Frequent travelers know that one of the simple pleasures of being in a new place is standing in a market entirely dumbfounded by all the totally unexpected treats.
Many of the confections that used to be foreign to Americans now have become standard fare here. Germany, for example, gave us the gummi bear, and England bestowed upon us the Cadbury Creme Egg.
This fact got us wondering what other sugar-filled goodies are here and abroad, just awaiting our discovery. Some of our favorites.
BOTAN RICE CANDY
Where it's from: Japan
Why it's worth trying: Each piece of candy in the box is individually wrapped -- but you're supposed to eat the translucent "paper," which is made of rice and dissolves in your mouth. Also inside every box: a sticker or temporary tattoo.
What it's made of: Sugar, sweet rice, water, food coloring and lemon and orange flavorings.
Where to get it: Throughout Japan and in most Asian grocery stores for about $1 per box.
KINDER SURPRISE
(also called Kinder Egg)
Where it's from: It originated in Italy but is prevalent in Germany, England and elsewhere in Western Europe.
Why it's worth trying: It's a thin, hollow "eggshell" with milk chocolate on the outside and white chocolate on the inside. The hollow space holds a small plastic capsule, inside which is an assembly-required novelty toy such as a mini-gorilla or a Viking figurine.
What it's made of: Cocoa solids and milk solids. The toys are usually plastic.
Where to get it: Throughout Europe, or at www.malincho.com (12 for about $16 plus shipping); buy in bulk and they come in an egg carton.
IDAHO SPUD BAR
Where it's from: Boise, Idaho
Why it's worth trying: This candy bar is semi-potato-shaped, though it tastes nothing like a potato, nor do its ingredients include potato. Instead, this concoction, made by the family-run Idaho Candy Co., is a tribute to the state's famous tuber rather than a faithful representation.
What it's made of: A marshmallow center with a soft chocolate coating, all covered in shredded coconut.
Where to get it: Throughout the Northwest or from www.idaho spud.com; $18 for a 24-bar box, plus shipping. (At the same site, you can also get the peanutty-chocolaty-marshmallowy Old Faithful bar, named after the Yellowstone geyser.)
SALMIAK
Where it's from: Scandinavia
