Enchanting Almond Jelly

Brand: Asia Tea Shop

Cost: 120 yen

Found At: Family Mart

One thing of the many things that love about my job at the elementary school is the school lunch. I love that I get to eat the same thing that the children eat every day. It’s a concept that I really connect with – the idea of everyone eating the same thing together – because I’ve always believed in the power of food to foster a sense of unity and community. And the food is also really good! It’s better than anything I could make, and it challenges me to try foods that I otherwise would never encounter – omelet and gravy, for example.

“International food” days are, in my opinion, the best. Not only is the food reliably tasty, but it’s also really interesting to see how international classics are translated for the palate of a Japanese child. Things are, on the whole, gently seasoned. Last Thursday was Taiwanese ramen day, and as the noodles were somewhat industrial, it was the almond jelly dessert that stole the show. I was a little consternated that I was eating with the children on that day, and therefore had to show some restraint in stuffing the delicious pudding into my face. But I am a strong independent lady who works hard for my money, so I immediately rushed out after work and bought some more. And, in the comfort and privacy of my own home, I downed this pudding with no thought to propriety.

To be fair, I’m predisposed to both almond and pudding, so it follows that I would go crazy for this dessert. It is smooth and sweet and has a gentle taste of almond that’s both novel and a little nostalgic. It’s like eating airplane soap in the 90s in the best possible way.