Latest news with #OonaMcGee
Japan Today
7 days ago
- Business
- Japan Today
Domino's releases new 'Crispizzaburger' in Japan
By Oona McGee, SoraNews24 It's been a tough time for pizza chains in Japan, with Domino's recently closing a number of its stores due to rising prices, which have impacted the business while also forcing customers to tighten their purse-strings. In order to stay ahead of the competition, the chain now aims to streamline its lunchtime options, reducing its 'solo lunch' menu options from 60 to just 9, and rebranding it as 'DomiLunch', with a brand new product called the 'Crispizzaburger' as the star attraction. Of the nine available lunch options, six will consist of the existing 'Pizza Bento' items, while the remaining three slots will be taken up by the 'Crispizzaburger' range. We were able to get a taste of the new Crispizzaburger before it was released, so we could find out how the crispy burger pizza elements melded together. Originally sold by Domino's Pizza in Australia, the 'Crispizzaburger'has been adapted for local tastes in Japan, with three flavours to choose from — the classic 'Garlic Bacon Cheese', 'Teriyaki Cheese', and the limited-time 'Double Cheese Beef'. Each variety comes with a side, and is available for takeout from the time of opening until 4 p.m., priced at 790 yen each. Reasonably priced for the Japanese lunch market, we can see this becoming a popular item with customers, especially as the folded style is well-suited to one-hand eating. So what make a 'Crispizzaburger' a 'Crispizzaburger'? Well, it gets its name from the crispy pizza crust, which is topped with ingredients, folded over, sprinkled with parmesan cheese, and baked to form a delicious meal that's part-pizza, part-cheeseburger. We tried the 'Garlic Bacon Cheese', and when we bit into it, the satisfying crunch of the crispy crust stole the show, creating an exciting mouthfeel that was packed with flavor. The cheese and bacon had a delicious richness that paired well with the thin crust, and the way it was all folded together helped the cheese stay gooey and melty. Although it was folded, we wouldn't go so far as to say it has a burger-like feel, because the thinness of the crust makes it feel more like a crispy fried sandwich. Still, with fried sandwiches going viral on social media, Domino's has done well to take pizza into this territory, and we have a feeling it'll find itself a legion of fans. Those wanting a different type of pizza experience, however, can still seek out the ONE HANDomino's, which is so exclusive it can only be found at one store in all of Japan. Photos©SoraNews24 Read more stories from SoraNews24. -- One-handed pizza from Domino's Japan is the ultimate convenience -- Domino's Japan pushes pickle love to the limit with new Pickles Pizza -- Domino's Japan's new pineapple pizza crust: Awesome creation or food abomination? External Link © SoraNews24
Japan Today
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
Starbucks Japan releases exclusive new Mango Au Lait for summer
By Oona McGee, SoraNews24 Starbucks has gone totally fruity this summer, starting the season with strawberries before setting them aside for mangoes as the star ingredient on the menu. While the limited-edition Frappuccinos are currently stealing the limelight, diehard fans will be seeking out a more understated new beverage called the Mango Au Lait, which focuses on simplicity to allow the fruit to shine. Made with only milk and fruit pulp, this is a drink that's bound to explode in popularity as the weather heats up. Not only is it refreshing, but the simplicity makes it super easy to drink. While it's usually served without cream, in-store baristas recommend customising it with whipped cream for an additional 55 yen and a free sprinkling of cinnamon powder, so we went with their advice and were glad we did, as the spice added an exotic aroma to the mix. With mango pulp at the bottom of the cup, and blended into the milky body, this is a drink that lets you enjoy full-on mango flavour when you sip it as is. Stirring the mixture together, however, creates a mellower, creamier experience with a sweetness that becomes more pronounced in every sip. The simplicity makes the drink suitable for a wide variety of customisations, and the cinnamon tuned out to be a perfect partner for mango, adding a dash of extra flavor to excite the taste buds right through to the very last sip. This is the kind of easy-to-drink beverage that you'll want to order again and again, so it's a good idea to alternate between the standard version and a few customisations while it's available until July 8. Priced at 590 yen, this is a great alternative to the more well-known drinks on the menu, and a nice palate cleanser for the super spicy Hot Honey Oriental Mango & Tea Frappuccino, which is currently burning mouths around the nation. Photos ©SoraNews24 Read more stories from SoraNews24. -- Starbucks Japan's new Hot Frappuccino is almost too spicy to drink -- Starbucks Japan has a new limited-edition Frappuccino for summer, but does it taste any good? -- Does Starbucks Japan's new Frappuccino really help you forget about everyday life? External Link © SoraNews24
Japan Today
12-06-2025
- Business
- Japan Today
Starbucks Japan releases a Joyful Mango Earl Grey Tea Latte at 7-Eleven
