Keishindo, a manufacturer of shrimp crackers, was founded in 1866 near the Ohno Port on modern-day Aichi Prefecture’s Chita Peninsula, where shrimp fishing has long prospered.
This is the Keishindo Aburi-yaki Assortment. We picked up this box from a department store in Ōsaka after being lured successfully by the samples.
Abura-yaki is made with shrimp meat mixed with flour, starch, sugar, salt and other ingredients, then mashed into a paste, grilled on an iron griddle and dried to complete the cracker batter. After aging, this batter is cooked in an oven to produce crisp-textured crackers.
The box contained 18 abura-yaki, each around 7.5 cm in diameter and 1-2 mm in thickness.
There were four types of aburi-yaki (clockwise from bottom):
- aka ebi aburi-yaki x 9
- botan ebi aburi-yaki x 3
- ama ebi aburi-yaki x 3
- ebi almond x 3
Aka Ebi Aburi-yaki. This variation stood out with its profound shrimp flavour, evident in both its robust flavour and satisfying crunch. It boasted a thicker profile compared to the botan ebi and the ama ebi. Despite its increased thickness, it managed to achieve an exceptional balance between crispiness and airiness, resulting in a textural experience that conveyed an elevated shrimp quotient.
Botan Ebi Aburi-yaki. Among the selection, this variation stood out for its slim profile, notable density, and pronounced umami character. The profound marine flavour, coupled with a subtle touch of bitterness, marked its distinct flavour profile.
Ama Ebi Aburi-yaki.This rendition featured a gentler, sweeter shrimp flavour compared to the Aka Ebi. With a moderate thickness, it struck a harmonious equilibrium between its crispy exterior and satisfying density.
Ebi Almond. This particular variant was the thickest and offered the most satisfying crunch among the four. The crushed almond provided a pleasant, nutty texture that harmonized beautifully with the vibrant shrimp flavour.
We thoroughly enjoyed these premium crackers. Their indulgent shrimp flavour, flawless crunch, and complete lack of greasiness justified their premium cost.
This Keishindo Aburi-yaki Assortment contained 18 pieces (ama ebi aburi-yaki x 3 pieces, botan ebi aburi-yaki x 3 pieces, aka ebi aburi-yaki x 9, ebi almond x 3). It was produced in Japan and purchased in Ōsaka, Japan in 2023.