4 Major Types of Senbei rice crackers based on producing process

Senbei is one of the traditional Japanese rice crackers that we like to eat as afternoon snacks along with Japanese green tea.There are various types and flavors of Senbei as the Japanese rice cracker has a long history.

Speaking of the type, the rice snack is broadly divided into 4 types based on its producing process, and each type is available at almost any supermarket and convenience store in Japan.

4 Major Types of Senbei rice crackers based on producing process

Therefore, it can be said that they are 4 major types of Senbei, and today I want to talk about them.

1. Baked Senbei (the most common type)

When we Japanese just say “Senbei”, that usually represents regular Senbei, in other words, it is baked Senbei.Specifically, this type of Senbei generally has a big, round shape and is typically flavored with soy sauce or salt.

2. Nure Senbei (ぬれせんべい : Wet or Moist Senbei)

Nure Senbei is the type of Senbei that is known as wet Japanese rice crackers.The wet rice cracker is made by dunking the dough of Senbei, just after baked, in soy sauce, so it has a strong soy sauce flavor and soft, moist texture as compared to regular Senbei.

3. Age Senbei (揚げせんべい : Deep-fried Senbei)

Age Senbei is the type of Senbei that is known as deep-fried Japanese rice crackers.As the name indicates, this type is made by deep-frying the dough.KabukiAge (歌舞伎揚) (Amazon.com) and BonchiAge (ぼんち揚) (Amazon.com) are the 2 most famous Japanese Age Senbei.

4. Ware Senbei (割れせんべい : Broken pieces of Senbei)

Originally, Ware Senbei is the product made up of defective Senbei rice crackers like broken pieces and curved shapes.However, nowadays the Ware Senbei that is intendedly broken is also being sold.One of the main aims is that the seasoning, such as soy sauce, is well infiltrated into the cracks.