Reviewed by
Mary
Bokksu is the only Japanese snack box that sources directly from snack makers in Japan, so many of our artisanal products cannot be found anywhere else. Start your cultural journey through Japan by subscribing to Bokksu and receiving a curated box of premium Japanese snacks and teas delivered to your door every month.
They have two levels of subscription: the Tasting, which is smaller, and the one I have received, The Classic. Subscriptions are prepaid for one, three, six, or twelve months.For the Classic box they work out at $39 (around £30), $37, $35 , and $33 per month.As usual, they are priced in dollars, so GBP conversion is according to today’s exchange rate. Obviously this will vary, but it gives you some idea of cost.
The August box focuses on the Otsukmi Moon Festival, which takes place in the middle of August when people would pray for a bountiful harvest. It features snacks that are round like the moon, and reflect the traditions and folklore of this festival.
You can see a map of the regions where the various snacks and goodies are produced.
The booklet insert also features a comprehensive menu, with descriptions, history, and an allergy guide.
Hokkaido Red Bean Doughnuts.
These delicious pastries are produced exclusively for Bokksu. They are filled with anko red bean paste produced from asuki beans from Hokkaido, and are a rich and filling snack, plus you even get an extra one to share!
M Baker’s Cookie Custard Flavour.
These soft and slightly crumbly cookies are absolutely reminiscent of the creamy vanilla flavour of custard. It’s not a combination I’ve experienced before but it works incredibly well.
Lotus Root & Kokuto Black Sugar Baumkuchen.
Baumkuchen (literally ‘tree cake’ because of the ring-shaped layers) was originally a German creation. Like several European cakes, it has become extremely popular in Japan, with a unique Japanese twist. This version contains lotus root and black sugar, an Okinawan specialty to give a beautifully rich and caramelly flavour.
Zarame Mochi Rice Crackers.
These little delicate and crunchy mochi are very popular all over Japan, and the coating of sugar and soy gives a beautiful sweet-savory flavour combination which is extremely moreish.
Funwari Meijin Mochi Puffs: Black Syrup Kinako.
These incredible mochi are some of my favourite items from Bokksu. A completely unique item, these mochi are incredibly crispy and light, and melt in your mouth. These are coated with a mixture of caramelly crown sugar syrup, and then disted with kinako, which is roasted soybean powder. This has the most wonderful nutty flavour, and the combination of the two tastes with the lighter-than-air texture has to be tasted to be believed.
Chocolate Azuki Beans: Black Sesame Kinako.
These little morsels are asuki beans that are simmered in sugar syrup then coated in white chocolate and the delicious nutty kinako powder. They are sweet and tasty, with a terrific depth of flavour.
Mitarashi Mochi Monaka.
These mochi are a two-in-one delicacy, combining the Kyoto skewered dango which have a sweet soy glaze, and a monaka, which is a mochi wafer case with a white bean filling.
Nama Chocolate Sable Cookie.
Rich and chewy, these beautiful soft cookies contain a layer of chocolate cream inside the delicious soft coca biscuit. A seriously decadent treat!
Pizza Potato Chips.
Pizza may not be a typical Japanese food, but the flavours of garlic, herbs, and salami reflect pizza Japan-style.
Cheese Arare: Salted Truffle Flavour.
These crunchy rice crackers contain the decadent and intense flavours of truffle, camembert, and black pepper, and go beautifully with tea or wine.
Rabbit Festival: Golden Sweet Potato Cake.
Rabbits are connected with the full moon in Japanese folklore, and features on this adorable packaging. The cake inside is made from the Naruto Kintoki sweet potato which is orange on the inside with purple skin, and is know for its rich natural flavour. The cake contains cinnamon and a hint of rum perfectly complements the earthy taste of the sweet potato.
Kameda Curry Senbei Mini Rice Crackers.
Curry is a favourite flavour in Japan, and these little round rice crackers are dusted with the delicious yellow curry powder to resemble the harvest moon.
Organic Hojicha Tea.
This special flavour of this specialty tea is created by roasting sencha green tea leaves, which both reduces the caffeine content and gives it a light toasted flavour, making it perfect with both sweet and savory food.
