Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
ポン菓子 (ポンがし) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
noun
puffed cereal ; puffed grain snack
food / cooking
Refers to grains (often rice, wheat, or corn) that have been puffed under high pressure, commonly sold as a light, crunchy snack. The term is especially associated with traditional street vendors who make it with a loud popping sound.
Kanji 子 child, sign of the rat, 11PM-1AM Similar words ポップコーン ポップコーン is popcorn, a specific type of puffed corn snack, while ポン菓子 is a broader category that includes puffed rice, wheat, and other grains.
あられ あられ are small, bite-sized rice crackers, often seasoned with soy sauce, while ポン菓子 is lighter, airier, and typically unsweetened or mildly sweet.
Etymology ポン is an onomatopoeia for the popping sound made during the puffing process, and 菓子 means 'confectionery' or 'snack'. The exact origin of the term is uncertain, but it likely emerged from street vendor culture in the early 20th century.
。
Puffed cereal is made by expanding rice in a pressure cooker.
