With a waffle-like appearance and a diameter of 15cm, "Oranda Senbei" has a unique soft texture. We'll introduce the charm and delicious ways to eat this beloved snack from Nemuro City in eastern Hokkaido, which has been cherished since around 1965. You're sure to get hooked on its deep, rich flavor that unfolds the more you chew, and its one-of-a-kind texture!

Oranda Senbei is a Famous Confectionery of Nemuro

The retro packaging of Oranda Senbei evokes a sense of nostalgia. It is sold by Hadeya Kashiten, a confectionery store founded in 1950. The Oranda Senbei itself is said to have first appeared around 1965. Besides Hadeya Kashiten, you can find it at roadside stations and supermarkets in the Eastern Hokkaido area. A pack of four costs about 300 yen, and because it can be stored at room temperature for a long time, many people buy them in bulk.

When it was first released, it was a crispy senbei, but over time, in response to customer requests, it gradually evolved into the soft texture it has today. Because it has a long shelf life and can be eaten quietly, it became popular as a snack for fishermen on their boats and for moviegoers. It has been loved by the citizens of Nemuro for over half a century without any change.

Is the Name "Oranda Senbei" from the Kitamaebune Trading Ships!?

The name "Oranda Senbei" (Dutch Senbei) is said to have originated from a recipe taught by a Dutchman aboard a Kitamaebune trading ship that called at the port of Nemuro. At the time, many shops sold Oranda Senbei, but the number of stores gradually decreased, and now only Hadeya Kashiten in Nemuro continues to preserve the traditional taste.

However, there are various theories about the origin of the name. Some say it's because it resembles Nagasaki's "Oranda-yaki," while others suggest the bumpy surface is similar to the Oranda-zaka (Dutch Slope) in Nagasaki. Many origin stories exist.

The Packaging Feels Like You're Buying Out the Candy Store! What's the Best Way to Eat It?

The slightly retro packaging of Oranda Senbei is part of its charm. Its large size makes you feel like a kid in a candy store, buying snacks in bulk. It has many fans for its simple, faintly sweet taste and its moist, chewy texture. Here are some recommended delicious ways to eat Oranda Senbei.

As It Is

Just open the bag and take a bite! While that works for regular senbei, Oranda Senbei requires a little trick. The key is to "take small bites." Because Oranda Senbei is moist, it won't tear easily if you take a big bite. If you use your teeth to bite off the patterned sections one by one, you can bite through it lightly. For those who find it hard to bite, tearing off a piece to eat is also a good option.

Re-bake

Re-baking means to heat it up again. When you re-bake Oranda Senbei, the surface becomes crispy, just like it's freshly baked! If you prefer a crunchy texture, toast it in an oven toaster for 1-2 minutes until the edges are slightly browned. This way, you can enjoy both a crispy, fragrant exterior and a chewy interior. As it cools, the chewy part becomes crispier, changing the texture.

Not Dipped Bread, but "Dipped Oranda Senbei"

As a snack with low moisture content, Oranda Senbei is also great for dipping into hot drinks. For example, dipping it in hot milk or café au lait gives it a crispy, juicy, and fluffy texture that is so delicious you could eat it endlessly. Dipping it in your favorite beverage will reveal a whole new flavor.

Open-Faced Sandwich Style with Your Favorite Sweets

Characterized by its moist and chewy texture, Oranda Senbei becomes even more delicious when you top it with your favorite sweets after re-baking. For instance, spread ice cream to fit into the bumpy surface of the senbei, add some whipped cream or chocolate, and you have a slightly fancy open-faced sandwich! The ice cream soaks into the senbei. Alternatively, you can simply spread butter or jam, or add red bean paste. Since the flavor of Oranda Senbei is simple, it pairs perfectly with anything.

Perfect as a Hokkaido Souvenir!

Oranda Senbei is a snack loved by many for its simple taste and unique texture. You can savor it slowly, making it an ideal snack for travel or a casual souvenir for friends. The packaging is just a plastic wrap, so it's not bulky and is compact. Be sure to enjoy it with a warm drink!

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