Nanbu Senbei is a popular cracker in Hachinohe (Aomori Prefecture) and northern Iwate Prefecture. Historically, these areas have suffered from cold weather and crop failures. So, people have focused on cultivating wheat, buckwheat, millet, and other grains that are resistant to cold damage. Nanbu Senbei, made from these flours, became a staple food and is still widely enjoyed today.

The origin of Nanbu Senbei is generally known to be an episode from the Nanbokucho period. Emperor Chokei visited Hachinohe and was struggling to find food. So, his vassal Akamatsu obtained buckwheat flour and sesame seeds from a farmer. Finally, he baked Senbei using his own helmet and presented it to the emperor.

Nanbu Senbei is a simple but flavorful snack made by mixing flour, sugar, salt, and water into a dough, which is then baked in a round mold. In the Hachinohe region, Nanbu Senbei is an indispensable snack that is commonly eaten in households. Various types of Nanbu Senbei from different Senbei shops are sold at department stores and supermarkets in the city. You can also find Nanbu Senbei in some supermarkets regardless of the region! There are a lot of flavors, such as peanuts and squids, but the sesame flavor is the most popular and traditional.

Nanbu Senbei Long-established Shirasawa Senbei store

If you want to visit one of the oldest Nanbu Senbei stores, visit this store! Since 1936, this store has hand-made most of its Nanbu Senbei. Every step, from kneading and rolling the dough to baking in a traditional two-plate kiln, and finally saucing and topping, is done individually by hand!

In addition, if you want to experience making Nanbu Senbei on your own, you can do so! (Number of people: 8, Time: 20 min, Fee: 100 yen per piece)

Location: 2-16 Konyacho, Morioka-shi, Iwate 020-0885

Business hours: 9:00~17:40

TEL: (+81) (0)19-622-7224

Website: https://www.shirasawasenbei.net/

When I visited Morioka, I tried Nanbu Senbei. Senbei is usually salty, but most Nanbu Senbei have mild saltiness and sweetness, and the sesame flavor is especially sweet. Nanbu Senbei is also used in a soup called Senbei-jiru. I haven't tried it myself, but I'm really curious about how the texture of the Senbei changes when added to the soup! If you have the chance, please give it a try!