Type of Senbei
Atsuyaki Senbei
Atsuyaki senbei are relatively thick. They are usually baked slowly at a low temperature. Because of their thickness, they are crunchy and chewy. They are usually seasoned with soy sauce or salt, and the method and flavor vary by region.
Usuyaki Senbei
Usuyaki senbei are thinly baked rice crackers. The thinness of the cracker gives it a crispy texture and a savory flavor. Usuyaki senbei are usually flavored with soy sauce, salt or sweet. They are popular as snacks and tea cakes.
Age Senbei
Deep fried rice crackers are made by deep frying glutinous rice dough. Deep frying gives them a crispy texture and they are usually salted or sweetened. Deep frying increases the flavor and richness of the rice.
Nure Senbei
Nure-sembei is a snack made by soaking baked rice crackers in soy sauce while they are still hot, giving them a moist texture.
Nure-sembei was created around 1960 as a failed attempt at rice crackers. The rice crackers soaked in the sauce even inside the dough were given away to customers and neighbors because they were not for sale, and they became so popular that they were commercialized.