What’s at the top of your Japan bucket list? For many travelers, it’s not just temples or sushi—it’s the Japanese Konbini (convenience store)!
Open 24/7 and found on almost every corner, these stores are far more than just “convenient.” They are high-quality food havens. Among them, Lawson stands out for its incredible bakery selection that rivals professional pastry shops.
Today, I’m diving into two iconic treats: the “Fluffy & Crispy” Melon Pan and the “Rich & Crunchy” Kouign-Amann.
Get ready to discover your new favorite snack. Are you ready to get hungry?
The Mystery of Melon-Pan: Crispy, Fluffy, and… No Melon?!
Have you ever seen that iconic, lattice-patterned bread in your favorite Japanese anime? That’s Melon-pan!
First, a quick language lesson: “Pan” means bread in Japanese, so “Melon-pan” literally translates to “Melon Bread.” But here’s the kicker—does it actually taste like melon? Does it have melon cream inside?
The answer is usually no. In fact, it doesn’t taste like melon at all, and it’s typically hollow or plain inside. But don’t let that fool you! It is incredibly delicious—often far exceeding expectations.
Let me introduce you to the star of the show: Lawson’s Melon-pan.
Honestly, it’s hard to believe this comes from a convenience store and not a high-end bakery. The inside is incredibly fluffy, airy, and cloud-like. In fact, it’s so fresh that if you press it, the dough bounces right back! It’s got that perfect, pillow-soft springiness.
But the real magic is in the outer layer. It’s covered in a thick, buttery cookie crust coated with coarse sugar crystals that add a satisfying crunch. Because the crust is so generous, you get a perfect “crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside” experience in every single bite.
Here’s a little secret for the best experience: eat it with the cookie crust facing up! As you bite down, your bottom teeth sink into the pillow-soft dough, while your top teeth hit the satisfyingly crispy crust. It’s a mysterious yet magical contrast. Have you ever experienced such a perfect harmony of fluffy and crispy at the exact same time? It’s a party in your mouth!
The moment you open the bag, the sweet, buttery aroma hits you, instantly making you happy—and very, very hungry!
The Evolution of a French Classic: Lawson’s Ultra-Crunchy Kouign-Aman
If you think you know Kouign-Amann, Lawson’s version will surprise you. Traditionally, this French pastry is all about a buttery, croissant-like “juicy” texture. However, Lawson has transformed it into a convenience store masterpiece!
The highlight is the thick caramelized glaze on top. It’s so solid that it gives you a satisfying, candy-like crunch with a deep, aromatic roasted caramel flavor.
But wait—there’s even more going on with the texture. The Danish base is flaky and crisp on the outside, yet moist and chewy (mocchi-ri) on the inside. With every bite, your taste buds are hit with a wave of rich butter and a perfect balance of sweet and salty.
Honestly, the textures are so busy (in the best way possible!)—the crunch of the caramel, the flake of the pastry, and the chewiness of the dough. It’s a sensory overload!
The best part? You can get this bakery-quality treat for just 160 yen at Lawson. It’s available 24/7, right when you need that sugar hit. Japanese konbini are truly innovating the world of snacks!
Which One Should You Pick?
To help you decide, here is a quick breakdown of these two Lawson legends:
| Feature | Melon-Pan (The Classic) | Kouign-Amann (The Gourmet) |
| Main Texture | Crispy & Fluffy (Light) | Crunchy & Chewy (Heavy) |
| Sweetness | Mild & Gentle | Rich & Deep (Caramelized) |
| Vibe | Nostalgic / Anime Vibes | Sophisticated / Bakery Quality |
| Best Paired With | Cold Milk or Fruit Juice | Black Coffee or Hot Tea |
| Price | Approx. 130 – 150 Yen | Approx. 160 – 180 Yen |
You Should Try the MELON-PAN if…
- You want to experience the iconic bread seen in your favorite Anime.
- You prefer a light, airy texture that isn’t too heavy for breakfast.
- You love the simple, sweet aroma of a butter cookie.
You Should Try the KOUIGN-AMANN if…
- You are a fan of strong textures (The “Candy-Crunch” is addictive!).
- You are looking for a rich, buttery “guilty pleasure” snack.
- You want a sweet and salty balance that tastes like a high-end dessert.
Why not enjoy them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee?
Did you know that Japanese Konbini also offer high-quality, freshly grounded coffee for around 100-200 yen? It is the perfect partner for your Melon-pan or Kouign-Amann.
If you are worried about how to use the coffee machines (they can be a bit confusing the first time!), don’t worry! I’ve got you covered.
👉 Check out my guide here:
Seven-Eleven Japan Coffee: How SEVEN CAFÉ Works and Why It Tastes So Fresh
Final Thoughts & A Fun Fact: Why is it called “Melon” Pan?
You might be wondering… if there’s no melon inside, why on earth is it called Melon-pan?
There are a few theories, but the most popular one is simple: It’s all about the looks! The crispy, lattice-patterned cookie crust looks just like the skin of a muskmelon.
So, while you won’t find any fruit inside, the name perfectly describes that iconic, bumpy appearance we all love.
Next time you’re in Japan, head to the nearest Lawson and grab these two treats. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Melon-pan or the crunchy Kouign-Amann, your taste buds will thank you!
Which one will you try first? Let me know in the comments!
コメント