Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on July 2010

The traditional Japanese summertime dish of grilled unagi gets a conbini twist at am/pm (http://family.ampm.jp). From July 24-26, the popular chain is offering a bento called the Aichi Mikawa Una Kasane (¥1,580; pictured), featuring “soft and aromatic” domestically caught eel with a traditional smoky soy-based sauce. The shop will also sell a Hitsumabushi-style Unagi Meishi bento (¥880), with chopped eel ringed by thinly sliced fried eggs. Available by reservation only.

Ministop (www.ministop.co.jp) has unleashed the Yuzu Zest and Habanero Mayo Dog (¥198) in conjunction with popular manzai team Ogi Yahagi. The hot dog comes with a chili pepper-infused citrus paste and mayonnaise, habanero and jalapeño. Other outré offerings include the Cool Dog, with ice cream, almonds and chocolate sauce, and the Tsuke Dog, with dipping sauces of green curry, red curry and mint.

For healthier eating, pick up the chicken and grilled apple six-grain sandwich (¥280) from Natural Lawson (http://natural.lawson.co.jp). With lemon-flavored grilled chicken, apples and pickled lettuce, the sandwich packs just 207 calories. It’s part of Natural Lawson’s “anti-aging menu,” which focuses on dishes with “seasonal ingredients for happy women,” developed in conjunction with three Michelin-star chef Chisako Hori.