We humans always look for an easy way out in almost everything. There is nothing wrong about doing it as long as it’s all for the right reasons. There are times that we need to have things in an instant just to cope up with our daily needs. Thanks to modern technology and development people have done just that. They have created different ways and means to give our lives comfort and convenience even in the simplest ways.
Food for example is one vital part for a human since it gives us the nutrients and energy we need for the day. The ideal consumption for food is three times a day. Unfortunately not everyone can fulfill these 3 daily food requirements due to some reasons. Their reasons range from financial issues or time constraints. Thank goodness that there are convenient food innovations that help ease our hunger and some of them are even unique. Whenever people are caught up with time that they no longer have the chance to eat, they usually resort to the instant or handy foods. Like bread or sandwiches and instant packed foods. In Japan there is a type of food that gives a different meaning to instant and portable food. It is called the Umaibo which means delicious from “Umai” and stick from “bo”.
The Umaibo is corn snack shaped liked a stick that has different flavors. It looks like a tube with an average size and its texture is similar to a soft but crunchy corn snack. It is commonly found in local Japanese convenience stores that cost usually around 10 yen. It is a convenient and handy food that is always considered to be a snack. Surprisingly it can also suffice a basic meal time with the right amount of consumption. Its flavors range from the most common flavors like chocolate, caramel, cheese, and corn. It also has a large variety of meat, seafood and vegetable flavors. These include teriyaki, takoyaki, beef tongue, salami, crab and many more. The Umaibo does have a reputation of having very distinct and unique flavors of Japan.
The Umaibo is indeed one hefty meal and a very affordable one as well. The wrapper of the Umaibo has a character named Umaemon who is a parody of the popular anime character Doraemon. In fact they have a very identical appearance except for some small details that are different. Umaibo has been around in Japan for a very long time now. It has been giving smiles and filled stomachs to Japanese children and adults every day. Up to this point the manufacturers of the Umaibo are still brainstorming and coming up with different flavors for the future. I wouldn’t mind tasting one of these in fact I would like to try the Mentai or Kiritanpo flavors whatever they are. What flavors would you like to try?
