Hyperlocal & Obscure Junk Food Gems
The Weirdest Small-Town Junk Food I Found on a Road Trip
Road trips through small towns can unearth unique, locally famous junk foods—like deep-fried butter at a state fair, a peculiar regional soda flavor, or a strangely named local candy bar—that are unknown to the wider world.
Liam’s road trip took him through a tiny Iowa town boasting “Corn-Nugget-Palooza,” featuring deep-fried sweetcorn fritters dusted with powdered sugar. “Never heard of it, probably never will again,” he chuckled, “but this weird, delicious small-town junk food is what makes road trips amazing!”
Forgotten Junk Food Brands from Your Childhood: Where Are They Now?
Many once-popular junk food brands and specific snacks from past decades (e.g., certain candy bars, uniquely shaped chips, novelty drinks) have been discontinued, existing now only in nostalgic memories or occasionally resurfacing as limited-edition revivals.
Sarah fondly remembered “Space Dust” candy from her childhood. “Where did it go?” she wondered. A quick search revealed it was long discontinued, a forgotten junk food relic. Occasionally, she’d see online petitions for its return, a testament to its lingering nostalgic power.
Hunting Down Limited Edition, Region-Specific Junk Food Flavors
Some junk food brands release limited-edition flavors or variations that are only available in specific geographic regions (e.g., Lay’s “Crab Spice” chips in Maryland, certain Mountain Dew flavors). Enthusiasts often “hunt” for these elusive treats.
Mark heard about a “Maple Bacon” flavored soda only sold in Vermont. He planned a weekend trip. “The hunt for these region-specific junk food flavors is half the fun!” he declared, excited to track down the elusive, limited-edition bubbly treat.
The Cult Following of Obscure Foreign Junk Food Snacks
Certain obscure foreign junk food snacks (like unique Japanese candies, specific European chocolates, or savory Asian chips) can develop a devoted “cult following” internationally, with fans seeking them out in import stores or online due to their unique flavors or novelty.
Chloe was obsessed with “Super Lemon” hard candies from Japan, an obscure brand her friend brought back once. She joined online forums dedicated to sourcing these intensely sour treats, a testament to the cult following some foreign junk foods can inspire.
“Mom & Pop” Gas Stations: Home to Unique, Local Junk Food Treasures
Independent, family-owned (“mom & pop”) gas stations, especially in rural areas, sometimes stock homemade or hyper-local junk food items not found in chain stores—like regional jerky, locally baked goods, or old-fashioned candies.
David, driving through rural Alabama, stopped at a tiny “mom & pop” gas station. Inside, he found homemade pecan pralines and a locally bottled peach soda. These unique junk food treasures were a delightful discovery, far from the standardized fare of chain stores.
The Best Junk Food You Can ONLY Get in [Specific State/City]
Many states or cities boast iconic, locally exclusive junk foods that are a point of pride and a must-try for visitors—think Michigan’s “Boston Coolers” (ginger ale and vanilla ice cream) or New Mexico’s green chile cheeseburgers.
Anna told her friend visiting Cincinnati, “You have to try Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip ice cream. You can ONLY get the real deal here!” This hyper-local, beloved junk food was a unique taste of the city she insisted no visitor should miss.
Exploring International Supermarkets for Rare and Imported Junk Food
International supermarkets or ethnic grocery stores are treasure troves for discovering rare and imported junk food snacks, candies, drinks, and condiments from around the world, offering a culinary adventure down every aisle.
Liam loved exploring the aisles of his local Asian supermarket. He always found new and exciting imported junk foods: shrimp-flavored crackers from Korea, lychee gummies from Thailand, and bizarrely flavored sodas. It was an adventure for his taste buds.
The History of a Beloved (But Obscure) Local Candy Bar
Many regions have (or had) small, local confectioners that produced beloved but obscure candy bars with unique names and ingredient combinations, often holding a special nostalgic place in the community’s history, even if no longer widely available.
Sarah’s grandma always talked about “The Gilded Lily,” an obscure chocolate and nougat bar made by a local confectioner in her hometown decades ago. Though long gone, its memory was a sweet piece of local history, a beloved but forgotten junk food legend.
Trying “Grandma’s Secret Recipe” Junk Food from a Local Fair
Local fairs and community festivals often feature home bakers selling treats made from cherished family recipes—”Grandma’s Secret Recipe” pies, cookies, fudges, or other indulgent junk foods—offering a taste of authentic, home-style goodness.
