Japanese Plant based "Meat" Steamed Bun 7 Eleven Japan Nikuman

Overview

In this live stream, John Daub explores the evolving landscape of convenience store food in Japan, specifically focusing on the rise of plant-based options. Standing outside a 7-Eleven in Tokyo during winter, John purchases two types of steamed buns: the traditional nikuman (meat bun) and the new soy man (plant-based bun). He conducts a side-by-side taste test, comparing price, texture, flavor, and overall satisfaction.

Beyond the food review, John provides context on the current state of emergency in Japan due to the pandemic, discussing extensions and safety measures like alcohol pumps at stores. He also touches on the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, expressing confidence that the event will proceed despite rumors of cancellation, and shares plans for future travel to Tohoku and visits to Olympic venues.

The video highlights the innovation in Japanese processed food, where trends change rapidly to keep customers engaged. John notes that vegan options are becoming more accessible and affordable in Japan compared to the US, making it easier for residents to reduce meat consumption without sacrificing taste or convenience.

Highlights

• 00:00:00 John introduces the concept of plant-based food at 7-Eleven, questioning if a meatless bun can still be called nikuman.
• 00:04:37 Price comparison reveals the plant-based option is 10 yen cheaper than the meat version.
• 00:05:28 John cracks open the traditional nikuman, noting the steam and real meat filling.
• 00:07:55 The soy man is opened, revealing a darker bun and a gravy-like plant-based filling that mimics meat fat.
• 00:10:19 John praises the plant-based option for being cheaper, healthier, and satisfyingly springy.
• 00:12:14 Final verdict: the soy man tastes better in terms of fatty goodness, though the meat has more complexity.
• 00:15:33 Discussion on condiments like karashi and yuzu kosho, and the growth of vegan options in Japan.
• 00:19:02 John lists the endless variety of nikuman flavors available in Japan, from curry to pizza.
• 00:23:37 Update on the state of emergency extension and confidence that the Tokyo Olympics will proceed.
• 00:28:50 John mentions plans to bike to the Olympic stadium and discusses sustainability regarding meat consumption.

Timeline / Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction to Plant-Based Food at 7-Eleven
• 00:04:37 Purchase and Price Comparison
• 00:05:28 Reviewing the Traditional Nikuman
• 00:07:55 Reviewing the Soy Man
• 00:10:19 Side-by-Side Comparison
• 00:12:14 Final Verdict on Taste
• 00:15:33 Vegan Options and Condiments
• 00:17:16 Portion Sizes and Buying for Kanae
• 00:19:02 Variety of Nikuman Flavors
• 00:21:21 Food Innovation Trends in Japan
• 00:23:37 State of Emergency and Olympics Update
• 00:28:50 Sustainability and Future Plans
• 00:32:25 Closing Remarks

Japan Travel Tips

• Convenience Store Vegan Options: 7-Eleven and other konbini often have affordable plant-based options like the soy man, which can be cheaper than meat equivalents.
• Sales Tax: Food items typically incur an 8% sales tax in Japan, compared to the standard 10% for other goods.
• Portion Sizes: Japanese convenience store food portions are often smaller, allowing customers to try multiple varieties without waste or overeating.
• Hygiene Measures: During the pandemic, alcohol pumps were commonly placed at store entrances; some systems changed to prevent customers from touching food directly before purchase.
• Condiments: Enhance nikuman with karashi (spicy mustard) or yuzu kosho (citrus chili paste) for extra flavor.

Japanese Language & Culture Notes

• Nikuman (肉まん): Literally "meat bun." John questions whether the plant-based version should retain this name since niku means meat.
• Soy Man (ソイマン): A portmanteau of "soy" and "man" (from nikuman), indicating a plant-based alternative.
• Karashi (辛子): Japanese spicy mustard, often paired with nikuman.
• Yuzu Kosho (柚子胡椒): A spicy condiment made from chili pepper, yuzu zest, and salt.
• State of Emergency: John discusses the extension due to virus strains, reflecting the situation in early 2021.
• Olympics Confidence: Despite rumors, John expresses belief that the Tokyo Olympics will proceed due to contractual obligations and athlete preparation.

Food & Drink Guide

• Nikuman (Steamed Bun): Traditional pork filling, soft white bun. Price: 130 yen. John notes it is savory, moist, and has more complexity than the plant-based version. 00:05:28
• Soy Man (Plant-Based Bun): Plant-based filling, slightly darker whole wheat-style bun. Price: 120 yen. John finds it springy, moist, and surprisingly meat-like in texture. 00:07:55
• Other Nikuman Varieties: Anman (red bean), * Curry Man*, Pizza Man, Yaki Nikuman (grilled). 00:19:02

People

• John Daub: Host and narrator. He conducts the food review, shares personal opinions on sustainability, and provides updates on the pandemic and Olympics.
• Kanae Daub: John's wife. Mentioned as the recipient of wipes John uses and someone he buys food for to bring home.
• Ero: A viewer mentioned in the chat who sent virtual fireworks.
• Raf: A viewer mentioned in the chat, hoped to stay cool in Australia.

Key Takeaways

• Plant-based meat options in Japanese convenience stores are becoming high-quality, affordable, and accessible.
• The soy man offers a viable alternative to traditional nikuman, potentially healthier and cheaper.
• Japanese food innovation is rapid, with trends changing frequently to prevent customer boredom.
• Despite pandemic challenges, daily life and future planning (like the Olympics) continue with adaptation.

Notable Quotes

• 00:01:01 "Can you even call it a nikuman? Because niku in Japanese means meat. So if it's not meat, is it nikuman? It's confusing."
• 00:04:37 "One nikuman cost 130 yen, soy man 120 yen—so eating non-meat is actually 10 yen cheaper. Very interesting."
• 00:10:19 "I cannot complain. No disadvantage—cheaper, tastes like meat, good. Why wouldn't I get this?"
• 00:12:14 "Savory means something you want to savor, take small bites to make it last."
• 00:21:21 "Food here is always different—trendy. If companies don't innovate, customers get bored."
• 00:23:37 "Show must go on—contracts, vaccines. Athletes need fair training."

Related Topics

• Japanese Convenience Store Food
• Vegan and Vegetarian Travel in Japan
• Tokyo Olympics 2020/2021
• State of Emergency in Japan
• Japanese Street Food

Search Tags

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