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?

#FamilyMart #Famichiki #JapanConvenienceStore #OsakaEats #FoodieInJapan #JapaneseStreetFood #KonbiniLife #EnergyJelly #JapaneseSnacks #OsakaFoodTour #TravelJapan #FoodFinds #Foodies #Dotonbori #CelebrityCruises #JapanTravelBlogger

By Siva McAteer January 30, 2026
Did you know there’s a place in South Dakota where you can literally take home a piece of history? 👀 Yep—welcome back to Part 3 of our Crazy Horse Memorial adventure, where we dive into one of the most meaningful and fascinating areas of the entire complex: the Native American Educational and Cultural Center. Located in the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota, Crazy Horse Memorial is already one of the most awe-inspiring monuments in the United States—but stepping into this center takes the experience to a whole new level.
By Siva McAteer January 30, 2026
👀 “Would you believe me if I told you this mountain has had over ELEVEN MILLION tons of rock blasted away… and it’s still not finished? Let me show you why this $5 tour is one of the best travel deals in America.” Welcome to Part 2 of our Crazy Horse Memorial adventure — and today we’re hopping on the guided bus tour that takes you right up to the mountain itself. For just five dollars per person, this ride gets you shockingly close to the carving-in-progress — and trust me… hearing the story while standing beneath it hits completely different. Our guide, Allen, shared how this all began back in 1947, when sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski arrived in the Black Hills from Connecticut… to a place with no roads, no water, no electricity. He literally lived in a tent for seven months before clearing trees and building a log studio by hand. By the late 1950s, with ten kids to raise, the family even opened a dairy farm right on site — and today they still raise cattle here. Oh — and the very first admission to Crazy Horse in 1950? 👉 Just 50 cents per carload.
By Siva McAteer January 27, 2026
“If you’re going to Mount Rushmore and NOT stopping here… you’re doing South Dakota wrong.” And honestly? I stand by that. 😏 Just 30 minutes from Mount Rushmore, tucked into the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota, sits one of the most fascinating landmarks in the United States — the Crazy Horse Memorial. This isn’t just another quick roadside attraction. It’s one of the largest mountain carving projects in the world… and it’s still being built today. If you’re planning a Mount Rushmore road trip, a South Dakota vacation, or a national parks adventure, put this stop high on your list.
By Siva McAteer January 26, 2026
Think the best views at Mount Rushmore are only at the beginning? 👀 Think again. Welcome to Part 5 — the grand finale of my Mount Rushmore tour series — where the Presidential Trail keeps delivering jaw-dropping scenery right up until the very end. If you’re planning a Mount Rushmore vacation, a South Dakota road trip, or a Black Hills adventure, this is your reminder that this iconic destination is so much more than a quick photo stop. It’s a full-on experience.
By Siva McAteer January 25, 2026
Another passport?! 👀✈️ Yes, please — and this one doesn’t even require airport security or a middle seat. Welcome back to Part 4 of my 5-part Mount Rushmore series, where we stop at one of the most fascinating (and underrated!) spots at Mount Rushmore National Memorial: the Sculptor’s Studio. If you’re planning a Mount Rushmore trip, a South Dakota road trip, or exploring the Black Hills, this is one stop you absolutely cannot skip.
By Siva McAteer January 24, 2026
This is as close as you can get to Mount Rushmore without climbing the mountain itself — and honestly? Most visitors have no idea this trail even exists. 👀 Welcome to Part 3 of my five‑part Mount Rushmore travel series, where I’m continuing along the legendary Presidential Trail and showing you why this scenic walk completely changes how you experience Mount Rushmore National Memorial. If Mount Rushmore is on your USA bucket list, keep reading — this is where the magic really happens.
By Siva McAteer January 24, 2026
Most visitors snap a photo from the viewing terrace and move on… but if you really want to experience Mount Rushmore National Memorial, you have to get on the Presidential Trail. Welcome to Part 2 of my five-part Mount Rushmore travel series, where I’m sharing insider tips, fun facts, and smart planning advice so your South Dakota adventure feels unforgettable — not rushed.
By Siva McAteer January 22, 2026
Think Mount Rushmore is just a quick photo stop you squeeze in between road trip snacks and your next destination? 👀 Think again. Welcome to Part 1 of my 5-part Mount Rushmore tour series, where I’m breaking down everything you need to know so you can visit like a pro, skip the rookie mistakes, and actually enjoy this iconic American landmark.
By Siva McAteer October 30, 2025
There’s that one moment every traveler knows too well — when you slip into your comfiest travel slippers, grab your airplane blanket, and realize… it’s time to head home. After sixteen incredible days exploring Japan and South Korea, I still can’t believe our journey has come to an end. This trip was everything — relaxing, inspiring, and filled with memories that will stay with us forever. From mouthwatering sushi in Tokyo to breathtaking temples in Busan, every single day felt like a new adventure.
By Siva McAteer October 29, 2025
Only in South Korea would a robot greet you the moment you step into the airport. Welcome to Incheon International Airport, where technology meets tranquility — and yes, your travel expectations will never be the same after this. The first thing that hit me wasn’t the size (though it’s massive) — it was how quiet and calm everything felt. No rushing crowds, no blaring announcements — just peaceful background music and mesmerizing floor-to-ceiling digital screens showing relaxing visuals. It honestly felt like I stepped into a luxury spa disguised as an airport. 🤖 Smart Travel at Its Finest Incheon Airport is one of the most advanced smart airports in the world, powered by big data, robotics, and biometric technology. From self-check-in kiosks and face-recognition immigration to helpful robots roaming around ready to assist, it’s clear that South Korea has travel innovation down to a science. Every detail here is designed to make travel effortless — even the seating areas have wireless charging stations built right in!
More Posts