filling. It’s perfect for people who enjoy a combination of textures in one bite. 

Different flavors of the famous Galbo snack. Photo courtesy of Meiji.

Just think of your favorite chocolate-coated biscuit. But what makes Galbo more memorable is that you can experience the chocolate goodness of Japan.

Galbo’s crunchy yet creamy composition makes it a great choice for Filipinos who like both matamis and malutong na snacks. 

9. Black Thunder

If you’re a chocoholic, you can’t miss Black Thunder.

What is the History of Black Thunder? Video courtesy of Black Thunder’s Official YouTube channel.

This chocolate snack bar is packed with crunchy biscuits, rice puffs, and dark chocolate. The mix of textures is exciting, and the rich chocolate flavor will satisfy even the most serious sweet tooth.

Think of it as a crunchier, more intense wafer-like version of the popular Pinoy snack, Cloud 9! It’s an ideal snack when you’re in the mood for something indulgent and the bitter-sweetness that only can be found in dark chocolates like Black Thunder.

The many flavors and examples of Black Thunder. Photo courtesy of Japan Candy Store.

Black Thunder also comes in more than 50 different flavors, and it has plenty of variations! Some of Black Thunder’s well-known flavors include matcha, milk, banana, hazelnut, and more.