Beyond Popcorn: Best Movie Snacks from Around the World
Popcorn and soda are go-to movie treats almost anywhere you go, but look for Scotch eggs or samosas at a concession stand abroad.
Photograph by Grant Cornett
Food stylist: Maggie Ruggiero
Prop stylist: Astrid Chastka
Let’s be honest, half the fun of going to the movies is the snacks. When you’re traveling, make sure to go beyond what you’re used to. Here are some locally-loved treats from around the world for you to try on your next trip.
Japan
Fujiya Milky, made with sweetened condensed milk, has been a favorite here since 1951.
Taiwan
Lay’s Thai BBQ shrimp–flavored potato chips. Other popular flavors include Thai Spicy Crab and Fried Chicken.
Germany
Shokomonk, a white-chocolate bar with pistachios, is named for Dominican monks who first brought chocolate to Europe.
Hawaii
Hurricane Popcorn with mochi crunch and nori. The flavor pays homage to the Asian influence in Hawaii.
Norway
Freia milk chocolate. Its 1906 slogan was “Cheerful chocolate that helps to preserve the mind’s joyfulness.”
India
Samosas, fried pastries with a savory or sweet filling. About 30,000 of them were eaten daily at Mumbai theaters in 2010.
U.K. & Australia
Maltesers, chocolate malt balls. Despite being based in the U.S., Mars Inc. didn’t bring the candy to America until 2017.
Mexico
Pelon Pelo Rico, spicy tamarind candy. The name evokes the “Medusa-like hair” that the gooey confection resembles.
Brazil
Fini, a sweet and sour licorice. “Spain’s number one candymaker” has also had a major presence in Brazil since 2001.
Nigeria
Scotch eggs, hard-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage meat, then covered in bread crumbs and fried. A U.K. treat that’s huge in Nigeria.
Sweden
Gott & Blandat, a mix of sweet, salty, and fruit gummys and licorice. Here the gummys are low-sugar wine gums, made for adult palates.
South Africa
Biltong, a dried beef snack similar to jerky, except typically seasoned with vinegar and spices and air-dried.
Thailand
Pretz Larb, roasted rice biscuits. Their flavor is inspired by a meat salad common to the rural Isan region.
About the author: Grant Rindner is the editorial assistant for Airbnb Magazine. He also writes about music for Dazed, Complex, Billboard, and Pigeons & Planes.
