Pepsi Azuki
Pepsi Japan has done it again and release a new seasonal speciality, the Azuki bean. Of the foreigners I know living in Japan quite a few are not much into the rather peculiar taste of this very Japanese desert, I love it, most of the time. It is traditionally eaten as a new year’s desert and is an ingredient in many Japanese pastries. I didn’t have high hopes about this Pepsi drink, but I really enjoyed it. It taste a lot like cherry actually. Sadly, this drink will soon sell out, probably never to return. This time I think I will actually stack up on it.
Now you’ve got me missing the steamed buns with sweet red bean paste I used to get but can’t anymore now that the owners retired and closed their restaurant…
…that and the tiny, tiny fried squids in that almost-not-there batter (or whatever it was) with roasted salt and pepper. I loved the teeny-tiny curled up tentacles.
Yes! Those steamed buns are available at any convenience store come winter in Japan. Fantastic. But I have never met a foreigner who could eat a whole on in the first attempt. It is, slightly, an acquired taste it seems like. The squids too, goes perfect with cold beer. Perhaps you should consider starting up your own little bakery?
I love the short-term drinks in Japan. The first time we went we had a drink called “Coke Citra” which came in a squat aluminum bottle with a twist-off top. My husband loved it. It was discontinued when we went back the second time and we never found it in the US. I like the buns with the red bean paste inside, so I can’t wait to try this!
Coke Citra? Oh, now you have me wanting to find one! I love weird soft drinks. Have you tried the wasabi soft drinks yet? Yummy!
Wasabi soft drinks?! I can’t wait!!
It’s sold at Tokyu hands, some well stocked supermarkets, most “dagashiya” and many novelty stores and party shops. I really recommend trying it at least once!
We love Tokyu Hands so much! Ha! I will definitely try it.