From an expansive range of Onigiris to piping hot Oden that will warm your bellies on a cold winter’s day, and even moist fluffy pancakes, there’s nothing simple about these convenient stories. Lose yourself wandering along isles of mouthwatering treats with this Konbini guide! Itadakimasu!
We’re certain that at some point in our lives, we’ve been asked this one question — what is Japan famous for? And while most of us might have typical answers like sushi, samurai, and culture, I always chime in with ‘convenience stores’. And why wouldn’t I? With over 58,000 outlets across the country, convenience stores or ‘Konbinis’ can be found in every nook and cranny at any given moment.
In Japan, most Konbinis are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and offer essential items and services. From freshly prepared food to bill-paying machines and printing services, the Konbini is a convenience haven for those who have last-minute errands to run. Over the last few years, the number of Konbinis has skyrocketed from 6,300 outlets in 1983 to over 58,000 in 2018. Fun fact: On average, three new stores pop up every single day, with the biggest chain being 7-Eleven at 20,900 outlets, followed by Family Mart at 16,600 outlets, and Lawson at 14,500 outlets.
With groceries, cosmetics, toothpaste, shampoo, detergent, and even underwear, individuals don’t have to run far to grab that one missing item they desperately need at a Konbini. Aside from that, you can also grab a quick cup of joe (or even a whole meal) to refresh and recharge yourself before your next appointment. Without further ado, here are some convenient meals to try out the next time you’re in Japan!
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1. Tamago Sando (Egg Sandwich)
Image credits: No Recipes
Crowned as the best sandwich ever sold in a Japanese Konbini, the Tamago Sando is a signature staple in the lives of the working class.
Made with a simple mixture of boiled egg with Kewpie mayonnaise in between slices of soft cloud milk bread, the addictiveness of this menu item reached global stardom — with people dedicating full-length video reviews of various egg sandwiches across different chains. With prices ranging from 228 yen to 300 yen, the egg sandwich is perfect to fill your stomach while you’re on the go!
YouTrip’s Guide To Japanese Konbinis: Watch a video on which Konbini makes the best Tamago Sando
2. Karaage
Image credits: TripZilla
We know that Karaage, or Japanese fried chicken, is super popular amongst locals and tourists but trust me when I say that the Konbini fried chicken is on another level.
Freshly made and fried daily, it’s hard for Konbini fried chicken to go wrong. Served in a protective sleeve, you can just dive right in and grab a big bite of the piping hot juicy chicken meat. Honestly, it’s a dish that you need to experience for yourself any time you’re in Japan. At an average price of 200 yen, fried chicken is the perfect snack during cold winter mornings and late evenings. Some locals even pair it with a canned beer or two when they’re feeling peckish.
YouTrip’s Guide To Japanese Konbinis: Watch a food review video on Lawson’s Konbini Karaage
3. Gyoza
Image credits: Tsunagu Japan
A favourite amongst Konbini regulars, these delicious Chinese-style pan-fried dumplings are the perfect snack at any time of the day. Think moist pork or chicken fillings wrapped in thick doughy dumpling skin — the best appetiser to share with friends!
Although most Konbini Gyozas are found in the pre-made frozen food section, rest assured that you will be able to get them piping hot in no time with the built-in microwave oven in the store! Priced at around 240 yen for a case, these dumplings will definitely leave you wanting more!
YouTrip’s Guide To Japanese Konbinis: Watch a video on 7-Eleven VS Family Mart
4. Oden
Image credits: Stock Food
While most of us might be familiar with the typical convenience store food items, here’s a uniquely Japanese one — Oden!
As the unofficial comfort food for Japanese during the cold winter season, Oden consists of a variety of vegetables, fish cakes, tofu, eggs, and other ingredients cooked in a warm tasty dashi broth. This dish usually makes an appearance around the front of the Konbini counter in winter and customers can pick their favourites to go from 108 yen a stick!
YouTrip’s Guide To Japanese Konbinis: Check out this guide to Oden
5. Jumbo Onigiri
Image credits: Tokyo Cheapo
If you’re ever at a JR East train station in Japan, look out for their special Jumbo Onigiris! Only found in NewDays, the exclusive Konbini operated by the JR East railway company, you can now find gigantic onigiris in three standard flavours — Ume Shiso, Takana Mentaiiko and spicy Karaage mayo. Priced around 160 yen to 180 yen, these onigiris will be sure to fill you up on your train journeys with just one ball!
