The Art of Cheap Eating
Japan is not just the land of the rising sun and smiles - it’s also a nation of endless culinary delights. Sushi, ramen, sashimi... If you travel to this easternmost corner of the world hoping to shed a few pounds thanks to fresh fish and smaller portions, you may find yourself instead in a land of milk and honey teeming with a thousand delectable treats. I embarked on an extensive, and extremely delicious, food journey to sample the country’s varied cuisine and step outside the proverbial box, discovering lesser-known delicacies that are especially rare in the West. Or in other words: I try to eat as much different Japanese food as possible while I’m here. Because it’s simply the best.
The result? A vibrant potpourri of Japanese delights that regularly fills my mouth. Whether dining in cheap fast-food joints, upscale restaurants, or cozy bars, my palate and I indulge at every opportunity. Tempura, yakitori, okonomiyaki - nothing is left undiscovered or untasted during my trip to this gastronomic wonderland. However, there’s one small catch: Japan isn’t exactly known for being a budget-friendly country, especially when it comes to food. Anyone who has stepped into a random Japanese supermarket and seen the absurd prices of perfectly polished apples, bananas, and watermelons knows exactly what I mean. Unfortunately, my wallet isn’t bottomless - yet.
So, how do I survive as a broke-ass student in a nation of overpriced food? Do I subsist on instant ramen, dreaming of biting into a juicy piece of karaage? Thankfully, no. The secret to enjoying delicious food without going broke lies in patience - and in waiting for the legendary man with the stickers. Every night, this supermarket savior appears, wandering the aisles of bentos, sushi, and pizzas, affixing small discount badges that slash prices in half. Moments later, a ravenous mob descends upon these bargains - and if you’re quick enough, you can snag yourself a cheap and tasty dinner. Congratulations, you’ve mastered the formidable art of dining in Japan on a very tight budget!