Kobe Kawara Senbei: Sweet Tile-Shaped Wheat Crackers

Kobe kawara senbei uses wheat flour, sugar and egg rather than rice, pressing a thin sweet batter in tile-shaped molds. Warrior, kikusui and other designs and sizes vary among...

Kobe Kawara Senbei: Sweet Tile-Shaped Wheat Crackers
Illustration showing the defining features of the food.

At a glance

NameKobe Kawara Senbei: Sweet Tile-Shaped Wheat Crackers (Kawara Senbei)
PrefectureHyogo
RegionKansai
TypeCrisp sweet wheat-and-egg crackers pressed in tile molds

What is it?

Kobe kawara senbei uses wheat flour, sugar and egg rather than rice, pressing a thin sweet batter in tile-shaped molds.

Warrior, kikusui and other designs and sizes vary among long-established makers.

History and local context

Kobe City describes it as a Meiji-era hybrid that used flour, sugar and eggs available after the port opened and became a high-collar city souvenir.

It is a multi-maker regional sweet, not one company's exclusive product.

How to enjoy it

View the baked design, break large pieces small and eat with tea or coffee. Keep airtight and check wheat and egg.

Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.

Sources and further reading

Frequently asked questions

Where is Kobe Kawara Senbei: Sweet Tile-Shaped Wheat Crackers from?

It is associated with Hyogo, in the Kansai region of Japan.

What kind of food is Kobe Kawara Senbei: Sweet Tile-Shaped Wheat Crackers?

This guide classifies it as crisp sweet wheat-and-egg crackers pressed in tile molds. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.

Can I order Kobe Kawara Senbei: Sweet Tile-Shaped Wheat Crackers online?

Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.

Order from Japan

Search Rakuten Japan using the original Japanese food name. Search results and product pages may be available only in Japanese.

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