Mark bought a slice of “Grandma Betty’s Apple Crumble Pie” at the county fair. It was imperfectly beautiful and tasted like pure, home-spun comfort. This “secret recipe” junk food, made with love, was a world away from mass-produced treats.
The World of “Artisanal” Junk Food Made by Small, Local Businesses
A growing number of small, local businesses are creating “artisanal” versions of junk food—gourmet popcorn, handcrafted chocolate bars, small-batch ice cream—using high-quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations, offering a more refined take on familiar treats.
Chloe discovered a local shop selling “artisanal” potato chips, hand-cut and seasoned with rosemary sea salt. They were pricier than Lay’s, but the quality and unique flavor from this small business made the indulgent junk food feel like a special treat.
Uncovering Discontinued Junk Food Recipes Online (And Trying to Make Them)
Online forums and retro-enthusiast websites sometimes feature attempts to reconstruct recipes for beloved, discontinued junk foods based on old ingredient lists or taste memory, allowing fans to try and recreate nostalgic treats at home.
David was devastated when “Choco-Bliss” cereal was discontinued. He found an online community dedicated to recreating it, sharing recipes based on reverse-engineering the flavor. His attempts to make it at home were a fun, nostalgic, and occasionally successful experiment.
The Rarest Potato Chip Flavors Ever Released (And Where to Find Them, Maybe)
Potato chip companies occasionally release extremely limited-run, experimental, or contest-winning flavors (e.g., “Lay’s Cappuccino” or “Walkers Cajun Squirrel”) that become rare and sought-after by collectors and flavor enthusiasts, sometimes found years later on auction sites.
Anna, a chip connoisseur, read about Lay’s “Biscuits and Gravy” flavor from a past contest – now one of the rarest. “Imagine finding an unopened bag!” she mused. Hunting these elusive, short-lived junk food unicorns was a passion for dedicated snack aficionados.
Junk Food Subscription Boxes That Specialize in Obscure Snacks
Niche subscription boxes cater to junk food enthusiasts by delivering a curated selection of obscure, imported, or artisanal snacks and candies from around the world or specific regions directly to their doorsteps each month.
Liam subscribed to “Global Grub Grab,” a box specializing in obscure international junk food. Each month brought a new adventure: spicy seaweed snacks from Korea, salty licorice from Finland, and bizarre fruit candies from Brazil. It was a delicious discovery service.
The “Underground Market” for Expired or Hard-to-Find Junk Food
An informal “underground market” exists, often online or among collectors, for expired (but often still edible, if risky) or extremely hard-to-find discontinued junk food items, driven by nostalgia and the thrill of obtaining a rare “culinary artifact.”
Sarah found an online forum where people traded decade-old, unopened cans of “Crystal Pepsi” for surprising sums. This “underground market” for expired or ultra-rare junk food was a strange world of collectors chasing nostalgic, and potentially questionable, culinary ghosts.
Local Food Festivals Celebrating Unique (and Often Junky) Regional Dishes
Many towns and regions host annual food festivals celebrating unique local dishes that are often indulgent, fried, or sweet “junk food” specialties, like a garlic festival featuring garlic ice cream, or a pickle festival with deep-fried pickles.
Mark attended the “Gilroy Garlic Festival” in California and bravely tried garlic ice cream. Local festivals like these often celebrated unique, sometimes bizarre, and frequently junky regional culinary creations, offering a taste of hyper-local flavor and pride.
The Most Bizarre Flavored Sodas from Micro-Breweries
Small, independent craft soda micro-breweries often experiment with unusual and bizarre soda flavors not found in mass-market brands, such as celery, bacon, sweet corn, cucumber, or even dirt-flavored sodas, appealing to adventurous palates.
Chloe visited a craft soda shop and was faced with choices like “Pickle Juice Fizz” and “Peanut Butter & Jelly Soda.” These bizarre, experimental flavors from micro-breweries were a far cry from Coke or Pepsi, a testament to the quirky creativity in the artisanal junk drink world.
Why Some Junk Foods Never Make It “National” (But Should!)
Many delicious regional junk foods remain local secrets due to factors like limited production capacity of small businesses, ingredients that don’t ship well, niche appeal that might not translate to a national market, or simply lack of larger distribution.
