The problem with buying snacks from Japan and Korea is that you're often flying in the dark if you don't speak the languages.

Sure, the pictures on the labels give you some clues, as do the terse ingredient labels translated into English. But unless you can read what's on the package, you just have to take a risk.

I did with these Teicaro mint candies and it paid off handsomely.

Mint and milk aren't the most obvious combination. I still have nightmares about that horrific blend of milk and creme de menthe liqueur I once drank in my youth.

But in the candies from the dark blue packet, milk and mint work in a strangely good way. The milk flavoured strip is rich and sweet, and this is balanced out by the translucent, minty layers.

The other candies from the white packet are more old school. The mint layers sandwich a tangy, citrusy strip. Perfectly okay, but not quite as exciting as the milk and mint combo.

Teicaro mint candies, $4.20 for a 68g pack from Yamakawa Super, B1-28B The Central, tel: 6534-9518. Opening hours: 11am to 10pm daily.