How to Eat Oreos: Japanese Netizens Weigh in on the Age-Old Debate

Arguably the world’s best-known cookie, Oreos are eaten just about everywhere from the Norwegian fjords to the Great Wall of China. Perhaps the only thing that even comes close to the number of countries that have embraced the humble New Jersey snack, however, are the number of techniques, personal preferences and ways of eating the things that exist and are constantly argued about.

Do you consume them whole like some kind of all-consuming sarlacc pit monster, or do you break them open and feast on the fluffy white goo inside? Do you dip them in milk first or is crunchiness key? It’s a debate that’s raged for generations now, but a recent thread started by a Japanese Twitter user asking for interesting ways to enjoy the little brown and white treats has sparked a new wave of interest in Oreos in Japan.

As it happens, there are myriad ways to enjoy Oreos even in the land of sushi and tempura, and while some of the methods suggested may not be anything new to some western readers, it’s good to know that, whatever our language and cultures differences, when it comes to cookies we’re pretty much all on the same page.

Some of Japan’s best Oreo-attacking suggestions after the break.

Although it’s worth noting that Oreos are available to buy in Japan, many westerners – particularly those from the US and Canada – often complain that they’re lacking in sweetness. For most Japanese, western cookies and sweets are often too sugar-heavy and sickly, which perhaps explains why the recipe was altered for Japan. Having been around for more than 25 years, though, it’s clear that Oreos have found a home here and are not about to disappear any time soon. Here’s one of the more recent Japanese Oreo TV commercials, teaching consumers, and a cute little girl, a couple of basic Oreo-enjoyment techniques:

Much like in the commercial, many Japanese also favour the twist and dunk method, with plenty of Twitter users immediately asserting their need for a cool glass of milk to go with their cookies:

With milk! Every time.

After breaking it apart, I always soak them with milk.

Oh man, now I really want to eat Oreos…

But these are hardly the most original suggestions. There have to be other, more imaginative ways of getting those cookies from packet to belly besides a quick dunk in cow juice! Let’s push the boat out, here, people!

“Break one in half, then apply jam to whichever side doesn’t have cream stuck to it.”

Now we’re talking!

“Put Oreos into a glass tumbler with some ice. Mix thoroughly. Pour in some black coffee and sprinkle with brown sugar.”

Ooh lala! I’m trying that one tonight!

“Place an Oreo on a strip of Saran wrap (plastic wrap or cling-film) and drizzle milk over it. Fasten it all up tightly with the wrap, then put it in the freezer until it’s frozen to make an ice cookie. “

“Battered and deep-fried!”

As reported by our own RocketNews24 Japan, this one is a favourite sold from carts and stalls in the North America in particular. The outer coating keeps the cookie together while the hot oil turns the cookie layers into something resembling sponge. Fatty, sweet and delicious!

“Mix roughly-chopped pieces of Oreo in with your waffle batter. These are great eaten with maple syrup or even drizzled with honey.”

“Mix broken Oreos in with cream cheese cake mixture to give the texture a crunchy kick.”

“Wherever you use Oreos, their crunchy consistency is great.”

“Throw the cookie parts in a food processor along with some cream cheese and blend it smooth. Form the mixture into balls and coat them with chocolate.”

Bravo, Japan! Not bad at all. There’s one method, however, that not a single Twitter user dared to mention. It’s unorthodox, sure, and at first it sounds revolting, but it’s something that everyone ought to try at least once, and, we’re proud to say, it’s a RocketNews24 exclusive recipe that cause quite a stir in 2012: Oreo Rice!!! Hit the link for the full recipe and a mouth-watering video!