Nanbu senbei is a type of rice cracker that originated in Hachinohe in Aomori Prefecture, Ninohe and Morioka in Iwate Prefecture, and other areas formerly known as Nanbu territory. Because they can be made with only flour, salt, and water, they were very useful during times of food shortages.
Nanbu senbei is delicious eaten as is, but it can also be arranged to make it even more delicious. A well-known way to eat senbei is with senbei soup. You can also eat them with sekihan (red rice), tempura, or as a pizza with tomato sauce or cheese on top! In Hachinohe, there are stores where you can experience hand-baking, so why not try a freshly baked Nanbu Senbei?
Photos used in this page were taken from the Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization. For other local delicacies in the area, please visit
