7-Eleven: 7 Surprising Reasons Why This Chain Is Worth a Visit

Even if 7-Eleven started out as an all-American concept, this convenience chain quickly evolved into a special kind of global convenience store. The Tote'm Stores of 1927 Texas that got rebranded to 7-Eleven in 1946 bear little resemblance to the 7-Eleven that spread across the world. When 7-Eleven reached Asia in 1979, this evolution took a downright interesting turn because when Asians say 'convenience store', they seriously mean convenience. Here are a few reasons from Mashable for a look-see that only the truest of foodies will understand:

Reason #1: Besides the dry cleaning service that most 7-Eleven in Taiwan offer, they also carry blood sausages, Cheetos in chicken flavour and canned tuna sandwich - no, that was not a mis-type. Host/actress Lynn Chen shares her description as "...more like community hubs where people hang out, do Internet, pick up a quick packaged dinner and actually sit down and eat. They sell everything from underwear to Christmas ornaments (in June!) to asparagus juice."

Reason #2: Apparently, 7-Eleven stores in Singapore sell the best-tasting vending-machine dispensed mashed potatoes ever. Maggi's machines dole out liquid-looking servings that do not take too long to turn into a more solid mash. It even comes with gravy. Also, classic winter chestnuts with just the perfect texture can be found.

Reason #3: Sandwiches made of rice patties - instead of bread - and partnered with savoury fillings as fried chicken, soy fried pork, shredded pork and spicy minced meat make Thailand's 7-Eleven an essential stop-over. Sausages come in varieties and enjoyed without any bun.

Reason #4: China's 7-Eleven carries a pretty wide selection of potato crisp flavours: cucumber, braised pork, lobster with cheese, Pepsi and chicken wing, hot and sour fish soup. At some point while going through that list, one can almost forget that these are flavour labels rather than a menu for a full-on meal.

Reason #5: Galbi, bulgogi, kimchi, marinated seafood, seaweed salad, steamed rice and hot miso soup in practical easy-to-carry containers assure 7-Eleven customers a worthy feast in South Korea. Honey cream cheese lattes and honey potato sticks are just a few honey treats that Koreans love.

Reason #6: Hong Kong 7-Eleven's ready-to-eat version of the traditional deep fried and Chinese spiced duck tongues are far from shabby prepared as they are in tasty spices along with citrus peel marinade, cooking wine and pickle sauce.

Reason #7: In Japan's branches onigiri is triangular rice filled with salmon, cod roe, soy sauce and pickled plums called umeboshi. These can be wrapped in separately sealed toasted seaweed. Kit Kat's special flavours are also available in 7-eleven stores: rum raisin, strawberry cheesecake, wasabi, sweet red bean paste, matcha, golden citrus blend and Annin dofu flavor.