Welcome to another edition of NYC Konbini Kitchen! Today, we’re exploring The Essential Role of Drinks in the Konbini Experience, reviewing popular staples like Sangaria Royal Milk Tea and Pokka Milk Coffee Gold.
Join me as we taste these authentic Japanese convenience store beverages, continuing our exploration of the best konbini finds available right here in New York!
For those who may not know, my deep connection to these stores began when I worked at a Japanese cultural center in NYC. That job put me right in the heart of the “Japanese” part of town and allowed me to try every food, snack, and drink imaginable—especially at the local konbini, Dainobu, which I visited almost every day!
Even after leaving, my love for these treats continued, leading me to rely on the online delivery options I discovered later on. When I left that job, I had only sporadically visited the shop, along with Kinokuniya (and their bakery Cafe Zaiya), Sunrise Mart, GoGo Curry, and a bunch of my other haunts every few months.
For some reason, I didn’t realize that they offered delivery options online. And, it quite literally took another place I enjoyed visiting (Midoriya NYC), closing for me to randomly search and realize Dainobu had a website the entire time.
Taste Testing the Classic Milk Tea and Coffee Cans
I ordered a bunch of snacks a few months ago, and I’m finally getting around to typing up the reviews I wrote and editing photos to publish these posts. I’m not sponsored or anything – I just really enjoy Japanese snacks, and Dainobu had been (and still is) my favorite place to get them.
Due to imports and laws against fresh food transport, a lot of the items I enjoyed cannot be delivered. In addition, stricter mailing regulations coming from Japan mean a lot less inventory and small hikes in pricing.
The prices have changed since I last purchased snacks, but items are still relatively cheaper than Amazon or other online stores, which may be a rip-off. Dainobu ships Nationwide in the U.S., and even to Canada, as well.
Sangaria Royal Milk Tea: A Review of Creaminess
This drink has a delightfully sweet taste, reminiscent of bubble tea but without the tapioca ‘boba’ pearls. Despite its name, it actually doesn’t taste too milky. However, the strong, bold flavor attributed to black tea has definitely been neutralized due to the milk.
It reminds me of the Golden Oolong Milk Tea from Kung Fu Tea in NYC I enjoyed during my college years.
Pokka Milk Coffee Gold: Is It the Perfect Morning Fix?
I’ve had this multiple times in the past, but it’s been a good long while, so I needed a second opinion. I asked my mom, who is somewhat of a coffee connoisseur.
“Strong, but not bad’ she said when taking a sip from a glass. Although she believes Pokka Milk Coffee tastes similar to peculated coffee, I would have to agree that there is something different about it.
I drink coffee every day – and don’t quite remember it being so strong.
There is a slight aftertaste, but it’s still great all the same!
And… that’s it for now! Haha ☺
I’ve got more snacks to review and may bundle them together in a single post.
I should have another Konbini snack review up every other Friday, around this time, so be sure to come back around then! ☺
If you are someone who enjoys traditional wagashi, or Japanese sweets, check out my review for the Sakuraco November Snack Box. The Sakuraco snacks are high quality, and uniquely themed as well!
But, tell me your thoughts. Have you ever tried Japanese snacks? Do you have a hard time finding snacks prominently featured in anime?
Leave your thoughts in the comment section below, I’d love to hear from you! Also be sure to follow us for more Japanese snack reviews!
☆ In Asian Spaces ☆ Ephesians 6:12 ☆
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