Introducing the history, characteristics, and recommended ways to eat Iwate Prefecture's specialty, Nanbu Senbei (rice crackers)

Iwate
Eating

2025/08/21

Add to favorites

Nanbu senbei is popular in Iwate and Aomori prefectures.

Nanbu senbei is the first name that comes to mind when talking about Iwate Prefecture's famous sweets. Its rustic, savory flavor and crispy texture make it a popular souvenir not only among locals but also among tourists. In this article, we will introduce the history, characteristics, types, and recommended ways to eat Nanbu Senbei in detail!

What is Nanbu Senbei, Iwate's representative local confectionery?

The "Nanbu" in "Nanbu Senbei" refers to the "Nanbu Domain," which ruled the area from northern Iwate Prefecture to southern Aomori Prefecture during the Edo period (1603-1868), and the name is said to have come from its spread within the Nanbu domain. Nanbu senbei is popular not only in Iwate Prefecture, but also in the entire Nanbu region, including Hachinohe City in Aomori Prefecture. It is especially famous in Hachinohe for its use in "senbei soup," and its food culture is shared across prefectural borders.

Characterized by its round and flat shape

Nanbu senbei are round, flat rice crackers made by mixing flour with water and salt and baking them in an iron mold. They are large, approximately 10-15 cm in diameter, and are characterized by their chewy and savory flavor. Unlike ordinary rice crackers, these flour-based crackers are soft to the palate, but the more you chew them, the more flavorful they become.

History of Nanbu Senbei

There are various theories about the origin of Nanbu Senbei, but the most commonly known is that it originated during the Nanbokucho Period, when Emperor Chokei, the emperor of the time, visited the Hachinohe area. It is widely believed that a vassal who was in need of food to present to the emperor obtained buckwheat flour and sesame seeds from a farmer, and baked it on his own helmet.

In the mid- to late-Edo period, buckwheat was also valued as a highly preserved portable food that could be eaten between farm work and travel. Because it is dry, it keeps well for a long time, and it is light and easy to carry. For this reason, it was useful for warriors of the Nanbu clan and travelers as an easy way to get nourishment on their long journeys. In an era when sugar and butter were not widely available, these simple but filling rice crackers were extremely valuable.

In the postwar period, manufacturing techniques were developed and Nanbu senbei spread throughout the country as a tourist souvenir. Nowadays, in addition to the traditional crackers with sesame and peanuts, modern arrangements such as chocolate and cheese are also on the rise.

Standard types of Nanbu Senbei

Here are some of the standard types of Nanbu senbei. The most classic "sesame" is characterized by its savory and sesame flavor. Peanuts" are available with coarsely ground peanuts or round peanuts, both of which are characterized by their crispy texture and sweet taste. Walnuts" add the natural sweetness and richness of walnuts to the rustic taste of rice crackers, while at the same time providing a nutty sensation. Kabocha Seeds" have a slightly sweet taste with pumpkin paste and flour kneaded into the dough. The surface is topped with a generous amount of savory pumpkin seeds, which add a unique crunchy accent!

Next, we will introduce the "sweet" and "salty" types that have become popular in recent years. The sweet type is covered with sugar or chocolate coating, while the salty type is popular for its soy sauce and sesame salt flavors. Recently, café-style Nanbu senbei (rice crackers) with flavors such as green tea and coffee have also appeared on the market.
In addition to the traditional hard-baked type, a soft type that is easy for elderly people and children to eat has also been produced, and is popular among a wide range of people.

Nanbu senbei rice crackers are available in a variety of styles, from the standard to the unusual.

Recommended ways to eat Nanbu Senbei

The best way to enjoy freshly baked or freshly made cakes is to bite into them as they are and enjoy their aroma. The most famous way to eat senbei is in "senbei soup," a local dish originating in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture. Nanbu senbei crackers for stewing are added to soup with vegetables and meat, and the chewy texture is savored.
Other dishes include "tenpo senbei," a freshly baked, glutinous rice cracker available only at stores, and "kobirikko," a farmer's snack of freshly cooked sekihan (red rice) sandwiched between nanbu senbei (rice crackers).

Senbei soup, a soup containing Nanbu senbei

Nanbu Senbei is a typical Iwate snack

Nanbu senbei is a typical local confectionery of Iwate Prefecture. Its simple yet profound flavor makes it a perfect travel souvenir or everyday snack. When you visit Iwate, be sure to enjoy the authentic taste of Nanbu Senbei.

Combine your favorite train with lodging or a day trip plan for a great travel experience!

You can make your own original trip!

JR East View Dynamic Rail Package is a variable price individual travel product available only on the web. Depending on the timing and conditions of your application, you may be able to get a discount as early as the day of departure. We also offer one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and purpose.

Tags related to this article

Previous post Back to list Next