Addictive after just one bite! Japan’s Best Snack Selection
In Japan, there’s a beloved tradition called banshaku — relaxing at the end of the day with a drink and a light snack called otsumami. These snacks are considered an essential part of enhancing the flavor of beer, sake, and other beverages.
The charm of otsumami, however, goes beyond pairing with alcohol. Many of these snacks are made with simple, high-quality ingredients, making them perfect for those who don’t drink as well as for children. They’re light, satisfying, and loved by people of all ages. Compared to regular snacks, otsumami generally contains less energy, carbohydrates, and fat, while providing a good source of protein.
In this article, we’ll introduce some of the most popular otsumami that can be easily found at convenience stores and supermarkets across Japan. Enjoy discovering your next favorite Japanese snack!
【Natori】 “A Must-Try at Least Once” Series
Did you know that Japanese supermarkets and convenience stores have a dedicated “otsumami (snack for drinks)” section, separate from the candy aisle? Our best-buy pick from there is Natori’s “A Must-Try at Least Once” series.
This series represents Natori’s highest-quality otsumami, created with meticulous attention to ingredients and methods to bring out the natural flavor of each material. Since its launch in 2006, it has been a long-selling line that has continuously improved in quality.
The luxurious gold packaging adds a premium touch—perfect as a souvenir.
Official site: ( https://www.natori.co.jp/joy/gpseries.html )
Payke staff pick: Perfect for meat lovers!
Let’s start with salami from the “Must-Try” series. It uses pork shoulder from Denmark, known for safety and reliability. Denmark is a livestock powerhouse, and its pork is managed under world-class quality control. Pigs raised in low-stress environments yield tender, juicy meat with rich umami. From those, only cuts most suitable for salami are selected, and great care is taken with seasoning and aging.
You’ll find the “DANISH” mark on the package—an independent certification given to products using Danish pork under specific quality standards.
This mark is proof that safe, reliable raw materials are used.
It clearly states: “Made with high-quality Danish pork.”
Note:
This article introduces salami as one example of a souvenir. However, in many countries and regions, including Taiwan, bringing meat products into the country is prohibited by law. Please check the regulations of your destination before choosing such items as souvenirs.
1. Coarsely Ground Salami
Product name: Coarsely Ground Salami
Made with coarsely ground Danish pork for a juicy, springy bite, this salami is satisfyingly hearty. It’s seasoned with German rock salt, which pairs well to enhance the meat’s umami. (Official info)
Each bag contains two inner packs, each with four sticks—great for portioning. The more you chew, the more flavor unfolds, making it a truly indulgent snack.
2. Delicious Salami
Product name: Delicious Salami
Perfect for unwinding after a meal with a drink in hand, this “Delicious Salami” is a well-deserved reward—packed with rich pork umami and layers of aromatic spice. Danish pork is seasoned with 13 spices, including cardamom and nutmeg, then smoked and rested for a deep, full-bodied flavor and aroma. (Official info)
It comes in handy mini packs: two single-serve 23 g sachets per bag. Thinly sliced, it offers a pleasant chew with concentrated umami.
Pair with tomato and cheese for tapas-style pinchos—an instant, stylish plate that’s great for parties and easy to arrange.
Best drink pairings for the salami series
Beer and highball are top matches for both the “Delicious Salami” and “Coarsely Ground Salami.” Their juicy fat and umami pair perfectly with an ice-cold beer or a crisp highball, leaving a clean finish that keeps you reaching for more. Tempted yet?
For cheese lovers, this is it!
Cheese-based otsumami (snacks for drinks) are uniquely Japanese, with clever twists you won’t find elsewhere. Their mild yet rich flavor makes them perfect not only as a pairing with alcoholic drinks for adults but also as a gentle and enjoyable snack for children. Beloved by people of all ages, they also make excellent souvenirs.
3. Smoked Cheese
Product name: Smoked Cheese
Bite-sized smoked cheese with a soft texture and mellow aroma. A blend of five natural cheeses, including Pecorino Romano, is carefully smoked using apple wood chips. The refined smoky aroma and soft, chewy texture make it special. (Official info)
The cheese comes individually wrapped, making it easy to enjoy. Smoked cheese is a beloved snack in Japan, known for its instantly rich smoky aroma and creamy flavor. It pairs beautifully with red wine as well as sake, and is perfect for both cheese lovers and anyone who wants to savor a more mature flavor.
4. Premium Cheese Tara®
Product name: Premium Cheese Tara®
This “Cheese Tara” contains 12% Comté cheese, offering a rich, deep flavor. The French Comté cheese adds nutty aroma and a luxurious, creamy richness. (Official info)
Cheese Tara is a uniquely Japanese snack made by layering a cod sheet with cheese. It’s a long-selling product developed and launched by Natori in 1982.
“Cheese Tara” is a registered trademark of Natori Co., Ltd. Beware of imitations. Trademark No. 1939079.
*This trademark is registered in Japan.
This product also comes in a convenient small-pack format with two single-serve sachets. The perfect balance of thick, rich cheese and light cod makes it popular not only as a snack for adults but also as a treat for children. It’s easy to share and enjoy with the whole family.
The ultimate classic otsumami — uniquely Japanese processed snacks
“Atarime” (dried squid) and “Sakiika” (shredded squid) are traditional Japanese snacks made with domestically sourced squid, highlighting its natural umami flavor in a simple way. These chewy, flavorful snacks are beloved not only by locals but also by foreign visitors, who increasingly choose them as “authentic Japanese souvenirs.”
5. Delicious Atarime (Dried Squid)
Product name: Delicious Atarime
Made from Japanese dried squid (surume ika), carefully grilled with the skin intact to bring out the squid’s natural flavor. Every chew releases its deep umami taste. (Official info)
This is the perfect snack for those who appreciate the simple pleasure of chewing—a truly Japanese experience. The more you chew, the more the squid’s flavor and aroma fill your mouth. For the full local experience, try it with mayonnaise and shichimi (Japanese chili spice mix). It’s a must-try snack to remember your trip by.
6. Delicious Sakiika (Shredded Squid)
Product name: Delicious Sakiika
This shredded squid is made from Japanese surume ika, grilled with the skin on to lock in its umami and roasted aroma. Using a special manufacturing method, the squid’s flavor is fully preserved for a delicious, savory snack. (Official info)
Because it’s prepared with the skin, you can taste the squid’s natural richness and depth. The flavor spreads gradually as you chew, making it a perfect match for sake or shochu. Since it’s pre-shredded, it’s easy to eat — great as an otsumami or a light snack.
Single-serve mini packs
Perfect for trying out or when you just want a small bite. These handy single-serve packs are available in four varieties: Coarsely Ground Salami, Delicious Salami, Smoked Cheese, and Premium Cheese Tara®.
They’re great not only as travel snacks but also as easy-to-share souvenirs.
What do you think?
The “Must-Try at Least Once” series from Natori features only the highest-quality otsumami, made with carefully selected ingredients and methods. They’re perfect as snacks during your trip, for your evening drink back home, or even as treats for non-drinkers and kids.
You can easily find them at supermarkets, convenience stores, Don Quijote, and 100-yen shops across Japan. These “a little special” Japanese snacks let you savor authentic local flavors—perfect for travel, evenings at home, or sharing with friends.