ZenPop Ramen + Sweets Mix Unboxing: Sticks & Tricks

Leave it to ZenPop to deliver some great Japanese treats!

Autumn is a season to savour, so how could I not indulge in some themed delicacies? You’ll have to agree that the temptation was too strong, especially when such a kawaii character as Luna (see the picture above) was looking at me with too much sweetness to be ignored. Sigh, you might say she had me in her paws!

Be happy, my weakness works in your favour, because now you are about to discover new, tasty treats from Japan . . .

SUPER THE NOUKOU SEABURA TONKOTSU SHOYU RAMEN FROM ACECOOK

     

I’m not new to Acecook (エースコック) and I honestly think the cups of ramen this brand produces are quite delicious. So, you can easily imagine the joy when I get to try them in BIG style, like in this case. A Super Cup of noodles soaked in shoyu ramen broth, perfect for anyone loving the rich flavour of soy sauce and garlic. Although a bit strong for my personal taste, I still liked it, probably because of my soy sauce addiction or, you know, the happiness that comes with lots of noodles!

TATEGATA TOMATO CHEESE RAMEN FROM MARUTAI

     

I still had to try a ramen with a Western-style soup and, let me tell you, now I seriously think you should have some, too! Think of a chicken tomato soup topped with minced meat, scrambled eggs, and green onions. Aren’t you salivating already? The aroma that accompanies this delicious cup of ramen makes you grab your chopsticks fast and, after just a little taste, your control will be all over the place—or, you know, in the soup. Dig in, you’ll find a real treasure!

TSUBUTSUBU ICHIGO FROM GLICO

     

Pocky (ポッキー) are . . . Pocky. Just something you love and can’t get enough of! Look at these chocolate-coated pretzels wrapped in strawberry cream and chunks of fresh strawberries, aren’t they appealing? And they are sweet in a unique way, too. Also, considering those are full of vitamin C and fibres, you know what I say? One pocky (bag) a day keeps the doctor away!

TOPPO THE CHOCOLAT FROM LOTTE

     

And then Toppo the Chocolat makes its appearance . . . Different from pocky but equally delicious, those crunchy biscuit sticks are filled with chocolate and they are quite a treat for the palate! If you’re up for a bitter-sweet snack that offers a nice chocolatey experience, you should consider trying this. I mean, nothing can go wrong with chocolate—except running out of it!

KAPPA EBISEN NINNIKU SHOYU FLAVOR FROM CALBEE

     

Advertised as one of Japan’s most iconic snacks, these crunchy shrimp pieces taste like a combination of garlic and dark soy sauce from eastern Japan. Now, I love shrimps, so I was sure I would really enjoy this snack, but the flavour turned out too intense for me . . . However, for those who have a stronger palate than mine and love the garlic aroma, I believe you’ve just found quite a powerful snack for you.

YAMITSUKI KARITTO FRIED POTATO BAISEN MISO FLAVOR FROM YOSHIYAMA

     

I had such a fun time with this snack, and I mean real fun! I got the Baisen Miso (焙煎味噌) flavour and, after tasting a couple of fried potatoes, I was sure they weren’t for me. So, why did I keep eating them? While my mind was trying to find the answer, my hands kept feeding my mouth. Next thing I knew, the bag was empty and, what do you know, I was looking for more! Kudos to a simple snack for (driving me crazy) turning into something unique.

CHOU KARIKARI PRETZ WAFUU DASHI KAORU HOTATE SHOYU AJI FROM GLICO

     

Glico is a brand that doesn’t just work great for me, but also knows how to surprise me in the best ways. Like with these thin, crispy pretzels and their distinctive flavour I can still taste in my mouth. And what about the nice box they come in? The rakutabe pocket makes it practical for you to enjoy this snack, and the taste of scallop and soy sauce is made even more delicious by the crunchiness of the pretzels. In case it wasn’t clear enough, you should definitely try this!

TOKIMEKI CAFE PURIN HA NOMIMONO FROM NIPPON LUNA

     

Grab the drink, shake it well, plunge the straw into the cup, and . . . Oh my! Did I just drink some pudding? You bet I did! If someone told me a drinkable pudding (プリンは飲みモノ) existed, I wouldn’t have believed them, because that’s just too good to be true. At least until ZenPop sends you proof that dreams do come true! A refreshing and truly delicious drink I recommend you all to either have at home or on the go!

BONUS GIFT: KONPEITO SNACK

     

Lastly, here comes a special bonus gift: the Konpeitō (金平糖, こんぺいとう). The name comes from the Portuguese word confeito (confetti) and was introduced in Japan to Oda Nobunaga by a Portuguese missionary in 1569. It’s a type of Japanese sugar candy shaped as a small sphere with a bumpy surface that comes in different colours and flavours. Often used for celebrations, the team at ZenPop sent this gift wishing their subscribers to celebrate another beautiful day! They will be happy to know that, every day I taste one of those sweet candy, I smile 😊

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I loved this Ramen + Sweets Mix Box, and it sure won’t be my last taste of it!

A new month is just about to start, so be ready for a new theme and to check all the packages available on their website, I dare you not to fall for everything this service has to offer!

*Psst, I also got the Kawaii & Co. Limited Edition Box,
featuring some of the most popular kawaii characters from Japan,
you can see in a little video I posted on TikTok 💜

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