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1. A bottle of Kewpie mayonnaise, because once you try this stuff, you’ll never go back. Unlike American mayo, Japan’s version of the condiment is made with egg yolks only, rather than whole eggs, along with a few different kinds of vinegar. The result is a sweeter, tangier sauce that’s good on literally everything.
2. A jar of Mother-In-Law’s kimchi that’ll blow your fermented food-loving mind (and taste buds, of course). For the original experience, try the House variety with Napa cabbage — but if you’re vegan, good news: There are some vegan varieties to choose from, too. One is made from daikon radish, and the other a vegan-ized version of the House recipe.
3. A four-pack of Nongshim Shin Ramyun, because there is no shame in enjoying the occasional instant noodle. If you’re used to the ubiquitous Japanese varieties from Nissin and want to try something new, Nongshim's noodles are a Korean offering with a kick of spice.
4. Or, a cup of Daebak Ghost Pepper Chicken instant noodles if you’re feeling daring. Its description declares it to be “one of the spiciest instant noodles in the world,” so be warned — it’s not for the faint of heart.
5. An instant boba tea kit, so you can make your own bubble tea from the comfort of your home. Available in three flavors — Black Tea, Matcha, and Taro — each kit comes with enough tea packets, tapioca packets, and straws to make three drinks. Just mix it all together and voilà, at-home boba!
6. A Moon Man kaya jam sampler that’ll let you taste three different flavors of Southeast Asian-style coconut jam, all in one go. This set includes three 8-ounce jars — one each of Pandan, Ube, and Java Palm Sugar flavors.
7. An Otafuku okonomiyaki kit, so you can make your very own Osaka-style okonomiyaki — which translates quite literally to “whatever you like grilled” — right in your own kitchen. This kit includes a bottle of tangy okonomiyaki sauce and a bag of okonomiyaki flour; just add shredded cabbage, egg, and, of course, ~whatever you like,~ and you’re good to go.
8. Some polvoron from Filipino baked goods favorite Goldilocks, because these melt-in-your-mouth shortbread treats are not to be missed. Umamicart carries four different varieties: Ube, Cookies and Cream, Coffee, and Pinipig — a variation on the original flavor with added crispy rice pieces.
9. A bag of fruity Hi-Chew candies, so you can get your teeth stuck together and enjoy every second of it. These mango-, grape-, apple-, and strawberry-flavored Japanese sweets are kind of like pumped-up Starbursts, if that’s your jam.
10. A Sanzo sparkling water sampler that’ll give your favorite varieties of La Croix a run for their money. This pack features three cans, each in a different flavor: Lychee, Mango, and Calamansi. (For the curious, calamansi is a citrus fruit cultivated primarily in the Philippines that tastes a little like a combination of lime and tangerine.)
11. A jar of Boon chili oil to add the perfect spicy kick to any dish. Made in small batches from a blend of chiles, spices, anchovies, shallots, garlic, and sunflower oil, this stuff'll knock your socks off with a burst of flavor.
12. A package of six Manila's Ihawan pork-filled siopao that are ready to eat in minutes. Just heat these steamed buns up and enjoy!
13. A taro bubble tea-flavored oatmeal pouch from Yishi, because breakfast on the go can still be both tasty and nutritious. This gluten-free, plant-based pick is flavored with black tea, taro, and coconut — a winning combination in my book!
14. A jar of Fly by Jing’s Mala Spice Mix that’s so good, you’ll want to sprinkle it on everything — popcorn, noodles, pizza, you name it. Be warned, though; its name — “mala” — means “spicy and numbing.” Proceed only if you’re into fiery and delicious spice!
15. A Kit Kat sampler to bring the best Japanese flavors right to your door. This pack includes the flavors Orange Chocolate, Rich Matcha, Strawberry, Graham Cracker, and Raspberry. If you've never experienced the joys of Japanese Kit Kats before, now is the time.
16. A bottle of Shibanuma ponzu sauce, so you can add a touch of salty, citrusy goodness to…well, whatever you feel like! Shibanuma's offering incorporates slow-fermented soy sauce with yuzu grown in Japan’s Ibaraki Prefecture. Salad dressings? Marinades? Everything in between? Yes, please.
17. A bag of cucumber-flavored Lay’s potato chips, because why the heck not? Launched in China several years ago, those who have tried them have called them “light” and “refreshing,” with a “hint of sweetness and sourness.” And hey, lest cucumber seem like an unusual choice, remember: Pickle-flavored Lay’s have been a big hit in the West for a number of years now.
18. Or, some Calbee pizza-flavored potato chips from Japan that’ll trick your taste buds in some truly fascinating ways. These chips boast the flavor of pepperoni, tomatoes, spices, and two types of cheese. They’re also thick-cut, if you like an extra crunchy snap to your snacks.
19. A tube of Kameya Hon wasabi, because you deserve only the best. Fun (or maybe not-so-fun, depending on your perspective) fact: Most “wasabi” available in the United States is mostly just regular ol’ Western horseradish. This wasabi, however, is the real stuff, with a particular freshness and bite you just can’t get from the other variety.
20. A box of Hello Panda cookies that are almost too cute to eat. These ones are filled with vanilla crème, but Umamicart also has the chocolate and matcha varieties available. Yum.
21. A six-pack of refreshing Ramune soda to give you a unique challenge every time you drink one: The bottles are designed with an old-fashioned stopper that requires you to push a marble past a seal in order to open it up. Difficult? A bit. Worth it? Yes. Ramune is delicious.
22. Or, a sampler pack of sparkling juices from Kimono, if you’re looking for a less-complicated beverage-opening experience. This sampler includes four bottles — one each in Mikan, Ume Plum, Ringo Apple, and Yuzu Citrus flavors.
23. A bottle of Dark Horse umami ketchup, so your burgers and fries can truly become an elevated dining experience. In addition to the usual things you find in ketchup, this pick also includes miso, tamari, and wildflower honey, among other things, saturating the sauce with true umami. Delish.
24. And a big ol’ pack of Pocky, because who doesn’t love chocolate-covered biscuit sticks? This package includes nine packs, in case you feel like sharing. (Or don’t. Keep ‘em for yourself, if you prefer. No judgement here. Pocky is worth it.)
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