A Cornucopia of KitKats

There are many things that I hate about living in rural Japan; the distinct lack of cheese and sausage rates pretty high. The delightfully grating obsessive etiquette grows tiresome after a while, and perhaps most importantly the utter inability to get a decent rum and coke anywhere in the locality.
Of course, every cloud has its lining; this morning’s earthquake was a welcome excitement, and the sheer volume of karaoke bars, often with attractive-once-drunk geisha wannabes are great fun.
But nothing comes more highly regarded by this seasoned traveller than the volume and variety of KitKats on sale over here.
Anyone who has worked with me in the theatre knows that near production week KitKats become my life blood, so I relish in the love and imagination for this simple confectionary item that the Japanese seem to have.
And so, here is this month’s offerings from Nestle Japan. I shall be rating on the “four-finger” basis; those that are true delicacies shall receive a full four fingers, and we shall work from there. So, for your mouth-watering enjoyment, here’s the KitKat collective!

Raspberry and Passion Fruit KitKat – 3 Fingers

I believe that this one is a Valentine’s Day special. Interestingly enough, the Japanese have even managed to change the Valentine’s traditions over here; gifts are only given by girls, and not only to loved ones, but fellow employees and friends. Guys then return the favour a month later on White Day. But I digress. The Raspberry and Passion Fruit KitKat is an interesting one. Two fingers of dark chocolate surround the wafer centre, with a bitter fruit flavouring sandwiched in the middle. It’s a pretty good one, with the fruity taste both pleasant and just the right side of sickly sweet. The one thing
that lets it down though is the unappealing aftertaste, leaving you unsure as to whether the initial delight is quite worth it.

Calpis KitKat – 3.5 Fingers

Calpis, for those not in the know, is a Japanese soft drink, kind of in the same vein as cream soda. As such, its coupling with the KitKat is a strange one at first thought, but it is one that most definitely works out. A white chocolate variety with a delightful, almost “fizzy” twist, this is available in large multipacks, and certainly doesn’t leave you regretting buying them in bulk.

Red Pepper KitKat – 3 Fingers

I’ve always been a fan of the chilli/chocolate combo; indeed one of my signature recipes involves smothering a good venison steak in the stuff. As such, this dark chocolate delight was a much welcomed gift from a friend in Tokyo. With just the right peppery kick, this is a nicely spicy little niblet.

Royal Milk Tea KitKat – 1.5 Fingers

The Japanese love their tea, though it is usually drunk without milk or sugar. Thus this “English” style KitKat, complete with a cute picture of the Royal Guard on the wrapper, came to being. But the taste? Well, I’m not the biggest tea person, so perhaps not the most unbiased of critics, but to be honest, it’s not great. The flavour is somewhat akin to gone off milk. So sorry, but not one I shall be sharing with the Queen next time I go for tea.

Maple KitKat – 3.5 Fingers

Now this is a cheeky little number which delivers exactly what it says on the tin. Presumably released to celebrate the Winter Olympics, this is another white chocolate bar, with just the right amount of maple flavouring. A truly delightful combination.

Custard Pudding KitKat Bar – 4 Fingers

Amidst a land of tiny portions which often leave you craving more, this beast of a bar holds a gold medal for sheer ballsiness. Upon opening, the custardy aroma hits your nostrils with a punch, and the bar itself delivers a smooth and satisfying crème brulee taste. Most importantly though, it is not only delicious, but it also fills you up. Top notch Nestle. This one’s a winner.