9 Must-Buy Snacks From Don Quijote Japan To Make Your Friends Drool

Don Quijote is a popular Japanese discount store with over 150 branches throughout the country and also abroad (we have eight in Singapore!) As a must-visit when in Japan, you’ll find pretty much everything – from cosmetics to household items, electronics to must-buy snacks in Don Quijote.

Speaking about snacks, the snack game is seriously strong in Japan. Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs or as treats for yourself, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the wide selection. How will you know what to buy? Follow along as we cover our top ten must-buy snacks from Don Quijote!

1. Kit Kat

I could go on and on about Japanese Kit Kats. The classic milk chocolate flavour is so yesterday, and if you haven’t tried the Japanese array of flavours, you’re definitely missing out. Think creative flavours such as Matcha, Strawberry Cheesecake, Sakura, Hojicha, and even Sake, Wasabi and Soy Sauce! If you can name it, there’s probably a Kit Kat flavour for it. 

2. Funwari Meijin Kinako Mochi

Mochi is made from 100% Japanese mochigome rice and a “secret process” transforms them into the crisp and airy texture of this cloud-like confection. The mochi puffs are then finished with a dusting of kinako (soy) powder made by roasting soybeans from Hokkaido. The snack’s delicate texture and sweet, nutty flavor make it absolutely addicting. You’ll finish the entire bag of six without even realizing it!

3. Meiji The Chocolate: Matcha

Meiji’s award-winning line of “The Chocolate” uses high quality beans to produce the perfect chocolate. Their matcha chocolate bar is made with dark chocolate and matcha – pretty uncommon if you ask us, since most matcha chocolates out there are blended with milk chocolate. This matcha chocolate will take you by surprise with its unique flavour. Even though dark chocolate can be quite bitter, the matcha gives it a different dimension of flavour and bitter that you just have to try for yourself to understand!

4. Kracie Muichaimashita Chestnuts

Who says that natural and healthy food has to taste bad? These yummy chestnuts can be enjoyed as they are right out of the bag, without the hassle of peeling them out of their shells. 100% organic and made without additional food coloring or flavoring, these snacks convey the authentic taste and subtle sweetness of chestnuts. Perfect for munching on the go or at home in front of the TV.

5. Meiji Kaju Gumi

This yummy gummy candy is made with 100% fruit juice and no artificial colours or flavourings. They are shaped like fruits and come in five flavours: grape, apple, pineapple, muscat and orange! This Japanese candy is super juicy and very popular amongst Japanese locals. It’s also not available overseas so make sure to hoard up!

6. Meiji Rich Biscuits

Step aside Oreos, these cookie sandwiches are ~classy~ and they’re coming for your throne. Take your pick from three different flavours: matcha, strawberry and orange. True to the Japanese culture of using the best ingredients only, the cream is made with real fruit and matcha. No artificial flavours and colourings here! The decadent cream is then sandwiched between two chocolate cookies. Yum.

7. Shigekix

Here’s one for the Warheads sour candy fans, Shigekix is a chewy gummy candy that’s super sour on the outside. In fact it even says on the packaging that it’s so sour, it will wake you right up. Once you get past the outer layer, the candy mellows out and becomes pleasantly sweet. These gummies also come in different variations and flavours!

8. Wasabi Kakinotane

Kakinotane is one of the most popular snacks in Japan. Translated as “persimmon seed” because of their shape and size, these wasabi flavored rice crackers come in a mix with peanuts. These are must-buy snacks from Don Quijote, especially for wasabi fans. Netflix and popcorn is so mainstream. Try Kakinotane instead!

9. Tirol Choco Matcha Mochi

We know, there are lots of matcha snacks in Japan. Tirol Choco Matcha Mochi is special because they’re not just matcha chocolates, it also has a matcha mochi gummy center! The sweetness from the chocolate and bitterness of the matcha perfectly balance each other out to form the ultimate matcha snack. The mochi adds a fun chewy texture as well. Make sure to get a few packs, because one will not be enough!