Rice Crackers

Senbei and arare are traditional snacks consumed in Japan for over 1,200 years. Senbei are crispy crackers made from Japonica rice. They are usually flat in shape, and are fried or traditionally baked over charcoal, giving them their distinctive aroma. Senbei can be salted, flavoured with soy sauce or shrimp, sesame-coated, baked with soy beans or nuts inside, sugar-puffed or wrapped in seaweed (norimaki). Arare are smaller bite-sized versions of senbei, made from glutinous rice. They too come in a variety of flavours and colours.