This is the Naniwa Arare Ebi Sugataya, or whole grilled shrimp rice cracker.

Each cracker measured approximately 6 cm in diameter and 0.5 cm in thickness. It featured a single whole grilled shrimp, embedded at the centre, imparting a robust savoury shrimp fragrance. Upon tasting, the shrimp’s presence within the cracker, responsible for the batter’s distinctive pink and white hue, contributed a delectably sweet shrimp flavour. This flavour was further intensified by a delicate sprinkling of salt. The incorporation of the grilled shrimp at the core introduced an additional layer of textural complexity. Its crispness was more refined compared to the firm crunch of the rice cracker itself, while its briny sea flavour was boldly pronounced. Although these crackers might not boast the visually intricate design seen in Keishindo’s three-dimensional whole-grilled shrimp variant, the overall taste experience was immensely gratifying. Notably, these crackers delivered exceptional flavour at a fraction of the cost of premium rice crackers. We wouldn’t hesitate to consider repurchasing them.

This Naniwa Arare Ebi Sugataya contained 80 g or 20 crackers. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Ōsaka, Japan in 2023.