![Hokkaido but Dutch? Soft despite being rice crackers? Characteristics and delicious way to eat "Holland crackers", a famous confectionery of Hokkaido.|Domingo](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F405fa2b382eaa1961117d2c3424760c7.jpg)
EDITORIALS
Hokkaido but Dutch? Soft despite being rice crackers? Characteristics and delicious way to eat "Holland crackers", a famous confectionery of Hokkaido.
Holland crackers" look like waffles with a diameter of 15 cm and have a soft texture. We introduce the charm and delicious way to eat Holland crackers, which have been loved in Nemuro City in the east of Hokkaido since around 1965. The more you chew, the deeper the delicious flavor and texture will surely get you hooked!
Holland crackers are a famous confectionery of Nemuro
![オランダせんべい](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2Ff80c4484b28d25faf14d0d7209e13014.jpg)
The nostalgic Holland rice crackers with their retro packaging are sold by Hataya Confectionery, which was established in 1950. It is said that Holland rice crackers first appeared around 1965. In addition to Hadanani Kashiten, Holland Senbei can be found at roadside stations and supermarkets in the East Hokkaido area. 4 pieces are sold for about 300 yen each, and since they can be stored at room temperature for a long time, many people buy them in bulk.
When it was first sold, it was a crispy rice cracker, but as it was requested, it gradually became softer and softer as it is now. Because of their high preservability and noiselessness, they became popular as a snack for fishermen to eat on their boats and as a snack at movie theaters, and have been loved by Nemuro citizens for more than half a century since their launch without any change.
The name of Holland Senbei comes from the Kitamae Ship!
![オランダせんべい](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2Fc0ab0a91e1c4baf282ca300fb2653522.jpg)
It is said that the origin of the name "Holland Senbei" comes from the recipe given by the Dutch who were on board the Kitamae-ship that called at Nemuro and commercialized it. At that time, many stores sold Holland rice crackers, but the number of stores gradually decreased, and today, only the Hataya confectionery in Nemuro preserves the taste.
However, there are many theories as to the origin of the name "Holland Senbei," including that it resembles Nagasaki's Oranda-yaki, or that its bumpy surface resembles Nagasaki's Holland Slope.
The package makes you feel like you are buying a large box of candy! How to eat them deliciously?
![オランダせんべい](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2Fe917b2b3ab381e648d2222ab379fdba0.jpg)
The package of Holland Senbei has a slightly retro atmosphere. The large size makes you feel like you are buying a large box of candy. The simple, slightly sweet taste and moist, monyu-monyu texture are sure to be a hit with many fans. Here are some recommended ways to enjoy Holland Senbei.
As it is
![オランダせんべい](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2Fdf07e503d0d786fdc1fdc136c7c126cc.jpg)
Open the bag and bite into the rice cracker! This is OK for ordinary rice crackers, but for Dutch rice crackers, you need a little trick. The key is to bite into it in small pieces. Dutch rice crackers are very moist, so if you bite down too hard, they won't tear off. If you bite down on the patterned part of the cracker one by one, you can bite it off lightly. If you are not good at biting off pieces, it is also recommended to tear off just enough to eat and put it in your mouth.
Rebake
![オランダせんべい](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F3b2c8cc8800bcb2fda749150e516950a.jpg)
Rebake means to reheat again. When Dutch crackers are re-baked, the surface is quickly transformed into a crispy, freshly baked texture! For those who want a crispy texture, rebake in a toaster oven for 1 to 2 minutes, until the tops are just slightly charred, so you can enjoy both the crispy aroma and the chewy texture. As it cools down, the chunky parts will become crispy and the texture will change.
Not like dipped bread, but "dipped Dutch rice crackers"!
![オランダせんべい](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F41c9787fbee03f0479842eebaafce392.jpg)
A less moist snack, Dutch rice crackers can also be eaten with a hot drink. For example, when dipped in hot milk or café au lait, the crunchy, juicy, fluffy texture is so delicious that you could eat it endlessly. Dipping them in your favorite beverage will give you a different taste.
Open sandwich style with your favorite sweets
![オランダせんべい](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F719d7daaa675695cebcdae8b6a497d55.jpg)
Dutch rice crackers, characterized by their moist and chewy texture, are even more delicious when you put your favorite sweets on top of them after baking. For example, ice cream can be spread on the cracker so that it matches the bumpy surface, and whipped cream or chocolate can be added on top to create a slightly fancy open sandwich! Ice cream soaks into the rice cracker, and you can also simply spread butter, jam, or red bean paste on top of the rice cracker.
They also make great Hokkaido souvenirs!
Holland crackers are loved by many for their simple taste and texture. Because they can be eaten slowly and carefully, they are ideal as a snack while traveling or as a casual souvenir for friends. Since the packaging is only plastic, it is compact and not bulky. Please enjoy it with a hot drink!
Check it out as well!
Writer Profile
Hokkaido Sightseeing Turtle Writer Bubu-Neko
I'm "Bubaneko," a writer with many connections to Hokkaido's sights and tourist facilities. There are many wonderful resources, even the ones we take for granted when we live in Hokkaido. I will be sharing these wonderful attractions of Hokkaido with you.