In honour of the FIFA World Cup and the arrival of summer, we’ve dusted off our Exotic Junk Food Review series from years past to explore some of the more colourful international snacks, treats and indulgences found around Vancouver.
Originally published June 18, 2010
Collon
$1.99 at Donald's Market, 2279 Commercial Dr., ph. 604-255-1440
Country of origin: Japan
What it is: From the makers of Pocky comes these unfortunately named "biscuit nuggets" filled with creamy chocolate frosting that look like a cross between a dog snack and a deep-fried section of one's intestinal tract.
Verdict: Deceptively delicious with a crispy outside and melt-in-your mouth sweetness inside, kind of like an inverted chocolate-covered Pocky stick.
White Rabbit
$1.19 at A&L Market, 458 West Broadway, ph. 604-876-8786
Country of origin: People's Republic of China
What it is: One pill makes you smaller, one pill.... never mind. This self-described "creamy candy" is not only chewy with a milky aftertaste, it has a cool logo and a name that suggests illicit drug taking.
Verdict: The liquid maltose, white granulated sugar, sweetened condensed milk and butter won't do your waistline any favours, and the hard, chewy texture resembles those dreaded Halloween candies that would always make its way to the bottom of your pillowcase. But the subtle hint of dairy is a pleasant surprise. So is the loose cavity filling you might notice after a few go rounds with the White Rabbit.
If you have any exotic junk food suggestions for the Courier, email mkissinger@vancourier.com.
