Where to find Christmas Pudding in Japan

Even though I grew up in Australia where backyard barbecues and salads are quintessentially "Christmassy", we always had Christmas Pudding with custard served up each and every year. It's one of those things that I still associate with a real Christmas to this day -- and trying to find it in Japan for my very first Christmas ended up as something of a quest. I had literally no idea where to look!

If you're a Christmas pudding enthusiast like I am and you're wondering how and where to get your fix, here are some spots to check.

Quick Disclaimer:

One thing that you are going to notice for your Japan-based pudding options is that they're significantly more expensive compared to back-home prices. This is seen by many of us as part and parcel of living abroad. It is Christmas after all though, and if you'll still be in Japan over the holiday season sometimes you just want it to feel more like the Christmases you're used to. I know I do - so sometimes I've just gotta grin and bear it.

For convenience's sake: Amazon Japan

There are a lot of Christmas Pudding options on Amazon Japan, and if you don't want to battle the in-store crowds then online shopping can be the best way to go. There's a surprisingly decent selection of puddings available on there, including options for various dietary requirements such as gluten free and nut free puddings. If you're planning a Christmas meal with anyone who is gluten intolerant or has a nut allergy, check the Amazon options - you may be pleasantly surprised!

Amazon Japan has old faithfuls like Walker's Christmas pudding, as well as a host of other pudding types - including various ones that cater to those with allergies.

One of the gluten free options available on Amazon Japan - super convenient for those with food allergies. 

Kaldi Coffee Farm

The first place I found Christmas puddings in my first year in Japan was at Kaldi Coffee Farm. The store is a chain that you'll find in many major shopping malls (think AEON malls) and they sell a whole host of imported products - as well as loads of coffee options as their name implies!

Alongside Christmas puddings, they also have a wide range of other Christmassy items, including things like advent calendars for the kids (and the kids at heart!), shortbread cookies, Panettone, mulled wine and more. Check them out if you have one nearby. 

Seijo Ishii

Much like Kaldi Coffee Farm, Seijo Ishii is an international supermarket chain that has a wide variety of imported products, including the humble Christmas pud. The times I've visited around Christmas, the stores have only had a couple in stock at any one time, so I'd recommend getting in fast!

Other Independent International Supermarkets

When I lived in Tokyo, National Azabu was a nearby international supermarket that imported a whole host of yummy international Christmas goodies, including pudding, egg nog - even turkeys if you have an oven big enough to accommodate one. If you've got an independent international supermarket near you, check them out - you're likely to find pudding and more tastes of home for the festive season.

Falling short of those options, I've had friends send me pudding and custard powder mix so that I could enjoy my taste of Christmas here in Japan. You could always go down that route if you need your fix and you have folks back home asking you what you want for Christmas!

If you're a fan of Christmas pudding, do you have any other notable spots where you've managed to find them in Japan?