Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on June 2010

Popular burger chain Becker’s (www.jefb.co.jp/beckers) has unveiled a trio of spicy sandwiches for summer. Topping the list is the Arabiki Magma Cheeseburger (¥470/¥820 with fries and drink; right), with Colby-Jack cheese and a red “ethnic sauce” that’s meant to resemble an erupting volcano. Meanwhile, the Bulgogi Burger (¥350/¥690) offers a taste of Korean BBQ, while the Wafu Oroshi Chicken Sandwich (¥320/¥680) is topped with grated daikon, soy sauce and wasabi mayonnaise… Not to be outdone, Subway (www.subway.co.jp) has collaborated with the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort & Spa in Honolulu on three new menu items. The Big Island Pork Sandwich (¥420) is seasoned with BBQ sauce, honey and mustard, while the Waikiki Cobb Salad Sandwich (¥460) includes shrimp, avocado, Emmental cheese and six veggies. Wash them down with a cup of Lahaina Tropical Tea (¥250), a traditional concoction made from pineapple juice, hibiscus, rosehip and a blend of herb teas… The new summertime treats from Mister Donut (www.misterdonut.jp) feature an abundance of green tea. The Matcha Azuki French and Matcha Azuki Cream donuts (¥147) both come with a cream filling and are coated with tea-flavored chocolate. On the beverage menu is the Matcha au Lait (¥262), a chilled drink featuring tea leaves from Kyoto’s renowned Uji City, plus milk and condensed-milk jelly.