Types of Senbei Rice Crackers: Soy Sauce, Salt, and Nori

Senbei are traditional Japanese rice crackers. Known for their crisp texture and simple flavors, they have been a beloved snack in Japanese households for generations, enjoyed with tea or as a quick bite.

Though they all go by the name "senbei," there are many varieties depending on seasoning and preparation. This article covers the main types of senbei, their characteristics, and the best ways to enjoy them.

Senbei vs. Okaki: What's the Difference?

Japanese rice crackers fall into two main categories: "senbei" and "okaki/arare."

Senbei: Made from non-glutinous rice (the same kind used for everyday meals). Flat and crispy.

Okaki/Arare: Made from glutinous (mochi) rice. Okaki are larger, arare are smaller. Kaki no Tane is a type of arare.

Both are collectively called "beika" (rice crackers), but they differ in ingredients and texture.

Types by Flavor

Soy Sauce Senbei

The most classic flavor. A soy sauce glaze is brushed onto freshly baked senbei. The savory aroma of soy sauce combined with the rice flavor is quintessentially Japanese.

Popular Products

• Sanko Seika Niigata Shikomi: Made with 100% Japanese rice. Light texture, easy-to-eat size
• Iwatsuka Seika Osode Furi Mamemochi: Soy sauce senbei with soybeans for extra crunch

Salt Senbei

Simple salt seasoning lets you enjoy the pure flavor of rice. Lighter than soy sauce senbei, these are so addictive that many people can't stop once they start.

Popular Products

• Kameda Seika Soft Salad: Lightly salted with a light texture. Brushed with salad oil and finished with salt, a long-selling classic
• Sanko Seika Yuki no Yado: Sweet sugar coating meets salty flavor. The sweet-salty combination is irresistible

Nori-Wrapped Senbei

Soy sauce senbei wrapped in seaweed (nori). The ocean aroma of nori blends with soy sauce for a rich, layered flavor.

Popular Products

• Iwatsuka Seika Inaka no Okaki: A classic with robust nori flavor

Zarame Senbei

Coated with zarame (coarse sugar crystals). The contrast between crunchy sugar and crispy senbei is delightful. A popular snack for kids too.

Shrimp Senbei

Senbei with shrimp flavor mixed into the dough. Light and crunchy.

Popular Products

• Calbee Kappa Ebisen: Technically a snack chip, but widely recognized as the iconic shrimp cracker
• Bankaku Sohonpo Yukari: Premium shrimp senbei with intense shrimp flavor. Also popular as a gift

How to Enjoy Senbei

With Tea

Senbei pair beautifully with Japanese tea.

• Green tea: A perfect match for soy sauce and nori-wrapped senbei
• Hojicha: The roasted flavors complement each other
• Barley tea: Its clean, refreshing taste pairs well with salt senbei

As a Drinking Snack

Soy sauce senbei and Kaki no Tane are classic snacks for beer and sake. Kaki no Tane is even called the "king of drinking snacks" and remains a favorite among Japanese people living abroad.

For Kids' Snack Time

With their simple flavors, senbei make great snacks for children. For younger kids, softer senbei or small arare crackers are recommended.

Storage Tips

Humidity is senbei's worst enemy. In a hot and humid place like HCMC, the texture changes quickly after opening.

• Transfer to an airtight container after opening: Use zip-lock bags or sealed containers
• Add a desiccant packet: A food-grade desiccant helps keep them crispy longer
• Reviving soft senbei: Microwave for 20-30 seconds to restore the crispiness

Summary

Senbei are an iconic Japanese snack made from simple ingredients: rice and soy sauce. With varieties like soy sauce, salt, nori, and zarame, they work equally well as a tea accompaniment or a drinking snack.

The Farmi app offers a wide selection of senbei imported directly from Japan. Download the Farmi app and enjoy crispy Japanese senbei right here in HCMC.

Note: This article and some images were created with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team before publication.