This is the Honke Owariya Soba-ita Kurogoma. Honke Owariya, established in 1465 in Kyōto, derives its name from its founders who relocated from the Owari region, presently known as Nagoya.
The soba-ita is created by thinly kneading buckwheat dough, resembling the soba-making process, followed by cutting it into small strips. These strips are then crisply baked using an ichimonji-gama, an iron pot historically employed during tea ceremonies.
The soba-ita featured a sprinkling of black sesame, with each of the three pieces in the package measuring around 7 x 2 x 0.1 cm. Upon tasting, the cracker had a sturdy structure accompanied by a satisfying, snappy crispness. An initial delicate sweetness unfolded, interspersed with bursts of nutty notes from the black sesame. This profile subsequently evolved, transitioning into a comforting savoury aspect as the robust flavour of buckwheat took precedence during the finish. The pronounced crispness of these crackers, coupled with the subtle sweetness harmoniously counterbalanced by the wholesome warmth of buckwheat, rendered them an apt companion for tea.
This Honke Owariya Sobaita Kurogoma contained 1 package containing 3 pieces. It was produced in Japan and received as a gift in Sydney, Australia in 2022.