Try Nikuman, The Flavorful Steamed Buns You Can Enjoy On The Go

Japanese convenience stores are havens for the hungry and busy folk of Japan. You can find plenty of delicious treats to choose from - such as nikuman (steamed buns with meat filling).

Nikuman, or meat buns, are the Japanese version of baozi, Chinese steamed buns, or pork buns, in English. While they are many made with pork, nikuman can come in many different varieties, from standard pork buns to elaborate spicy Korean barbecue buns to chocolate and cherry blossom man. Many of the varieties on sale in convenience stores and supermarkets are seasonal ones, available for a limited period of time every year.

Here are some of the standard types of nikuman you can find in convenience stores across Japan.

Butaman

The standard found in every convenience store, butaman are a steamed pork bun filled with spiced minced pork, onions and sometimes bamboo shoots. These buns have their own variations from store to store, so they are a fun snack or light meal to compare during your trip.

Average price: 180 yen

Tonporoman

Seasonally available at FamilyMart, tonporoman, or braised pork belly buns, are a larger roll that is quite common in Nagasaki and the Kyushu region of Japan.

The bun is a bit thinner thusual ususal nikuman, but the thick slices of pork inside are flavorful and tender. You can find tonporoman at FamilyMarts across Japan at the moment, but most shops and delis in Kyushu will have them all year long.

Average price: 184 yen

Pizzaman

As you may have guessed, pizzaman are steamed pizza buns. Filled with popular pizza toppings, these buns are a favorite of children and adults alike.

Depending on which shop you visit, you can find pepperoni, vegetable, marinara, three cheese, or even barbecue chicken pizza buns.

Average price: 120 yen

Curryman

Japanese curry, Indian curry, Thai curry - curryman are typically yellow steamed buns filled with a savory curry sauce that may or may not contain meat. You may even find mutton curry buns too, if you check some of the smaller, regional convenience stores.

Be careful though! These buns can either be mild or quite spicy, so take a close look at the sign before you order if you aren't a fan of spicy foods.

Average price: 130 yen

Cheese and Baconman

This specialty bun from Seven Eleven, cheese and baconman is perfect for those who want something a bit mild but still fun to eat. Filled with rich melted cheese and thick sliced bacon, cheese and baconman are also really popular side dishes to go with soups, so if you pick up a cup soup at the same time, you can enjoy a really satisfying meal.

Average price: 130 yen

Anman - Sweet Buns

Anman are a sweet type of steamed buns, filled with red bean paste. One of the most popular variations is the "Goma Anman", which has the red bean paste mixed with black sesame - an aromatic, heavenly combination!

In contrast to the regular nikuman, which can be very filling and satisfying snacks, the anman go best as dessert or as a sweet treat along with a cup pf tea.

Average price: 130 yen

Nikuman - Get a Great Meal on the Go!

There are also plenty of other sweet nikuman as well, such as koshian (sweet red bean rolls), chocolate pie man, and even seasonally available apple, peach, cherry blossom and strawberry buns.

And at prices under 200 yen a piece, you can easily pick one up at any convenience store to snack on during your trip. Why not check out the selection at your nearest convenience store and see if they have a nikuman that catches your attention?