Japan Day 3 – FamilyMart Taste Test in Osaka: From Food Fail to Famichiki Win

Siva McAteer • August 23, 2025

FamilyMart Taste Test in Osaka: From Food Fail to Famichiki Win

If you’ve been to Japan, you know one thing for sure: Japanese convenience stores (konbini) are on a whole other level. Forget about soggy sandwiches or sad gas station snacks — places like FamilyMart, Lawson, and 7-Eleven are foodie heavens packed with quick, delicious, and surprisingly addictive meals.

On this stop in Osaka’s Dotonbori district, we decided to do a FamilyMart taste test… and let’s just say it went from food fail ➝ to food find WINs in no time.

Why FamilyMart is a Must-Try in Japan

Even after a full day of eating our way through Osaka, my daughter (who is a stitcher on Celebrity Cruises) insisted we try out one of FamilyMart’s biggest cult classics: the famous Famichiki fried chicken.


But of course, being the foodies we are, we couldn’t just stop there. Into our basket went:

🍳 Marinated eggs (my absolute favorite!)

🥒 Cucumber salad (so refreshing and crunchy)

🍮 A sweet dessert (because, balance!)

⚡ Energy Jelly drink (Japan always surprises me with unique drinks)

🍗 Famichiki spicy fried chicken (the real star of the show)

The Famichiki Experience

There’s even a special packaging hack that lets you open the Famichiki wrapper in a way that keeps your fingers clean — genius!


The first bite? Heaven. The outside had a soft crunch, while the inside was juicy, boneless, and tender. We tried the spicy version and it was packed with flavor without being overwhelming. No wonder Famichiki has a cult following — this is Japan’s ultimate konbini comfort food.

Other FamilyMart Favorites

The Famichiki was the highlight, but I also loved the marinated eggs. In fact, they’ve become a staple in my home — I always keep some stocked in my fridge for a quick protein boost.


The Japanese cucumber salad was another winner. Light, crunchy, and tangy — it’s the kind of side dish that instantly transports me back to Osaka every time we make it at home. That’s the beauty of these convenience store finds: they aren’t just quick bites, they become lasting memories and even new habits.


Fun Fact: Why Japanese Convenience Stores Are So Popular

Japan has over 58,000 konbini locations, with FamilyMart, Lawson, and 7-Eleven dominating the scene. But they’re not just for snacks — you can pay bills, buy concert tickets, print documents, and even grab freshly brewed coffee. For travelers, konbini are lifesavers (and foodies like me… total treasure troves!).


Final Thoughts

FamilyMart totally redeemed itself with this taste test. From crispy Famichiki fried chicken to refreshing cucumber salad and fun drinks like Energy Jelly, this was the perfect way to wrap up our foodie adventure in Osaka.


If you’re planning a trip to Japan, don’t just stick to restaurants — make sure to step into a FamilyMart (or two… or ten). Who knows? You might just find your new favorite snack!


✨ Would you try Famichiki fried chicken on your Japan trip? Or are you more of a convenience store dessert type?

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