David raved about “Utz Crab Chips” from Maryland. “These are amazing! Why aren’t they sold everywhere?” he wondered. Often, fantastic regional junk foods never go national due to production scale, ingredient sourcing, or perceived limited mainstream appeal, remaining beloved local treasures.
The Hunt for Vintage Vending Machines with Retro Junk Food
Some collectors and nostalgia enthusiasts seek out operational vintage vending machines, hoping to find them still stocked with (likely very expired) retro junk food brands or packaging from past eras, a tangible link to snack history.
Anna, an antique collector, heard rumors of a dusty old gas station with a still-functioning 1970s candy vending machine. The hunt for such a machine, possibly containing fossilized retro junk food, was like an archaeological dig for a snack historian.
Hyperlocal Fast Food Chains That Rival McDonald’s (In Their Own Town)
Many regions have small, beloved, hyperlocal fast-food chains with a fiercely loyal local following, offering unique menu items or a specific style that rivals (or surpasses, in local opinion) the quality and appeal of large national chains.
Liam visited his cousin in Ohio, who insisted they go to “Swensons,” a local drive-in chain. “Forget McDonald’s, this is the real burger king here,” his cousin declared. These hyperlocal fast-food heroes often inspire intense local pride and loyalty.
The Charm of Old-Fashioned Candy Stores and Their Obscure Offerings
Old-fashioned candy stores, often with vintage decor and glass jars filled with sweets, offer a nostalgic charm and a selection of obscure, retro, or imported candies not typically found in modern supermarkets.
Sarah stepped into an old-fashioned candy store. Barrels of saltwater taffy, jars of penny candy she hadn’t seen in years, and obscure chocolate bars lined the shelves. The charm was in its nostalgic atmosphere and the thrill of discovering forgotten sweet treasures.
Trying Junk Food “Delicacies” from Remote Island Nations
Remote island nations often have unique local snacks and sweets (“delicacies”) made from indigenous ingredients like taro, coconut, breadfruit, or specific local fish, offering a taste of highly localized, sometimes “junky” (in a sweet or fried way), culinary traditions.
Mark, visiting Fiji, tried “Vakalolo,” a dense, sweet pudding made from cassava and coconut cream, steamed in banana leaves. While a traditional dessert, its richness and sweetness put it in the “delicious local junk food delicacy” category for him, a unique island treat.
The Secret Stash: What Obscure Junk Food Do Chefs Eat Off-Duty?
Even renowned chefs often have “secret stashes” or guilty pleasure cravings for specific, sometimes obscure or surprisingly low-brow, junk foods that they enjoy off-duty, a contrast to their professional gourmet creations.
Chloe, a pastry chef known for her delicate macarons, secretly loved gas station cheese puffs. Her “secret stash” was a humorous reminder that even culinary masters have their moments of craving simple, unpretentious, and sometimes quite obscure, junk food.
Exploring Ethnic Enclaves for Authentic (and Sometimes Junky) Snacks
Ethnic enclaves within larger cities (e.g., Chinatown, Little Italy, Koreatown) are excellent places to find authentic imported snacks, street foods, and baked goods from those cultures, many of which are unique, delicious, and sometimes fall into the “junky” treat category.
David explored his city’s Little India and discovered a shop selling “Bombay Mix” and various brightly colored, syrupy “mithai.” These authentic, imported snacks were a world away from his usual fare, a delicious dive into another culture’s version of junky treats.
The “One Store Only” Junk Food Phenomenon (e.g., Trader Joe’s Exclusives)
Some retailers, like Trader Joe’s or Aldi, offer popular private-label junk food items or snacks that are exclusive to their stores, creating a “destination shopping” appeal and a loyal following for these “one store only” treats.
Anna made a special trip to Trader Joe’s just for their “Cookie Butter” and “Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.” These exclusive, beloved items, part of the “one store only” phenomenon, had a devoted fanbase and couldn’t be found anywhere else.
How Local Legends and Folklore Get Attached to Certain Junk Foods
Some hyperlocal junk foods become intertwined with local legends, an origin story involving a quirky inventor, a supposed “secret ingredient,” or a famous historical event, adding a layer of folklore and mystique to the treat.