For the adventurous, do keep an eye out for special seasonal onigiris released by the Konbini. Past flavours include a Takoyaki-inspired onigiri stuffed with shrimp, sausage, corn, kimchi, cheese, and a whole takoyaki ball! As well as a pizza-inspired onigiri featuring dried tomato, prosciutto, diced cheese, and half an olive covered in parmesan cheese. Don’t miss out!
YouTrip’s Guide To Japanese Konbinis: Find out more about Konbini Onigiris
6. Ice Cream Parfait
Image credits: Time Out
For those with a sweet tooth, be sure to stop by Ministop for its famous fresh soft-serve ice cream parfaits! As the only Konbini chain in Japan to offer freshly churned ice cream daily, the store’s fruit parfaits have been a hit with the locals with seasonal flavours such as mango in the summer and mont-blanc in autumn. For 400 yen a cup, you get to taste sweet creamy vanilla ice cream paired with fresh-cut fruits and special toppings — the perfect dessert for any occasion!
YouTrip’s Guide To Japanese Konbinis: Check out other Konbini frozen sweet treats to try out
7. Mochifuwa Pancakes
Image credits: Cherry on My Sundae
Although Japan does not have a staple breakfast food, Mochifuwa Pancakes have been very popular for breakfast and dessert. Pre-filled with sweet maple syrup and creamy butter, one bite of this moist pancake will leave you dying for more. With flavours like maple syrup, black sugar, and Dorayaki (red bean), you get two stuffed pancakes for an average price of 100 yen, making this one of the cheapest and most addictive Konbini snacks we have ever seen. Unwrap the packaging to reveal the tasty pancake stack for a perfect balance of savoury and sweet on your tongue!
YouTrip’s Guide To Japanese Konbinis: Find out more on how Mochifuwa Pancakes are made
8. Bento
Image credits: Geeks Who Eat
And how can we forget the typical Japanese meal on this list? Bentos have been enjoyed in Japan since the early 16th century and are one of the best ways to enjoy a well-rounded meal without putting a hole in the wallet. Ranging from 300 yen to 400 yen a box, you can get traditional bento containing steamed rice, a side of fresh fish or tempura, seasonal veggies, and a small dessert like mochi or dried fruit. You can also opt for a hot bento containing soba noodles or curry and rice as well. When it comes to bento selection in a Konbini, the sky’s the limit!
YouTrip’s Guide To Japanese Konbinis: Check out this Family Mart Bento video
9. Chukaman Buns
Image credits: Tokyo Weekender
While you might take a look at any Konbini warming showcase box and think of the Chukaman Bun as ‘just another bun’, there is one major difference. As the perfect winter comfort food, Chukaman Buns have become Konbini staples, so much so that each chain has its own variation of the bun.
You can find Chukaman Buns filled with anything from steamed pork to cheese, sakura, chocolate, sweet custard, and even curry! The buns are generally larger in size and the filling sits perfectly at the bottom with a giant soft pillowy top. For 150 yen to 200 yen, it’s the perfect winter snack if you don’t feel like carrying a bowl of Oden through the city.
YouTrip’s Guide To Japanese Konbinis: Learn more about the steamed buns available at Konbinis
10. Yakisoba Bun
Image credits: SBS
One of the weirdest options you might find in a Konbini is a Yakisoba Sandwich. Hailed as the ultimate comfort food for high school students, the sandwich features fried buckwheat noodles stuffed into a hotdog-like bread bun. The noodles are covered in a thick brown sauce and topped with pickled ginger, parsley, and Japanese mayo. Tasty, filling, and surprisingly affordable at only 150 yen, the Yakisoba Bun is perfect for lunch or as a snack!
YouTrip’s Guide To Japanese Konbinis: Find out how Yakisoba Sandwiches are made
Itadakimasu!
Now that you have a list of items to throw in your shopping basket the next time you’re in a Japanese Konbini, you’re all set to explore the wonders a simple convenience store has in store for you. And when you’re checking out those delicious treats, don’t forget to use your YouTrip Card to lock in our ever-reliable wholesale exchange rates!
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Stay safe and happy eating!
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