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jesszilla · Joined: 25 Jan 2005 Posts: 35

Hi all - searched prev posts on the topic of omiyage, but didn't find an answer to my question. Just came back from Thailand and purchased a large quantity of Thai candy for gifts. School starts tomorrow, but I just tasted this candy for the first time - it's pretty putrid to my Western sensibilities - some kind of coconut jelly thing, not sweet, tastes slightly rancid to me.
Now, I don't like anko or most other Japanese sweets. Hell, I don't even really like Japanese food that much. So, the question is, can I gamble that my coworkers might actually LIKE this candy, even if I don't? And if I don't want to take that risk, what to do????

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

It's the thought that counts... As long as: - it was kept cool if refrigeration was required; - best before date is still before; - everything is individually wrapped/packaged; - it is gift wrapped (if/when possible/applicable)...

In any event, it'll get passed around the office, everyone will take one and go, "Mmmmmm.... Oishii!" even if it's complete bullocks. In any event, the purpose of omiyage is mostly political -- even if it doesn't taste good to you, you've done your duty and the Japanese recipients will certainly appreciate your thoughtfulness.

nomadder · Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 8:27 pm Post subject:

Pretend you have no idea how it tastes. Wink

I once brought back some Korean candy and after noticing no one ate much I finally tasted some....well Asians aren't exactly known for their sweets-except when they copy Western food WELL.

It probably is the thought that counts.

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

One of our department heads went on a business trip to Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong. As a gag (we all gagged!), he brought back freeze-dried durian fruit. As a consolation, he also brought some tea.

Everybody had a good laugh, and there were many cries of 'Mazui da!' 'Oishikunai!' and lots of laughter across the staff room.

bshabu · Joined: 03 Apr 2003 Posts: 200 Location: Kumagaya

One of our teachers brought back "Da-me Da-me munju"(I think that's what it called) from Odaiba. It's a box of normal manju with one that it super hot. The whole staff room love it.

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

bshabu,

That's hilarious! I'll send some home to the parentals!

At Shiodome, I saw a mascot toy called 'nandarochan' or something like that. It's this odd green animal, not quite mamalian, not really reptilian, and they had omiyage shaped like the nandaro.

I love it when Japanese send up their own cultural artifcacts like omiyage and mascot toys.

stretch · Joined: 28 Jun 2004 Posts: 59

hey I think i brought home that same stuff as omiyage! was it wrapped into little pyramid like shapes????
i kinda liked the stuff. went over very well as omiyage because it wasn't too sweet. not that they'll ever tell you that it tasted like dog food if it did.
oh how i miss my days of the jet disposable income.