I have a confession to make, dear readers: I am a creature of habit. I know, I know—how boring, right? Especially for someone who has lived and worked in Japan multiple times. But no matter how many times I find myself in the land of sushi, ramen, and the all-you-can-drink izakaya marathon, I just don’t budge on a few non-negotiables. Namely, what I eat for breakfast and my preferred evening drink of choice. Call me ‘that foreigner’ if you must, but I’m sticking to my guns—or in this case, my muesli and Chianti.
Mornings: Muesli in a Land of Miso Soup
Japan is a breakfast paradise. From traditional Japanese breakfasts of grilled fish, rice, and miso soup to on-the-go convenience store options that could pass as gourmet, there’s something for everyone. Well… almost everyone.
You see, I’m a muesli person. Yeah, I know. Not exactly a breakfast you’d expect in Japan, where corn flakes somehow make their way into dessert menus. But for me, mornings equal muesli, and I like to spice it up with plant-based milk and a sprinkle of dried fruit. The whole setup is delicious, healthy, and—let’s be honest—makes me feel a little virtuous as I start the day.
And while I have absolutely no problem devouring a Japanese breakfast if someone serves it to me (yes, please, to grilled fish at 7 AM), when I’m left to my own devices, it’s muesli all the way. Sorry, Japan.
Evenings: The Red Wine & Cheese Ritual
After a day of living and working in Japan, it’s time to wind down. And while I’m all about embracing the raucous nightlife of Tokyo—whether it’s the nomihodai (all-you-can-drink) plans or a casual shochu at a local bar—my real happy place is at home with a glass of red wine. Specifically, Italian Chianti.
Now, let’s get one thing straight: wine is not the issue here. Japan’s wine selection has improved dramatically over the years. The challenge? Cheese. Good cheese in Japan is rarer than spotting Mt. Fuji on a rainy day. Sure, you can get your standard supermarket cheese, but where’s the excitement in that? I crave those crumbly, tangy, melt-in-your-mouth varieties that make you want to stop everything and just savor the moment. Finding that kind of cheese in Japan? Let’s just say it’s a quest.
Enter: The Flying Pig (a.k.a. My New Best Friend)
So, imagine my excitement when Mobal’s latest deal dropped into my inbox. The deal was 500 yen off any purchase over 5,000 yen from The Flying Pig—a food delivery site that brings all the hard-to-find Costco-style goodies right to your Japanese doorstep. Oh, and they throw in an extra 500 points to use on your next order. Basically, it’s a cheese lover’s dream come true.
Naturally, I took this deal for a spin. I went straight for the cheese, specifically a Red Cheddar from Wyke Farms. These guys have made cheese for over 150 years, so they know a thing or two about dairy perfection. I’ll admit, when the cheese arrived, I was slightly intimidated. It was massive. Like, “am I supposed to open a cheese store?” massive.
But once I sliced into it and saw those crunchy crystals embedded in the cheddar, I was a goner. I paired it with my trusty bottle of Chianti, and suddenly, I was having what can only be described as an out-of-body experience. The tanginess of the cheese, the way it crumbled under my knife, the way it practically danced on my tongue… Pure. Bliss.
I poured myself an extra-large glass of wine (for research purposes, obviously) and spent the rest of the evening in a state of cheese-induced euphoria. Picture an ant-eater chasing down crumbs—yep, that was me. I was set on not letting a single bite escape.
A Cheese-Driven Life (and Breakfast)
Of course, I couldn’t stop at just cheese. My Flying Pig haul also included some top-tier muesli and cranberries, because breakfast still matters, right? But let’s be honest, after my cheddar-cheese awakening, I’m now seriously considering cheese toasties for breakfast. Maybe even skipping the bread and just eating the cheese straight. It’s a lifestyle, and I’m here for it.
The Verdict: Is This My New Routine?
So, after my test drive with The Flying Pig and a glorious evening of Chianti and cheddar, I’m hooked. I’m still sticking to my muesli in the mornings (some habits die hard), but who knows? Maybe cheese will start making an appearance there too. It’s not the traditional Japanese breakfast, but hey, why blend in when you can eat like royalty?
So, if you want to give it a try, you can snag a ¥500 discount and earn ¥500 points (for your next purchase) on orders over ¥5,000 (ex. tax) at The Flying Pig. Just pop in the offer code Mobal2024 at checkout! After all, why settle for the ordinary when you can treat yourself to something extraordinary?
If you’re living in Japan and feeling a bit “foreign” in your food choices like me, do yourself a favor: try The Flying Pig. Your taste buds will thank you, and your wine nights will never be the same again. Just prepare to chase some crumbs!
Cheers, or as they say in Italy, salute! 🍷🧀