Japanese Kit Kat

Here's a post dedicated to the venerable Kit Kat. The Rowntree Kit Kat made in the UK used to be so delicious, and it was always fun slicing through the thin aluminium foil with one's nail before breaking away a Kit Kat finger. My appreciation for Kit Kat has declined since Nestle purchased the brand from Rowntree in the late 1980s. The recipe was modified several times (to the worst), the thin foil was replaced and most of the production was moved to several countries.

During our trip to Japan I was surprised by the popularity of Kit Kat and the various flavors available. In Japanese Kit Kat is called Kitto Katsu (きっとかつ), which means "certain victory". No wonder then that in one of the world's most competitive societies, Kitto Katsu became the ideal gift before an exam, thanks to a brilliant collaboration between Nestle and Japan Post (watch this short video clip to learn more).

Kit Kat has dedicated stores, like this one in Osaka:

Various flavours: the regular one and dark chocolate

Cookies & cream

Maccha (green tea)

Kobe pudding

Blueberry cheesecake

And finally, here's the holy grail that we saw in Osaka, from top to bottom: Sakura and Green Tea, Uji-Maccha Green Tea, Japanese style strawberry.

Even within Japan, there are region-specific flavours. For example, the mango flavour can be found in Kyushu and Okinawa only, while yakimorokoshi (roasted corn) flavor is sold in Hokkaido. Intrigued by yakimorokoshi Kit Kat? What about Wasabi and Red-bean soup Kit Kat flavors, both of which apparently exist somewhere in Japan ? Do check out my previous post on Japanese ice cream flavors.