Recently, the Internet has been booming with response from the Pocky x Yakun collaboration – specially curated flavours for Singapore herself. Two flavours have been launched, Kaya Toast and Kopi-O. Jumping in on the bandwagon, we tasted these two limited-edition snacks for ourselves. We also thought, why not come up with some flavours for Pocky to consider for the next Singapore Food Festival? *winks winks*
Kopi-O Pocky ($2)
Despite my love for cafehopping, one of the things I love about Singapore, is definitely traditional kopi. The strong fragrance of coffee escaped the packaging as soon as we opened it, and instantly I was reminded one of my childhood sweets, Kopiko. The aroma of coffee filled our noses and at this point I simply wanted to dive into the snack.
Not disappointing at all. From the first bite you know, Aha coffee flavour! I was kind of hoping to get a slight bitter after taste, since they marketed this as Kopi-O. But my guess is not everyone can adapt to the bitter Kopi-O taste, since word on the street is when you drink Kopi-O, your status immediately “upgrades” to an uncle. The target audience probably doesn’t belong to this crowd.
That being said, I wouldn’t mind an entire range based on the Yakun beverages – Kopi Pocky, Teh Pocky, Teh-O Pocky (I would be very interested to see how Pocky manages to pull off Teh-O Pocky). Siew Dai for the Health Promotion Board sticker?
Kaya Toast Pocky ($2)
I would say compared to the Kopi-O Pocky, the Kaya Pocky came off less headstrong, there was no immediate greeting of any sort of kaya aroma.
My expectations were probably too high from all the reviews I read online. I was slightly disappointed by the taste because the Kaya flavour did not overwhelm me. It was a nice, light coconut fragrance coupled by a dash of sweetness. But Kaya Toast isn’t supposed to taste like this!
A stronger Kaya flavour would be better, although nothing beats the original Kaya Toast.
Other Flavours for Consideration
With the two flavours representing Singapore’s Kopitiam culture, we were thinking, there is so much more to Singapore besides Kopi-O and Kaya Toast. A city famous for food definitely has more to offer.
Therefore, we came up with 4 different, uniquely Singaporean Pocky flavours that we wouldn’t mind seeing in the near future.
Disclaimer: These are just ideas
Durian Pocky
Just like how the durian season is a huge hit among Singaporeans yearly, we came up with the idea of a limited-edition Durian Pocky. And not just any other durian, the one and only Mao Shan Wang.
I’m not really a fan of durian, but I can see how durian fanatics would love the idea of a Durian Pocky, a conclusion I came to while randomly asking my friends, “if got Durian Pocky, will you try?”
What we are thinking: A Strong durian aroma upon unpackaging, after which a greeting of the bittersweet combination between durian and white chocolate. A Seasonal Product to celebrate the yearly Durian season.
Chilli Crab Pocky
Crowned as the representative dish of Singapore (who crown one? I crown one) – Chilli Crab is one of the, if not, the most famous dish in Singapore.
So the mainstream assed me – came up with the idea of a Chilli Crab Pocky to represent Singapore! Before you say no to this flavour – hear me out.
Ever heard of Chilli Chocolate? It kind of works doesn’t it? A balance between spice and sweet. Of course, this would be a more savoury option, if possible. I mean if we can have Nasi Lemak Kit Kat, why can’t we have Chilli Crab Pocky?
Also makes a nice souvenir for tourists to bring back, instead of the Kinder Bueno Hippo chocolate that people buy in boxes at Mustafa. Is that even from Singapore?
Gula Melaka Pocky with Coconut Shavings
I was thinking of a Chendol Pocky, but with all the food origin conflicts, it’s safer to create a generic one where everyone can enjoy, without quarrelling.
Gula Melaka is a sweet sweet sweet guilty pleasure for everyone. Don’t lie to yourself – you know the brown syrup portion of your Ice Kachang is the most delicious part of any Ice Kachang.
Using Ondeh Ondeh as a reference, coating the Gula Melaka Pocky with Coconut Shavings not only elevates the texture, but balances out the intense flavour as well. This would definitely be one of my personal favourites.
Haw Flakes Pocky
Didn’t expect that did you? Since the white rabbit candy got so much attention recently, I decided that it’s time for the buddy of the same era to shine.
For those of you who do not know what Haw Flakes are, they are made using the Chinese hawthorn fruits, which kind of gives you this sour, tangy, sweet combination. It is surprisingly addictive.
Since most Pocky snacks are on the sweet side, a Haw Flakes Pocky would balance the entire Singaporean range quite well.
Probably shed a tear or two, eating this while reminiscing of your childhood.
Other random Singaporean flavours I have in mind – Pandan Pocky, Hei Bi Hiam Pocky and Attap Seed Pocky.
Honestly, the list never ends because there are so many possibilities. It was fun coming up with these ideas, maybe one day when we’re really crazy, we’ll try making them. 😉
For now, all we can do is simply imagine the possibilities and enjoy our Kaya Toast and Kopi-O Pocky. Heard a lot of places (if not most) are already sold out, if you’re really curious about the taste, I suggest looking at Singapore’s Black Market – Carousell 🤣