Holiday food in Japan from major chains

1 week ago 12

As with other holiday periods in this country, big Japanese brands and the Japanese subsidiaries of foreign brands go all out for Christmas. Aside from the ubiquitous Christmas cake, there are other food items for sale to vie for their place in your holiday rotation. Many await Starbucks Japan’s annual Frappuccino drop. And KFC is an unrivaled favorite for Christmas Day takeout here in Japan. But, why not check out the sweet drinks at Tully’s or pop by Afternoon Tea for a spiced tea for a different twist on the holiday season?

From sweet treats to savory bites, the limited-edition holiday food in Japan from the major brands listed below will make tasty additions to your festive table.

Kentucky Fried Chicken

The Colonel dominates Japanese Christmas. With a history stretching back to the 1970s, Kentucky Fried Chicken has been offering special Christmas bundles annually. People looking for a real feast should consider the Party Barrel, which features the brand’s signature original recipe chicken, lobster lasagne, biscuits and white tiramisu cake. Other Christmas Packs are slightly smaller but come with herb-roasted chicken and chicken nuggets.

Price: ¥1,980~
Availability: Reserve in advance until Dec. 12

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme is offering the Welcome Holiday Party to help you enjoy the festive season. In addition to its regular lineup of donuts, the chain is unveiling several new holiday-themed additions. Formed in the shape of Saint Nick, the Strawberry Custard Santa comes with a white chocolate layer of icing topped with a strawberry-flavored red cap. Caramel fans will want to pick up the reindeer-shaped treat. Joining them are pistachio cream wreaths and white chocolate snowmen. Choose a half dozen and take them home in a colorful Christmas-inspired red and white box.

Price: ¥270~
Availability: Until Christmas Day

Kaldi

One of Japan’s biggest import stores, Kaldi, is bringing a wide variety of Christmas goods out for the holidays. As you count down the days until the big day, why not give yourself (or someone else) a little gift each day? Kaldi has several advent calendars and each has an assortment of teas, candies and chocolates waiting inside. If dried fruits and nuts sound right, try a stollen or celebrate with panettone, an Italian-style sweet bread meets fruitcake. Smaller items, such as gingerbread man cookies, fancy hot chocolates and special holiday coffees are also easy to grab on your way to the cash.

Price: Varied depending on the item
Availability: While supplies last

Afternoon Tea

With its European-inspired aesthetics and menu, the Afternoon Tea restaurant chain has been no stranger to the holiday season since opening in 1981. Beef stew is in the spotlight this year. Cooked with red wine and served with grilled vegetables and fresh salad, pair your meal with a pot of Christmas Earl Grey tea. While Afternoon Tea also has strawberry shortcake, the quintessential Christmas dessert, don’t pass up the Christmas parfait containing berries, apple tea jelly and cream cheese.

Price: ¥880~
Availability: Until Christmas Day