Hand-Baked Senbei Experience

[Kitakata's Hidden Soul Food] 'Tamari Senbei' nurtured by famous water and breweries, and an inspiring hand-baking experience

While often overshadowed by ramen and sake, Kitakata has a unique 'Tamari Senbei' culture that has been cherished locally for a long time. The clear underground water from the foot of Mount Iide nurtures exquisite rice, and the 'kura' (brewery) that maintains a constant temperature and humidity supports the brewing of high-quality soy sauce (tamari). The unique climate of this land has miraculously come together to cultivate a delicious senbei culture.

■ A long-established shop founded in 1900, facing a shichirin and charcoal fire

The 'Yamanaka Senbei Honpo' we visit on this tour has been carefully hand-baking each piece over a brick kiln's charcoal fire for over 120 years.

• Maniacal experience: The charm here is the 'hand-baking experience' using traditional shichirin.
• Essence of craftsmanship: A dough that is only about 1mm thick is sandwiched between a special baking stick and slowly held over the charcoal fire.

■ It's like magic! The dough expands 'as if dancing' in excitement

The moment when the heated dough changes to a whitish color and eventually puffs up and expands 'as if dancing' over the charcoal fire is so fascinating that even adults can't help but cheer.

• Dynamic dough: The rhythmic flipping to avoid burning is a simple yet profound experience.
• Devour the freshly made: Enjoy the crispy hot senbei right on the spot. Please savor the inspiring craftsmanship as the fragrant aroma and sweetness of the rice fill your mouth.