3 Classic Japanese Wasabi Snacks You Should Try
“Wasabi (わさび)” is a condiment essential for Sashimi and Sushi, which can remove the fishy smell.
The green paste is made by grinding the root of Japanese horseradish and comes typically in tube containers.
Wasabi is not only an indispensable part of Japanese cuisine, but in Japan, the spicy pungent paste is often used as a flavoring for snack foods.
In fact, if you have a chance to go shopping at a supermarket in Japan, you will find a variety of wasabi snacks in the snack and candy section.
3 Classic Wasabi Snacks to Try
Out of those, today, I will introduce 3 classic wasabi snacks for beginners.
These treats have been widely enjoyed in Japan by both adults and children for decades.
Kaki no Tane Wasabi (柿の種 わさび)
First off, “Kaki no Tane (柿の種)” is one of the most loved rice crackers in Japan that was invented by “Naniwaya Seika (浪花屋製菓)” Confectionery in 1923.
It is a slightly spicy, savory snack made from rice dough that’s been baked, flavored with soy sauce and red chili pepper, often comes with roasted peanuts.
Today, a number of Japanese food companies are producing Kaki no Tane, which comes in various flavors, like this and this, and the wasabi flavor is one of the basics.
The wasabi-flavored rice cracker is not that spicy if you eat only a few pieces at a time featuring an appetizing savory taste that goes perfectly with beer.
Wasabi Mame (わさび豆)
Image: Amazon.co.jp
As with Kaki no Tane, “Wasabi Mame (わさび豆)” is also one of the wasabi snacks that have long been loved in Japan, manufactured by several food makers.
In its name, “Mame (豆)” means “bean” in Japanese, and green peas or broad beans are typically used as the main ingredient of this snack.
As for the taste, these flour batter-coated, deep-fried green peas are sweet and salty with a kick of Wasabi, accompanied by a pleasant crispy bite.
Wasa-Beef Patato Chips (わさビーフ ポテトチップス)
Lastly, “Wasa-Beef (わさビーフ)” is a long-selling wasabi-flavored potato crisp introduced by the confectionery company Yamayoshi Seika in 1987.
These potato chips have the umami of beef and a refreshing aftertaste from wasabi, making them perfect.
This is one of my favorite wasabi snacks. I love to eat these as an Otsumami for beer.