Liam heard the local legend about “Granny Smith’s Apple Fritters” at the town fair: supposedly, the recipe was accidentally created during a lightning storm. This bit of folklore, true or not, added a charming mystique to the beloved, greasy junk food.
The Most Expensive Obscure Junk Food Sold to Collectors
Rare, discontinued, or limited-edition junk food items (like a uniquely packaged vintage candy bar or a test-marketed soda can) can fetch surprisingly high prices from dedicated collectors on auction sites or in private sales.
Sarah was shocked to see an unopened, mint-condition box of 1980s “Nintendo Cereal System” sell for over 500 dollars online. The market for rare, collectible, and often obscure junk food was a niche but sometimes very expensive hobby.
Reviving a Lost Local Junk Food Tradition: A Community Project
Sometimes, communities rally to revive a beloved local junk food that has disappeared due to a business closing or changing times, with enthusiasts sharing old recipes and trying to recreate the nostalgic treat.
Mark’s town used to have a famous “Whippy Dip” ice cream stand with a unique swirl technique. After it closed, a community group found the old recipe and, through a local dairy, managed to revive the lost local junk food tradition, much to everyone’s delight.
The Surprising Junk Food Finds at Farmers Markets
While known for fresh produce, farmers’ markets sometimes feature local vendors selling unique, small-batch “junk food” items like artisanal pickles, unusual jams, freshly fried donuts, handcrafted candies, or savory pastries made with local ingredients.
Chloe, browsing her local farmers market, was surprised to find a vendor selling small-batch spicy dill pickle popcorn and another offering lavender-infused shortbread cookies. These artisanal, slightly junky treats were delightful, unexpected finds among the fresh vegetables.
Micro-Regional Differences in “Standard” Junk Food (e.g., Local Pizza Styles)
Even “standard” junk foods like pizza or hot dogs can have significant micro-regional variations in toppings, preparation styles, or accompanying condiments, reflecting local tastes and traditions (e.g., New Haven “apizza” vs. Chicago deep-dish).
David, a pizza aficionado, noted the subtle but distinct differences: New York slices were thin and foldable, St. Louis style had Provel cheese and a cracker crust, and Detroit style was thick and rectangular. These micro-regional variations on a standard junk food were fascinating.
The Role of Immigrant Communities in Introducing Obscure Junk Food to New Places
Immigrant communities often bring their traditional snacks and sweets to new countries, initially selling them within their own communities. Over time, some of these formerly obscure junk foods gain wider popularity and become part of the broader culinary landscape.
Anna discovered delicious “alfajores” (South American dulce de leche sandwich cookies) at a small bakery opened by an Argentinian family in her neighborhood. These once-obscure treats, introduced by an immigrant community, were becoming a new local favorite.
The Saddest Junk Food Graveyard: Products That Vanished Without a Trace
The “junk food graveyard” is filled with countless products that were launched with fanfare but failed to gain traction and were quickly discontinued, vanishing without a trace, remembered only by a few or in obscure online forums.
Liam nostalgically searched for “Orbitz” soda, the one with the floating gel balls from the 90s. It was firmly in the “junk food graveyard,” a bizarre but memorable product that had vanished completely, a relic of fleeting snack trends.
Hunting for “Test Market” Junk Foods Before They Launch (or Disappear)
Large food companies often release new junk food products in limited “test markets” (specific cities or regions) to gauge consumer reaction before a national launch. Enthusiasts sometimes “hunt” for these items, trying them before they become widely available or are pulled.
Sarah heard McDonald’s was test-marketing a new “Spicy McFlurry” in her city. She immediately drove to a participating location, eager to be one of the first to try this potential new junk food sensation before it either launched nationally or disappeared forever.
The Appeal of “Ugly” or Imperfect Junk Food from Local Bakeries
Slightly misshapen, unevenly frosted, or “ugly” cookies, donuts, and pastries from small local bakeries often have a special appeal. Their imperfections signal they are handmade with care, contrasting with the uniformity of mass-produced items.
Mark always chose the slightly lopsided, “ugly” donut at his local bakery. Its imperfection was part of its charm, a sign that it was handmade and unique, not churned out by a factory. There was a special appeal to this perfectly imperfect junk food.
Obscure Junk Food Mentioned in Old Books or Movies: Do They Still Exist?
