"Oranda Senbei" is a 15cm diameter waffle-like snack with a soft texture. This article introduces the charms and delicious ways to eat Oranda Senbei, which has been loved since around 1965 in Nemuro City, eastern Hokkaido. The more you chew it, the deeper the flavor becomes, and you'll definitely become addicted to its texture!

Dutch rice crackers are a famous Nemuro confectionery

The nostalgic-looking Dutch rice crackers, with their retro packaging, are sold by Hadani Kashiten, which was founded in 1950. It is said that Dutch rice crackers first appeared around 1965. In addition to Hadani Kashiten, they can be purchased at roadside stations and supermarkets in the eastern Hokkaido area. A pack of four costs about 300 yen, and since they can be stored at room temperature for a long time, they are a snack that many people buy in bulk.

When they were first released, they were crispy rice crackers, but as they listened to requests, they gradually became softer in texture as they are today. Due to their long shelf life and quiet nature, they became popular as a snack for fishermen to eat on their boats and at movie theaters, and they have remained beloved by the people of Nemuro for over half a century since their release.

The name "Oranda Senbei" comes from Kitamae-bune ships!

It is said that the name Oranda Senbei comes from the fact that the recipe was given to Oranda Senbei by a Dutchman who was on board a Kitamae ship that called at Nemuro, and was then commercialized. At the time, many shops sold Oranda Senbei, but the number of shops gradually decreased, and now only Hashiya Confectionery Store in Nemuro preserves the flavor.

However, there seem to be many theories about the origin of the name "Oranda Senbei," including that it resembles Nagasaki's Oranda Yaki, or that its bumpy surface resembles Nagasaki's Dutch Hill.

The packaging makes you feel like you're buying a lot of cheap snacks! How to eat them deliciously?

The packaging of Oranda Senbei has a slightly retro feel to it. The size is also large, so you'll feel like you're buying a lot of cheap snacks. There are many fans of the slightly sweet, simple taste and moist, chewy texture. Here we will introduce some recommended ways to eat Oranda Senbei deliciously.

As it is

Just open the bag and bite right into it! That's fine for regular rice crackers, but Dutch rice crackers require a bit of skill. The key is to take small bites. Dutch rice crackers are moist, so if you take a big bite, you won't be able to tear them off. If you bite down lightly, as if you're eating each part of the pattern, you can easily bite off the crackers. Also, if you're not good at chewing, we recommend just tearing off the amount you want to eat and putting it in your mouth.

Rebake

Re-baking means to reheat something. When you re-bake Dutch rice crackers, the surface becomes crispy and the texture changes to that of freshly baked rice crackers! If you want them to be crispy, re-bake them in the toaster oven for 1-2 minutes, until the crust is just a little burnt, and you can enjoy both the crispy, fragrant taste and the chewy texture. When they cool, the chewy parts become crispy and the texture changes.

"Dipping Dutch rice crackers" instead of "dipping bread"

Dutch rice crackers are a snack with less moisture, so they are also recommended to be eaten with hot drinks. For example, if you dip them in hot milk or cafe au lait, they have a crispy and fluffy texture that is so delicious you could eat them forever. If you dip them in your favorite drink, they will have a whole different deliciousness.

Open sandwich style with your favorite sweets

Dutch rice crackers, which are characterized by their moist and chewy texture, are even more delicious when you rebake them and top them with your favorite sweets. For example, you can spread ice cream over the bumps of the crackers, topped with whipped cream or chocolate, and create a stylish open sandwich! The ice cream will soak into the crackers, and you can also simply spread butter, jam, or red bean paste on top. The simple flavor of Dutch rice crackers makes them a great match for anything.

A perfect souvenir from Hokkaido!

Oranda Senbei is a snack loved by many people for its simple taste and texture. It can be eaten slowly and carefully, so it is perfect as a snack on the go or as a casual souvenir for friends. It is wrapped in just plastic, so it is compact and not bulky. Please enjoy it with a hot drink!

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