Visiting Japan there is one place on everyone's to-do list, the famed convenience stores known as 'conbini'! They are real treasure troves of delicious food and sometimes curious flavour combinations. Open 24/7 and always welcoming, conbini were a huge hit during this summer's Tokyo 2020 Olympics! We got the low-down on conbini from two experts - Matt and Mike who are behind the 'Conbini Boys' podcast!
Hi guys, thanks for talking to us today. Could you tell us a little about yourselves?
Matt: I’m 35. I live in Cambridge, MA. I spent 5 years in Japan, including two in the Noto Peninsula. I enjoy cooking, camping, and chiki.
Mike: I’ve been in Japan for fourteen years and currently work as a web developer. I hit the conbini 1-3 times per day.
How did your podcast Conbini Boys come around?
Matt: Mike and I thought it would be fun to do something together. We normally talk about the conbini. So, we hit record and posted the show on the internet.
Mike: It’s been a lot of fun. Sixty-three episodes in and we still find new content to talk about. The conbini is the gift that keeps on giving.
What are some must-try convenience store products we should look out for?
Matt: Canned coffee, Chiki, and umeboshi onigiri. That’s all you need to make it successfully through life.*
Mike: Chiki is definitely near the top of the list. It’s a juice bomb unlike anything you’ve had. Pocari Sweat is my go-to drink. And I also love a nikuman, the steamed buns in the other hot box.
*Chiki - fried chicken from Family Mart; umeboshi onigiri - rice balls with pickled plum.
What’s been your most surprising conbini find so far?
Matt: Oden. It stinks. It looks gross. But on a cold day, wow is it good!**
Mike: I agree with Matt. Oden makes a terrible first impression. But once you overcome your initial fear, it takes you to a magical places especially in winter.
**Oden is a hot pot dish widely available in conbini.
Where is next on your Japan to-visit list?
Matt: Hokkaido so I can visit Seicomart for the first time.
Mike: I’d have to say Ministop.
You can check what they've been up to on Twitter or listen to their podcast here.
