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 theme for February is perfect for this month’s romantic associations: Sweet Love.
Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Japan, though a little differently from elsewhere. The lovely menu booklet has a fascinating little essay about romantic gift-giving, as well as all the usual information about where each item is sourced.
Of course, there’s also the detailed menu list, which includes descriptions as well as an allergy guide.
White Strawberry. These are one of the most wonderful, and exclusive, items Bokksu offers. They are freeze-dried strawberries which are soaked in white chocolate, which results in the most intense flavour as well as an amazing combination of crunch and creaminess. And of course strawberries are traditionally representative of romance.
Rich Baked Chocolate. Chocolate is another Valentine’s classic taste, and these beautiful rich little chocolate cakes, which contain a touch of rum which complements the chocolate beautifully.
Amaou Strawberry Kirara Sandwich Cookie. This is a generously sized cookie! The outer layers are strawberry vanilla, and the cream filling is wonderfully generous and contains crunchy corn flakes and freeze dried strawberry pieces. The strawberries themselves are exclusively grown in Kyushu, and are famous for their sweetness.
Spicy Mini Heart Senbei. These cute rice crackers in a variety of flavours, have a sprinkling of chili for a nice kick.
Amakoage Mini Fried Rice Crackers. These type of rice crackers are tiny, rather like very crispy popcorn, and have a delicious umami flavour with soy and a tiny bit of sweetness. Very moreish.
All Cranberry Cookie. We might associate cranberries more with Christmas, but cranberries are a perfect addition to the sweet and tart cookies. They’re rather like Garabaldi biscuits, and the fruity flavour and slightly chewy texture is delicious.
Fujiya Milky Mochi. Chewy fluffy rice cakes are a Japanese sweet staple, and these are made in collaboration with a a popular Japanese candy with a specific milky flavour. These mochi contain marshmallow and condensed milk filling, and while they’re very sweet, they are wonderfully creamy.
Genji Pie. Reminiscent of the flaky French Palmier pastry, these lovely simple biscuits are made from rolled, shaped, and sliced flaky pastry.
Okayama White Peach Castella. This lovely tender cake is made from the famous white peaches of the Okayama region, and the aromatic flavour really shines though.
Funwari Meijin Mochi Puffs: Anko Mochi. These incredible cloud-like mochi are another Bokksu exclusive, and this is yet another of the amazing flavour varieties. The sweet crispy (the method is a secret!) mochi melts in the mouth, and this version is flavoured with the earthy taste of Anko sweet red bean paste, a classic Japanese flavour.
Iwashita’s Pickled Young Ginger Fried Rice Cracker. Pickled ginger is a popular Japanese condiment, and these fried crackers are flavoured with, and made in association with a famous manufacturer of these delicious and spicy pickles.
Satsumarche Kagoshima Black Tea. This tea is harvested by hand and then fermented for several months, giving it a deep flavour. The plants themselves are only cultivated in the Kagoshima Prefecture.
Pure Gummy: Rich Strawberry. I love seeing these Pure gummies, the fruit flavour is always lovely and intense. These strawberry and cream versions are the perfect juicy treat!