Old books or classic movies sometimes mention specific, often now-obscure, brands of candy, soda, or snacks that were popular at the time, prompting curious readers or viewers to research if these vintage junk foods still exist in any form.
Chloe was reading a 1940s detective novel where the hero always drank “Moxie” soda. Curious, she looked it up and was surprised to find this obscure, somewhat bitter cola still existed, a historical junk food relic mentioned in old fiction.
The Most Unique Ice Cream Flavors from Small, Independent Shops
Small, independent ice cream shops are often hotbeds of flavor innovation, creating unique, unusual, and sometimes bizarre “junk food” ice cream flavors like lobster, ghost pepper, olive oil, or cereal milk, pushing culinary boundaries.
David visited an artisanal ice cream shop offering “Everything Bagel” and “Sweet Corn & Blackberry” flavors. These unique, daring creations from small, independent makers were a world away from standard vanilla or chocolate, a true adventure in obscure frozen junk food.
Trying “Poverty Era” Junk Food Recipes Passed Down Through Generations
Some families have “poverty era” recipes for simple, very inexpensive “treats” or snacks made from basic, rationed, or readily available ingredients during times of hardship (e.g., “sugar on bread,” “potato candy”). These represent a form of historical, resourceful junk food.
Anna’s grandmother showed her how to make “potato candy,” a Depression-era treat using mashed potatoes, powdered sugar, and peanut butter. This simple, resourceful “junk food,” born of hardship, was a fascinating taste of a bygone era.
The Weirdest Things People Put on Hot Dogs in Different Regions
Hot dog toppings vary wildly by region, with some places offering unusual or “weird” combinations like cream cheese and jalapeños (Seattle), crushed potato chips, peanut butter, or even fruit preserves, creating hyperlocal junk food specialties.
Liam, on a hot dog tour, encountered a “Seattle Dog” topped with cream cheese and sautéed onions. “Cream cheese on a hot dog?” he marveled. The regional variations and sometimes weird toppings made hot dogs a canvas for hyperlocal junk food creativity.
The Niche World of Savory Junk Food Pastries from Different Cultures
Many cultures have unique savory pastries that could be considered “junk food”—like British sausage rolls, Indian samosas, Latin American empanadas, or Middle Eastern fatayer—offering portable, flavorful, and often indulgent baked or fried treats.
Sarah discovered “Burek,” a flaky Balkan pastry filled with meat or cheese, at a local ethnic festival. This savory, often greasy, and utterly delicious treat opened her eyes to the wide world of international savory junk food pastries.
Obscure Candies Used in Traditional Holiday Celebrations
Beyond mainstream holiday candies, many cultures and regions have obscure, traditional sweets and confections specifically associated with particular holidays or festivals, often handmade or produced by small local companies.
Mark’s Italian grandmother always made “Struffoli” (tiny fried dough balls coated in honey and sprinkles) for Christmas. This obscure, labor-intensive candy, not found in stores, was a cherished and essential part of their family’s holiday traditions.
The “Truck Stop Special”: Unique Junk Food Found Only on the Open Road
Some truck stops or roadside diners develop reputations for specific, often oversized or unusually named, “junk food specials”—a giant burger, a unique local pie, or a particularly indulgent breakfast combo—that become legendary among long-haul drivers and road trippers.
Chloe, on a cross-country drive, stopped at a famous truck stop in Missouri known for its “Hubcap Burger,” a comically oversized patty. This “truck stop special” was a legendary piece of roadside junk food lore, a challenge for hungry travelers.
How Local Tourism Boards Sometimes Promote Obscure Junk Food
Local tourism boards or community boosters occasionally highlight unique or historic local junk food specialties as part of their region’s distinct culinary identity, encouraging visitors to try these obscure treats.
David saw a brochure for a small Wisconsin town promoting its “Original Butter Burger Festival.” The local tourism board was actively marketing this obscure, hyper-regional junk food as a key attraction, a unique taste of their local heritage.
The Most Underrated Local Junk Food That Deserves National Attention
Many delicious, high-quality local junk food items (a specific brand of regional chip, a unique soda, a beloved bakery’s pastry) remain relatively unknown outside their home area but possess qualities that could make them a national hit if given wider exposure.
Anna passionately argued that “Zapp’s Voodoo Chips” from Louisiana were the most underrated local junk food. “Their flavor is incredible! They deserve national fame!” she’d exclaim, championing her favorite regional snack for wider recognition.
