Best Japanese convenience store food

For Singaporeans travelling to Japan, going to a Japanese convenience store, AKA konbini, is a rite of passage. Places including 7-Eleven, Family Mart, or Lawson are packed with affordable snacks, ready-to-eat meals, and even cafe-quality desserts that cater to every craving, any time of day. And yes, in case you’re wondering, you can eat your way through Tokyo on a budget, thanks to the sheer variety and quality of konbini food.

From buttery corn and tamago sando to premium ramen bowls and mochi-filled desserts, we’ve rounded up some of the best konbini food you can find in Tokyo, sorted by store. Add these to your must-try list the next time you’re in Japan.

Family Mart

1. Buttered Corn 

Image adapted from: Dig Dig Japan via YouTube 

Here’s a snack that’ll hit you right in the nostalgia feels: Buttered Corn. Though corn is used in many Japanese dishes, finding a simple buttered corn snack isn’t easy in Japan, making this gem at Family Mart even more of a hidden find.

Priced at ¥267, this frozen packet of sweet corn comes pre-seasoned and topped with a sprinkle of parsley. Preparation is fuss-free: just peel the lid slightly and microwave it for two minutes. What you get is a warm, buttery-salty-sweet cup of goodness, flavoured with a comforting butter soy sauce that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the corn. It’s the perfect snack for when you want something savoury but not too heavy.