By Oona McGee, SoraNews24 Japan is currently home to 1,733 Starbucks branches, placing it fourth in the world in terms of store numbers, following the U.S., China and Korea. However, you don't even have to walk into an official branch to get a taste of Starbucks, as the chain also has a 'chilled cup' series that can be conveniently purchased at retail outlets like convenience stores around the country. Produced in collaboration with Suntory, these pre-made beverages have been well received since their 2005 debut, and the limited-edition seasonal releases continually prove to be wildly popular. Now, there's a new limited-edition flavor coming to stores for summer, and it's called the Starbucks Joyful Mango Earl Grey Tea Latte. This is the first time for a Chilled Cup tea latte to contain mango juice, and it's being paired with milk and an aromatic Earl Grey tea for the ultimate in joyful summer refreshment. The elegant scent of bergamot is a perfect partner for the juicy, tropical mango flavor, creating a light, refreshing and luxurious taste. The design on the cups will immediately attract the eye, with bold illustrations of mangoes set against a gold metallic background to express the premium feel of the latte while evoking a tropical atmosphere. Fun and summery, the drink is said to taste as good as it looks, and the product development team recommends pairing it with a chocolate nut cookie, as the bittersweet chocolate helps to balance out the sweet and mellow mango flavor even further. The Joyful Mango Earl Grey Tea Latte is priced at 219 yen and can be purchased for a limited time at 7-Eleven convenience stores around Japan and at the following Ito-Yokado-run locations: York Benimaru, York Mart, York Foods, York Price, Tenmaya, Youme Town, Youme Mart, Youme Terrace, Youme Mall, Yours, Maruyoshi Centre. Source, images: Press release Read more stories from SoraNews24. -- Starbucks Japan releases first flower drink in exclusive, hard-to-find chilled cup series -- Starbucks releases a dragon latte containing Japanese pepper in Japan -- Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet External Link © SoraNews24
Japan Today
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever spicy Frappuccino for a limited time
By Oona McGee, SoraNews24 Summers in Japan are incredibly hot and now they're set to get even hotter with Starbucks' first-ever spicy Frappuccino. There is reason behind this madness, with the chain aiming to deliver a 'stimulating zing' of heat to refresh you on an energy-zapping day, and it's being paired with the fruity sweetness of mango, the star ingredient at Starbucks this summer. Called the Hot Honey Oriental Mango & Tea Frappuccino, this beverage gets its heat from a special 'hot honey' sauce which, according to Starbucks, might just make you breathe fire like a dragon, creating a thrilling new Frappuccino experience unlike any before. The main body of the drink combines juicy mango pulp, fragrant jasmine tea, and mellow-sweet soy milk, which helps to fan the flames of the hot honey. Specially crafted to satisfy customers who love spicy foods, Starbucks says the honey will make you feel like your mouth is 'engulfed in flames' and it's best mixed throughout the entire beverage before drinking. The surprising harmony between the rich, sweet mango at the bottom of the cup and the spicy hot honey atop the whipped cream is said to be unexpectedly delightful, and as you continue to drink, the spiciness intensifies so by the end you'll feel like you're breathing fire. It's so strong that the chain is even issuing warnings for customers to be aware of before ordering the Frappuccino: Spicy honey with strong heat is used as a topping. Please be careful when enjoying this product. Not recommended for those sensitive to spicy foods or for children in elementary school or younger. You cannot increase the amount of hot honey, but you can request less. The new Frappuccino will be on the menu from until July 8 in a Tall size only, priced at 761 yen for takeout and 775 yen for dine-in. Those wanting a taste of mango without the heat won't be left out in the cold as the regular Oriental Mango & Tea Frappuccino, which debuted on May 28 and will also be on the menu until July 8, is ready to satisfy your cravings. Source: Press release Read more stories from SoraNews24. -- Starbucks Japan has a new limited-edition Frappuccino for summer, but does it taste any good? -- Starbucks goes to the tropics for new Frappuccino release in Japan -- Starbucks Japan releases first-ever nationwide watermelon Frappuccino, and it's a summer stunner External Link © SoraNews24
Japan Today
03-06-2025
- Sport
- Japan Today
Burger King releases a Pickleball Burger in Japan
By Oona McGee, SoraNews24 Burger King is throwing its support behind pickleball this year by signing a sponsorship agreement with the Japan Pickleball Federation (PJF). Pickleball is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. The new sponsorship will be front and center at the PJF Pickleball Japan Open in Sasebo, Nagasaki, in June, and at the PJF Pickleball Japan League Burger King Cup in Tokyo's Ariake district in August, and to celebrate, the chain is releasing a special burger in honor of the occasion. Called the Pickleball Burger, this new offering is said to be a 'large, American-style rice burger', with three flame-grilled 100-percent beef patties boldly sandwiched between special rice patties that have been jointly developed with Hachidaime Gihey, a long-established rice shop in Kyoto. ▼ Hachidaime Gihey previously worked with Burger King to produce its limited-time Kyoto Whopper. Hachidaime Gihey's expertise in the selection, milling, blending, and cooking of rice led to the creation of the newly developed patty, which has been crafted from a combination of carefully selected white rice and a type of brown rice known as Kin-no-Ibuki. This combination is said to be the perfect partner for the beef patties, enhancing the flavor of the meat while showcasing the natural sweetness of rice. ▼ Each grain is distinct and has a smooth, pleasant texture. Given its name, the burger doesn't miss out on this opportunity to use pickles, stuffing 11 of them in between the meat and rice layers. With a stripped-back combination of just three essential ingredients — beef, rice and pickles — this burger allows the quality of each component to take centre court in every mouthful. Set to be released for a limited time from 30 May, the Pickleball Burger will be priced at 1,790 yen. Photos©SoraNews24 Read more stories from SoraNews24. -- Burger King Japan creates Kyoto Whopper, its most Japanese burger ever, with Kyoto rice merchant -- Kyoto Whopper divides customers at Burger King Japan -- Burger King is releasing a Fake Burger in Japan External Link © SoraNews24