Finding “Knock-Off” Versions of Popular Junk Food in Discount Stores
Discount stores often sell “knock-off” or private-label versions of popular brand-name junk foods, offering similar tastes and concepts at a lower price point, though sometimes with slight differences in quality or ingredient formulation.
Liam, on a budget, often bought “Crispy Hexagons” instead of “Chex Mix” from the discount store. The knock-off version was surprisingly similar and much cheaper, a common find in the world of budget-friendly junk food alternatives.
The Challenge of Preserving Recipes for Hyperlocal Junk Food Delicacies
Recipes for very specific, hyperlocal junk food delicacies, especially those made by small family businesses or passed down orally, can be at risk of being lost if not documented or if younger generations don’t continue the tradition.
Sarah’s town used to have a bakery famous for its “Lemon Swirl Buns.” When the owner retired without sharing the recipe, that beloved hyperlocal junk food delicacy was lost forever, highlighting the challenge of preserving such unique culinary traditions.
Obscure Drinking Vinegars and Shrubs: The “Artisanal Junk” Soda?
Drinking vinegars (shrubs)—sweetened, fruit-infused vinegar-based syrups mixed with sparkling water—are an old-fashioned beverage seeing a craft revival. They offer complex sweet-tart flavors, a more “artisanal junk” alternative to commercial sodas.
Mark tried a “Blueberry Basil Shrub” at a craft cocktail bar. The tangy, sweet, and herbaceous drinking vinegar mixed with soda was a revelation. It felt like a sophisticated, artisanal version of a fruity soda, a grown-up (if still a bit junky) treat.
The Weirdest Jerky Flavors from Small-Batch Producers
Small-batch jerky producers often experiment with highly unconventional and weird jerky flavors beyond traditional beef, like alligator jerky, elk teriyaki, or novelty flavors such as maple bacon, spicy pickle, or even “unicorn” (mystery meat) jerky.
Chloe bought a bag of “Ghost Pepper Mango Alligator Jerky” from a small-batch producer at a farmers market. The weird combination of sweet, spicy, and exotic meat was a far cry from standard beef jerky, showcasing the wild creativity in the artisanal jerky world.
Hunting for Junk Food Sold Only at Specific Sporting Venues or Theme Parks
Some sporting stadiums or theme parks offer exclusive, signature junk food items that can only be purchased within that venue, like a “Dodger Dog” at Dodger Stadium or a specific themed treat at Disney World, becoming a sought-after part of the experience.
David made a special trip to Fenway Park not just for the baseball, but to finally try an authentic “Fenway Frank.” This iconic hot dog, available only at that specific sporting venue, was a legendary piece of highly localized junk food.
The “Secret Language” of Ordering Hyperlocal Junk Food Like a Native
Ordering certain hyperlocal junk foods often involves knowing specific local slang, shorthand, or customization options that only “natives” or insiders would understand, adding to the food’s mystique and local identity.
Anna learned that to order a true Philly cheesesteak “like a native,” you had to say “Whiz wit” (Cheez Whiz with onions) or “Provy widout” (provolone without onions). This “secret language” was part of the authentic experience of ordering that hyperlocal junk food.
When Big Brands Release Obscure Flavors Only in Certain Test Markets
Large junk food companies sometimes introduce experimental or obscure new flavors in very limited test markets (a few cities or regions) to gauge consumer reaction before deciding on a wider launch or quietly discontinuing the product.
Liam heard Lay’s was testing “Chicken & Waffles” flavored chips in a few Southern cities. He immediately checked online forums to see if anyone had found them. Hunting down these obscure, test-market-only flavors was a thrill for junk food aficionados.
My Quest to Taste Every Unique Kit Kat Flavor in Japan (An Obscure Junk Food Mecca)
Japan is famous for its hundreds of unique and often regionally exclusive Kit Kat flavors (e.g., sake, wasabi, adzuki bean, purple sweet potato). For many junk food enthusiasts, attempting to taste as many as possible becomes a dedicated, if sugary, quest.
Sarah returned from Japan with a suitcase overflowing with Kit Kats: matcha, strawberry cheesecake, even cough drop flavor! “My quest to taste every unique flavor is far from over,” she declared. Japan, for her, was the ultimate mecca for obscure and delightful junk food.