Bistro Boss Canned Soup is A Delicious Winter Treat
Tanner Schroeder
Vending machines are an iconic part of daily life in Japan. While there’s sure to be a vending machine on every street corner in Tokyo, in even the most rural areas of the country, you’re never too far away from a cold – or hot – beverage.
That’s right! Unlike most western countries, in Japan, vending machines serve up both hot and cold beverages year ‘round – and during the frigid winter months especially, you can find some very uniquely comforting options. Coffee and Milk Tea are common… but have you ever tried canned soup from a vending machine?
BOSS (ボス) is a Suntory brand known mainly for their variety of canned coffees – with the image of prolific american writer William Faulkner printed on every can – and extremely popular commercials featuring Tommy Lee Jones – BOSS is an iconic brand known throughout Japan.
This winter, BOSS has decided to enter the canned soup arena with two comforting varieties of “Special Fine Soup” – sold exclusively in vending machines – to warm you up on the streets of Japan!
Corn Soup
Corn soup, or corn potage (コーンポタージュ) as it’s known in Japan, is a yoshoku (western style food) staple. Loved for its creamy texture and savory sweet flavors, corn potage is so common throughout Japan that you can even order it from McDonald’s!
The Boss Bistro version steps it up a notch, using “Super Sweet Corn” as it’s main ingredient. You should be sure to shake it up before drinking to get the delicious crunch of real individual corn kernels in every sip! Perfect as a quick, satiating snack – the idea may seem weird to westerners at first, but we highly recommend giving it a try on a cold winter day! You’d be surprised how truly satisfying it can be.
Spicy Consume Soup
If creamy corn soup just isn’t your thing, the Spicy Consommé Soup from Bistro BOSS is a non-dairy option that’s equally oishii in it’s own way! Although it doesn’t contain any meat, the soup itself has an extremely rich beef flavor, giving it a very characteristic identity. Thin slices of white onion, or tama negi （玉ねぎ）in Japanese round out the expereince, contributing to the overall wholesome feelings the soup provides.
BOSS describes it as “Spicy Consommé” – and while black pepper is certainly prominent, we wouldn’t exactly describe it as spicy ourselves – so even if spicy food typically scares you away, we’d still encourage you to try it if you’re craving something savory on the streets this winter!
So, what do you guys think? Does drinking soup from a vending machine seem crazy to you – or are you down to sip some consume on your way to Tokyo this winter?
Have you ever tried canned soups from Japan? Let us know in the comments below!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more news straight from Japan!
Related articles
Japanese Pringles: Five Must-Try Special Flavors!
The world loves Pringles, especially Japan! Besides the classic seasonings everyone knows and loves, this country has created flavors that are difficult to find anywhere else.
Ebi Nigiri and More! Japanese Shrimp Dishes You Need to Try
Japanese cuisine is famous for its fresh seafood, and shrimp is one of its star ingredients. These dishes–including ebi nigiri–have been enjoyed for centuries, with chefs perfecting their techniques to create perfect flavors. If you love shrimp, these Japanese dishes should be on your must-try list!
Ponzu Sauce and the Dishes You Can Make!
Ponzu sauce is like the zesty, tangy cousin of soy sauce—it makes everything it touches pop with flavor! It originates from Japan and is a mix of citrus, soy sauce, and sometimes vinegar or seaweed. This balanced salty, sweet, and sour combo can elevate any dish.
Sumida City and More Places for Night Views in Japan!
If you love stunning cityscapes, you’re in for a treat! Japan has plenty of nightscape spots because mountains surround the cities. Sumida City in Tokyo is just the beginning of Japan’s night-view magic.
Black Truffle: One of Many Classic Potato Chip Flavors!
Japan is home to an incredible variety of snacks. One of the most beloved treats is potato chips, enjoyed by kids and adults. The flavors are just as diverse, ranging from rare tastes like black truffle to classic ones that have become a signature of Japanese cuisine.
Toppo and More Snacks That Look Like Sticks
Snacks like Toppo, Pocky, Picola, and Pretz offer a fun and tasty way to enjoy biscuits with different flavors and textures. If you haven’t tried them, now is the perfect time to discover what makes them so special!