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want to meet at fmd_good Wildlife Reserve
want to meet at fmd_good Market Deli
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Is this the best Onigiri?
ngl you got unlucky with the salmon one, that's prob the most basic choice they have. the mentaiko or spicy cod roe ones from 7-11 are way better, or the tuna mayo if you want something safer. but honestly for next month, hit up the FamilyMart in Yotsuya (it's one stop from Shinjuku on the Chuo line), their onigiri are noticeably fresher and the rice is fluffier. also try the konbini near Waseda University, they rotate stock way faster so you're not eating something that sat there all day.
Seven Eleven onigiri is, let's be honest, usually pretty standard fare. You won't find bad onigiri, but rarely transcendent. Your experience sounds pretty typical. For amazing onigiri, skip the convenience stores and look for smaller, independent shops. Especially those near train stations in residential neighborhoods, they often have incredibly fresh ingredients and unique fillings. Think less "quick bite" and more "deliberate snack." You'll find something incredible, I promise. Next month, explore a bit beyond Shinjuku station.
Yeah, you're totally right. Seven Eleven is fine in a pinch, but I was hoping for something... special. Thanks for the tip about the smaller shops near train stations, that's a much better idea than just grabbing something quick. I'll definitely check out some places outside of Shinjuku next month. Any particular neighborhoods you'd recommend around there? I'm open to suggestions!
the real play is going to a depa-chika (department store basement) onigiri counter, like the one in Isetan Shinjuku. way better quality than any konbini, they use proper koshihikari rice and have seasonal stuff like santa ika or tai. a bit pricier but worth it
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Where can I find crispy, pan-fried bacon similar to a certain international style?
if u have a costco membership the kirkland thick cut is the move, 4 packs of 500g for around 2500 yen and it crisps up proper in a cold pan. for smaller runs, precce in azabudai hills & the basement at isetan shinjuku both carry imported US & danish brands in the chilled case, just read the label for "thick cut" or "smoked" and not "loin". also worth knowing japanese bacon is often wet-cured so pat it dry before frying or it steams instead of crisping
kaldi coffee farm is hit or miss but their smoked bacon from denmark shows up pretty regular, the 200g pack runs about 600 yen. what actually works better for me is asking the butcher counter at peacock or life to slice the block bacon thick, like 5mm, they do it for free and it crisps way better than the pre-packed stuff. also fwiw cheap bacon crisps faster, the fatty supermarket kind at 300 yen a pack works fine if u cook it from cold in a dry pan and pour off the fat as it renders.
tbh the gyomu super store brand bacon is surprisingly decent for crisping up, its not thick cut but if you cook it low and slow it gets pretty crunchy. the key is the dry cure vs wet cure thing, wet cure steams. also check hanamasa if you have one nearby, they sell big packs of american style bacon thats actually smoked and firm.