This is the Calbee Kappa Ebisen Sakuraebi. This was part of their ‘Ebisen’ series that used whole seasonal shrimp in each flavour: amaebi for winter, sakuraebi for spring, and shiroebi for summer.
The crackers were about 5 mm in diameter and varied in length from 4-5 cm. They were a pink hue and dusted in a fine white seasoning and had a mellow shrimp aroma.
The light savoury notes from the dusted salt developed swiftly upon munching through the light and crisp texture of the crackers, immediately releasing the shrimp flavour infused in them. The shrimp flavour was distinct, with mellow oceanic notes and subtle sweetness mirroring that of the shrimp itself. The shrimp flavour was more delicate than amaebi, being less strong and less sweet, yet enjoyable in its own right. Towards the finish, the crisp crackers culminated in a melt-in-the-mouth sensation, with the mellow shrimp flavour lingering in the aftertaste, enticing us to reach for another.
This Calbee Kappa Ebisen Amaebi contained 50 g. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2024.