An Introduction to Popular Japanese Convenience Store Yakitori That'll Have You Hungry for a Bite

Yakitori, or grilled chicken skewers, serve as the perfect accompaniment to a night out, and are popular around the world. Yakitori from a restaurant is delicious, but if you’re looking for one as a quick snack, try a convenience store! This article will introduce five different kinds of yakitori you can find in convenience stores in Japan.

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1. Charcoal-Grilled Momo Tare Yakitori (FamilyMart)

This Charcoal-Grilled Momo Tare Yakitori has an irresistible aroma thanks to being fried on a charcoal grill. The "momo" in this skewer\'s name means thigh meat, which is marinated in a soy sauce-based sauce so that all the flavor soaks into the chicken. The thick cut makes it exceptionally satisfying! The meat on this skewer is so tender and juicy, it melts in the mouth. How does this one sound as a beer snack?

Price: 128 JPY (incl. tax)





2. Chicken Meatball Tare Skewer (With Gristle) (FamilyMart)

This chicken meatball skewer has seen a significant size upgrade: each piece is too big to eat in a single bite! The seasoning has also been improved, making it even more delicious. Perfectly marinated, these meatballs are filled with juicy flavor. The inclusion of gristle provides a slight accent that gives this skewer an enjoyable texture. As a bonus, this item also includes a lucky draw! After you’re finished, be sure to check the skewer. If you see the word “当り”, that means you’ve won a second stick free of charge! This skewer is so delicious, you’ll be hoping you win another every time you eat one.

Price: 135 JPY (incl. tax)





3. Charcoal-Grilled Momo Tare Yakitori (7-Eleven)

When talking about popular yakitori at 7-Eleven, the Charcoal-Grilled Momo Tare Yakitori is at the top of the list. It\'s known for its large, filling pieces of chicken thigh which are carefully marinated in sauce and fried on a charcoal grill. Other varieties available at 7-Eleven include Salt-Flavored Thigh Meat (Momo Shio), and Chicken Skin with Sauce (Kawa Tare). 7-Eleven’s yakitori are so popular that they often sell out, so if you see them available, make sure to give one a try.

Price: 129 JPY (incl. tax)





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4. Momo Tare Yakitori (Lawson)

The Momo Tare Yakitori from Lawson features an obsessively-crafted tare sauce, which is made using two kinds of savory soy sauce to create a smooth flavor. Our biggest reason for recommending this item is its size! It is much larger than you would imagine based on the price. In fact, you often hear people remarking on how big it is when they receive it at the counter. This tender, easy-to-eat skewer is a satisfying meal all by itself. The sauce is also sweet, making it a popular pick among children.

Price: 129 JPY (incl. tax)





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5. Tandoori-Style Yakitori (Lawson)

The Tandoori-Style Yakitori is inspired by the popular Indian dish. The meat is infused with spices, creating an Indian-style yakitori with the same acidity and aroma as the original dish. The spiciness as a sophisticated flavor that will make you want to enjoy it with a strong drink. The charcoal-grilled aroma is another plus. This is a flavor sensation like you’ve never tried before, and is available for a limited time only, so make sure to try it while you have the chance!

Price: 130 JPY (incl. tax)





Did you see any yakitori you’d like to try? You can buy these skewers by the piece, so next time you’re at a convenience store, why not give one a try? It’s also fun to try a few varieties and compare the flavors.



The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

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