Seeing rice crackers made using time-honoured techniques, in suitably traditional settings, is nice to say the least. Better still, however, is the aroma, as despite their simplicity, the resultant snacks smell absolutely sensational.
The difference between hand made and machine made is stunning, making hand made worth the added expense (and occasional effort) to get. Senbei is one of the simple delights of Japan.
Yes, totally agree — on both counts. There’s such great variety of them too. Once had a crushed red pepper covered one from a shop similar to this. It was without a doubt the hottest thing I’ve ever eaten. Clearly not meant to be wolfed down in one go like I stupidly did. Still really good though.
I would love to find little traditional places like these in my next trip there, because the process, as well as the actual product looks quite entrancing to me.
I get lost in photographs like this. And then forget to comment 🙂
I went and had a rice cracker after I’d seen this. But what we get here sadly just smells faintly of wet cardboard.
Looking forward to tasting the real deal. 13 days and counting 🙂
Harry says
Great scene. Now I’m really hungry…..
Lee says
Cheers. The smell from those freshly made crackers would make even the fullest person feel hungry!
Dan Waldhoff says
The difference between hand made and machine made is stunning, making hand made worth the added expense (and occasional effort) to get. Senbei is one of the simple delights of Japan.
Lee says
Yes, totally agree — on both counts. There’s such great variety of them too. Once had a crushed red pepper covered one from a shop similar to this. It was without a doubt the hottest thing I’ve ever eaten. Clearly not meant to be wolfed down in one go like I stupidly did. Still really good though.
Denton says
Cool shot but I want to experience that smell too! 😉
Lee says
Haha, I bet. Don’t want to rub it in too much, but it really does smell absolutely wonderful!
J. P. Garcia says
I would love to find little traditional places like these in my next trip there, because the process, as well as the actual product looks quite entrancing to me.
Lee says
There are quite a few of them to be seen, so with a bit of luck you’ll hopefully stumble upon one.
cdilla says
I get lost in photographs like this. And then forget to comment 🙂
I went and had a rice cracker after I’d seen this. But what we get here sadly just smells faintly of wet cardboard.
Looking forward to tasting the real deal. 13 days and counting 🙂
Lee says
There’s a lot to take in, isn’t there? The shop must have been there for a long time. A family business I assume.
Not long now til you can try the freshly made ones!