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Due to its strong Asian influence, senbei, or Japanese rice cracker, is a popular snack in Hawaii. This tasty treat offers a crunchy texture with a savory flavor. If you’re traveling to Oahu, make sure you grab a bag to eat on your vacation or bring home for friends.

A Beginner’s Guide to Japanese Rice Crackers

History

The first known use of senbei dates back to 737 in Japan, and it was made from grain instead of rice. Modern varieties are made from rice flour, then laid out in various shapes and set aside to dehydrate and harden. This process is thought to have originated in Sōka City, a prefecture of Saitama.

Varieties

rice crackersThese Japanese rice crackers are baked or fried, then seasoned with a variety of ingredients. Some are simply salted, while others are flavored with seaweed, chili pepper, or sesame seeds. The dough of fried rice crackers often includes soy sauce and sugar, which gives the crunchy snack a slightly sweet and salty flavor.

Differences

The plentiful cornfields in Hokkaido gave rise to sweet corn-flavored rice crackers. Osaka, which is famous for its okonomiyaki, developed crackers dipped in the dish’s sauce. In Hawaii, locals enjoy arare rice crackers with popcorn, sprinkled with furikake, which is a seasoning made of ground sesame seeds, seaweed, and dried fish.

 

If you want to try these delicious rice crackers, stop by Lin’s Hawaiian Snacks in Honolulu, HI. This local, family-owned snack shop has provided Oahu residents and visitors with hand-picked treats for over 30 years. They offer a variety of goodies, including crack seed, nuts, dried fruit, and other Hawaiian and Japanese snacks. Visit their website to shop online, or call (808) 597-8899 to place an order. Connect with the team on Facebook for the latest news and updates.

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