What Is That?
That's Aji Ichiban's Munchie's Paradise, one of five Chinatown outlets of the Hong Kong-based snack empire founded in 1993. Aji Ichiban means "Number One Taste" in Japanese, and the Japanese influence is evident in the packaging and many of the selections. Many items you may well recognize, such as seasoned potato chips, dried fruit, assorted gummies and wasabi peas. Others may sound new yet tantalizing, such as the Chocolate-Covered Sunflower Seeds (in the lower photo) or chocolates in the shape of Chinese gold bullion.
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| Depending on where you're coming from, you might find some items, like the dried Puffer Fish and Roasted Mini Crabs, a bit challenging. But there's sure to be something for everyone, and the best part of Munchie's is that you can sample almost everything before you buy. And they like to keep their packaging transparent, so you can see what's inside. So what you see, and what you eat, is what you get! |
 | I think of Munchie's as a Taste Bud Emporium, because it seems to feature all five of the tastes detectable by our taste buds: salty, sweet, sour, bitter and "umami" (a somewhat subtle, "savory" taste present in protein and glutamates). By the way, do you know what food product contains a perfect balance of all five tastes, which is why it's such a popular comfort food? Ketchup. Explore Munchies Paradise
188 Lafayette St.
37 Mott St.
167 Hester St.
23 E. Broadway
153A Centre St.
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