If you love exploring unique and delicious sweets, this post is for you. Japanese convenience stores, known as konbini, offer a wide range of delectable treats. In this guide, I’ll share my top 10 must-try sweets from Lawson, FamilyMart, Daily Yamazaki, and 7-Eleven. Whether you’re a fan of traditional wagashi or modern desserts, there’s something here to satisfy every sweet tooth. Let’s count down from number 1 to number 10!
1. Chocolate Caramel Parfait from Lawson
Topping the list is Lawson’s Chocolate Caramel Parfait. This dessert is a masterpiece with layers of chocolate mousse, caramel, and a thick, dry brownie. The different textures and flavors—rich chocolate, creamy mousse, and sweet caramel—come together beautifully. It’s a dessert fit for royalty and a must-try for anyone visiting Japan.
2. Mitarashi Dango from 7-Eleven
Mitarashi Dango is a traditional Japanese sweet featuring grilled mochi balls coated in a soy sauce and sugar glaze. 7-Eleven’s version uses a lighter type of mochi that breaks apart easily, offering a strong soy flavor with each bite. It’s less sticky than regular mochi, making it a unique and enjoyable treat for those who love traditional Japanese flavors.
3. Matcha White Choco Cookie from 7-Eleven
This matcha cookie with white chocolate chips from 7-Eleven is a delightful combination of flavors. Initially, it might seem a bit dry, but the matcha and white chocolate blend well, with a slight saltiness enhancing the sweetness. It’s a cookie that grows on you, offering a satisfying balance of matcha bitterness and chocolate sweetness.
4. Camembret cheese Soufflé from 7-Eleven
7-Eleven’s White Fromage Soufflé is beautifully packaged, resembling a crown. The cheese flavor is quite prominent and provides a delightful taste experience. It’s not too heavy, which is perfect for a light dessert. The soufflé is truly tasty! The texture is incredibly smooth and airy, making each bite feel like a little cloud on your tongue. It’s completely delicious!
5. Tokachi Kinako Mochi from Daily Yamazaki
For traditional Japanese sweets, Daily Yamazaki offers the best selection. The Tokachi Kinako Mochi features green yomogi mochi covered in kinako (roasted soybean flour). The kinako flakes off easily, and the yomogi adds a fragrant, slightly bitter taste. The smooth anko inside is silky, making this a perfect treat for wagashi fans.
6. Strawberry Crepe from FamilyMart
FamilyMart’s Strawberry Crepe is a cream-filled delight. The elegant packaging reveals a crepe that’s incredibly moist and thick, almost like a pancake. Inside, strawberries, strawberry jelly, and cream are wrapped in a spongy crepe. It’s rich and indulgent, perfect for those who love a burst of strawberry flavor.
7. Ore-no Pudding from FamilyMart
FamilyMart’s Otona no Pudding is part of their Oriental series, targeting those who prefer less sweetness. This substantial “man’s pudding” boasts a strong egg flavor and smooth caramel. It’s not overly sweet, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy more robust, filling desserts. Can you finish a whole container? Let me know if you do!
8. Black Melon Pan from Lawson
Lawson strikes again with its Black Melon Pan. This light bread has a crusty chocolate layer on the bottom and Belgian chocolate whipped cream inside. With a moist texture and a slight crunch, this chocolate-infused bread is a treat for any chocolate lover, offering a satisfying balance of textures and flavors.
9. Strawberry Milk Mochi Roll from Lawson
Lawson’s Uchi Café brand is famous for premium sweets. The Strawberry Milk Mochi Roll, resembling a subway sandwich, features seasonal strawberries and whipped cream wrapped in felt-like mochi. The combination of strawberry jelly, cream, and mochi offers a delightful blend of sour and sweet. This substantial dessert is perfect for sharing.
10. Anpan with Whipped Cream from Daily Yamazaki
Daily Yamazaki, owned by Yamazaki Baking, offers fresh baked goods like their anpan, a bun filled with sweet red bean paste (anko) and whipped cream. It’s hefty and moist, with anko that retains small chunks of beans for added texture. Despite my usual aversion to anko, this treat won me over with its thick cream and slightly chunky anko.
Exploring sweets from Japanese convenience stores is a delightful adventure, offering a blend of traditional and modern flavors. From the luxurious Chocolate Caramel Parfait at Lawson to the classic Mitarashi Dango at 7-Eleven, each treat brings a unique taste experience. Whether you’re in Japan or planning to visit, make sure to try these top 10 sweets.
