Thursday, 30 September 2010

• Asian Junkie Foodie: Dried Squid, Maple Bread, and Ramen-Looking Things

  

  Yes, my fellow Asian-junk-food-philes, I've been quite neglectful on my consumption of Pockys and wasabi peas, but I am back! I finally got a chance to visit the Asian mart and lo and behold: Dried Squid, Maple Bread, and Ramen-looking snacks to eat and review.

  I've been lucky, my fellow cavity-ridden junkie foodies, because two of these three snacks have absolutely blown me away with pure yummy awesomeness.

  But before I spoil what's good and what's not, let's get down to the proper reviews:

  

  1. Dried Squid

  Country of Origin: South Korea

  First Impression: The Dried Squid snack comes in a harmless package. I originally thought it was a potato chip squid flavored snack (very much like the shrimp ones). Opening the bag I realized that these were actual squid meat pieces dried in a beef-jerky-like fashion. Sniffing at the opened bag, there is a subtle seafoodish smell (though not empowering as originally guessed).

  Taste: Chewy and sometimes soft; texture is reminiscent to beef jerky but sweeter and squid-y. The more you chew the sweeter the juices and a savory flavor comes out. Unexpectedly delicious and addictive. Finished the whole thing within five minutes.

  Likely to Buy Again: 95% Great substitute for beef jerky. Absolutely delicious. Might work well with a can of beer.

  One-Word Conclusion: Saaaaavory.

  

  2. Maple Bread

  Country of Origin: Canada Japan

  First Impression: A cup ramen? No. But a uniquely packaged maple bread snack. I admit I was first drawn by the cute packaging rather than the snack description itself. Opening the package, there is a subtle sweet maple smell. The mini maple bread/crackers/cookies look exactly like depicted on the cover. Each bread being about an inch big. Not as sticky as originally guessed.

  Taste: Crumbles or dissolves in your mouth in the most unusual way. A prominent soft crunchy texture but the bread melts quickly. Instant sweetness and light milky maple syrup flavors burst in your mouth. Eye-rollingly delicious.

  Likely to Buy Again: 100% Not only is the snack presented in an adorable way, the snack itself is extremely delicious. Great with coffee or milk.

  One-Word Conclusion: Adorable.

  

  3. Ramen-Like "Chips"

  Country of Origin: Taiwan (influences from Japan; alliances with Japanese company)

  First Impression: Reminiscent to the small bite sized Quaker Oats rice snacks. Expect light fluffy texture.

  Taste: The texture is hard and gritty. Crumbles in your mouth unpleasantly. Tastes like eating dried ramen bits. Japanese BBQ flavor is savory and otherwise yummy. The rounded ramen-cakes' texture however, is rather unappealing.

  Likely to Buy Again: 2% I only say this because there might be a itty bitty chance that I buy this. But highly unlikely, as there are other great alternatives out there. Like the Quaker Oats rice cakes.

  One-Word Conclusion: Mehhhhhh.

  Final Thoughts: This junk food eating experience has been surprising delightful. I can't wait to get my hands on some more dried squid and maple bread!

  Crunchy Chewy Questions:

  What do you think of these snacks? Isn't the Maple Bread snack so adorable? Will you try these snacks out?

  • 6:12 PM
  • 3654 Views
  • 54 eProps
  • 27 Comments