By Rosie Lu
The spines and shoulders of fifteen children hunch over, dominant hand furiously scratching away at math problems and Chinese character sheets–some rest their heads on a lazy hand while others fully sprawl on the desk, weary from an hour of writing. We all know it’s coming, and each passing minute feels longer and longer, until after a millennium the strangely resonant cowbell clangs in a familiar rhythm and the atrium is a cacophonous nightmare of kids rushing to stake their claims.
Snack time at Chinese afterschool was one of my strongest links to my Taiwanese origins. Without it, I would’ve been living off of Oreos, Cheez-Its, Fruit Roll-Ups, Pop-Tarts, and Goldfish—which, granted, are delicious—but to think I could have lived a life without knowing the iconic Asian snacks is entirely unacceptable. A companion in lonely homework hours or a catalyst for friendship, my childhood nibbles hold a special place in my heart.
Little Prince Noodles
The undisputed champion childhood snack of all time, the one item on this list that everyone must try first, especially for instant ramen lovers. Prince Noodles come in tiny, single-serve pouches perfect for pouring straight into the mouth. The crunch of fried and crushed ramen noodles paired with an extremely potent umami seasoning in each mouthful is a punch of what savory dreams are made of.
Chocorooms
Not a single child in my memory has ever protested these sugary delights (available in Costco bulk boxes, much to my parents’ delight). A Chocoroom is what it sounds like–a mushroom-shaped milk chocolate with a mini breadstick in its underside. It’s slightly reminiscent of the Nutella breadstick dippers, but the chocolate is solid. My afterschool friends and I, delirious after hours of work, created our very own rendition of My Little Pony with flying Chocorooms.
Senbei (Want-Want/旺旺)
Senbei are simply crispy rice crackers with a uniquely airy quality. These were the staples of my after-school, my dance studio, and even my own household. Senbei originated in Japan, but I always had the Taiwanese Want-Want brand in two variations–classic, a traditional sweet-and-salty soy flavor, and shelly xuebing, a “snow cracker” speckled in milky white glaze.
Hello Panda
Whether in the hexagonal box or the repeating logo foil packaging, Hello Panda was the rare indulgence that came around once in a while, when one of my classmates was feeling generous. Most people are probably familiar with this shortbread shell filled with smooth, flavored cream—most iconically, chocolate, but also strawberry, vanilla, and even matcha.
Pocky
These biscuit sticks dipped in chocolate have an extremely similar essence to Hello Panda—chocolatey, fairly well-known, and available in many flavors. From slowly melting off the coating on my tongue to munching the remaining breadstick, I will never forget the joy of sharing a box with my friends. Now I also enjoy similar renditions like Pepero and Pejoy, but for true childhood nostalgia, a box of original chocolate Pocky does just fine.
Yakult
This sweetened probiotic milk beverage supposedly improves your gut health and boosts your immunity, originating in Japan. It has a very citrusy flavor profile that tastes refreshing despite the milk base, perfect for chugging after family gathering hotpots.
Lotte Choco Pie
Two surprisingly moist cake rounds sandwiching a fluffy marshmallow filling, all encased in a chocolate shell. This was the field trip snack, my main course for which I neglected my lunches.
Crispy Fries
Crunchy, dehydrated french fries coated with an addictive umami coating? For those who are unfamiliar, this snack might sound unappealing, but reimagine it as a thick potato chip with an infinitely more satisfying crunch and deeper flavor. Takis are to tortilla chips as crispy fries are to potato chips.
Shrimp Chips
Calbee’s Shrimp Chips are light and crispy strips of wheat flour and real shrimp, with a kind of rice-puffish vibe. The condensed seafood flavor combined with snappy airiness made me reach into the bag again and again, concealing the crinkles of the bag under my desk in class.
Lychee Jelly
Lychee jelly was the currency of my Chinese afterschool, our teacher being the original source. She rewarded us for perfect homework with these bite-sized, bouncy bombs of tropical fruit flavor. My favorite life hack was to freeze it at home for a unique, chewy sorbet texture.
Big Roll Seaweed
Growing up, I wasn’t the biggest fan of seaweed, but this Taokaenoi version was amazing. The grilled barbecue flavor melded perfectly into the multi-layered crispiness of rolled seaweed. My only complaint? It disappears too quickly, since the middle of the roll is all air.
North Sea Fish Snacks
Fish snacks are strips of fish paste and wheat flour—essentially, fish jerky. They come in different widths and flavors, in different amounts in each package. I mindlessly snacked on these while doing my homework, and their unique texture, somewhat cardboardy but nostalgic nonetheless, kept me running on one pack for a long time.
Apple Sidra/Hey Song Sarsparilla
This iconic duo of Taiwanese soft drinks is available at every eatery, restaurant, and convenience store in Taiwan, where I lived until preschool. Apple Sidra is a crisp, fruity sparkling apple soda, slightly reminiscent of Martinelli’s sparkling apple cider, but with unique caramel notes. Hey Song Sarsparilla is the more intense version of root beer, with a more caramelized, herby flavor similar to Coca-Cola. Both of these beverages are perfect for a chug after a hearty, warm meal, refreshing and light.
Fujiya Peko & Poco Chocolate Lollipop
Milk chocolate shaped like two adorable Japanese characters—Peko the girl and Poco the boy—topped with colorful white chocolate details? Certainly a feast for the eye, which was enough to satisfy my elementary schooler’s appetite.
These days, I don’t reach for Choco Pies or Shrimp chips quite as often. My taste buds are ever-changing and my after-hours are unrelenting study sessions. But every so often, I’ll spot a familiar package at Ranch 99 and recall fond memories of Chinese afterschool, the brief four years I lived in Taiwan, the laughter and smiles of joyful family and friends at gatherings. So whether your childhood tasted like Senbei or Oreos, Pocky or Pop-Tarts, it’s worth revisiting—for the flavor, and everything that comes with it.