Mention rice crackers to someone unfamiliar with the Japanese version and they will picture the throat-choking puffed rice type eaten by dieters. Japanese rice crackers, also called senbei or arare, are delicious and varied.
The crackers are made from pounded glutinous rice that is formed into flat squares, rectangles or other shapes, flavoured (usually) with a salty-sweet soy sauce and baked or grilled. They're often wrapped with a thin sheet of seaweed.
Rice crackers can be confusing for the novice because they look fairly similar but can taste very different. However, the shape gives an indication of the flavour: small round balls have peanuts inside and are relatively sweet and delicate, while spicy rice crackers are in the shape of a rather abstract chilli.
Like many other delicious foods, the best-quality senbei can be expensive: they're sold (in Japan) by artisan producers, packaged in beautiful lacquered boxes and are often given as gifts.
For a good selection of rice crackers, head to the Japanese markets such as Apita in Taikoo Shing (tel: 2885 0331), Muji (various outlets), and Sogo Food Hall in Causeway Bay (tel: 2833 8338).
