Bakauke: 5 Modern Flavors of Rice Crackers from Befco
As with other countries, Japan has one-of-a-kind snacks that are unlike any other in the world. With a long history, Senbei (煎餅) is probably among them.
As you may know, Senbei is one of the traditional Japanese rice crackers, made of non-glutinous rice called Uruchi-Mai (うるち米) steamed, pounded, molded into round shapes, and grilled or baked.
Brushed with soy sauce or lightly salted, traditional Senbei has a tough crunchy texture, whereas modern one comes in various varieties that can draw the present generation’s interest.
A representative of such products is Kuriyama Beika (栗山米菓) or Befco’s Bakauke (ばかうけ)*, whose series consists of flavors that children and youth tend to favor.
* ばかうけ (Bakauke) is short for Baka Ukeru (ばかうける), which means becoming a big hit in the Niigata dialect.
Bakauke (ばかうけ) Senbei Assortment from Befco
Introduced in 1990 by the Niigata-based confectionery company Kuriyama Beika (栗山米菓), a.k.a Befco, Bakauke has now become one of the standard rice snacks in Japan.
The one I picked up this time is an assortment of 5 flavors, Corn Potage, Aonori Shoyu, Goma-Age Shoyu (Sesame and Soy Sauce), Cheese, and Amakuchi Curry (Mild Curry).
Today, I will give an overview of each Senbei rice cracker for those who want to try them someday.
Corn Potage (コーンポタージュ)
The Bakauke Corn Potage Senbei is lightly seasoned and has a gentle corn potage flavor, compared to the Umaibo & Riska’s Corn Potage flavors.
| Non-glutinous Uruchi rice, Vegetable oil/fat, Starch, Sugars (Powdered sugar, Granulated sugar), Corn powder, Salt, Buttermilk powder, Protein hydrolysate (including Wheat), Creaming powder (including Milk component), Yeast extract powder (including Milk component), Dried vegetable (Parsley), Modified starch, Seasoning (Amino acid), Flavoring (from Wheat and Soybean), Sweetener (Sucralose) |
Aonori Shoyu (青のりしょうゆ: Green Nori & Soy Sauce)
The Aonori Shoyu Senbei is the original flavor of the Bakauke series. This snack is also light-tasting with the subtle fragrances of green nori and soy sauce. The green particles on the surface are the Aonori.
| Non-glutinous Uruchi rice, Vegetable oil/fat, Starch, Soy Sauce (including Wheat and Soybean), Sugar, Brewed seasoning, Aonori green seaweed, Mirin sweet cooking rice wine, Pepper sauce (Vinegar, Togarashi chili pepper, Salt), Modified starch, Seasoning (including Amino acid) |
Goma-Age Shoyu (ごま揚しょうゆ: Sesame & Soy Sauce)
Compared to the Corn Potage and Aonori Shoyu rice crackers, this deep-fried Sesame Soy Sauce-flavored Senbei is strong-tasting with a pleasant aroma from the sesame seeds in the dough.
| Non-glutinous Uruchi rice, Vegetable oil/fat, Starch, Sugars (Sugar, Granulated sugar, Dextrose), Soy Sauce (including Wheat and Soybean), Starch, Sesame, Honey, Fermented seasoning (including Wheat and Soybean), Vegetable protein (including Soybean), Salt, Wheat germ, Yeast extract, Pepper sauce (Vinegar, Togarashi chili pepper, Salt), Modified starch, Seasoning (including Amino acid), Caramel pigment, Flavoring (from Sesame) |
Cheese (チーズ)
This cheese-flavor Bakauke has a well-balanced taste dusted with mild and delicious cheese powder.
| Non-glutinous Uruchi rice, Vegetable oil/fat, Starch, Cheese powder (including Soybean), Sugar, Salt, Protein hydrolysate (including Soybean), Creaming powder (including Milk component), Powdered soy sauce (including Wheat and Soybean), Spice, Dairy product, Modified starch, Seasoning (including Amino acid), Flavoring (from Milk), Carotenoid pigment, Sweetener (Sucralose) |
Amakuchi Curry (甘口カレー: Mild Curry)
The Bakauke Curry Senbei is also light-tasting but somewhat salty compared to the other flavors.
| Non-glutinous Uruchi rice, Vegetable oil/fat, Starch, Sugar, Salt, Spice, Meat extract powder (including Wheat, Soybean, Chicken, and Pork), Protein hydrolysate (including Milk component and Soybean), Cheese powder, Flavor oil (including Wheat and Soybean), Modified starch, Seasoning (including Amino acid), Spice extract, Colors (Carotenoid, Turmeric), Acidifier, Flavoring |
Conclusion
Overall, the Bakauke Senbei is light and mild compared to its counterparts.
Besides, these crackers come in modern flavors that everyone can like. And that is why they have now become a favorite of many people.
(Reference Page: Wikipedia ばかうけ )
