Arare Crackers: Learn About Japanese Rice Crackers

Arare is a traditional Japanese snack food consisting of rice crackers flavored with shōyu (soy sauce) and various seasonings. The name comes from the Japanese word for “snow pellet,” as the rice crackers are typically about the same size and shape as bits of hail. Arare gets its airy puff and light crunch from the same glutinous rice as wagashi sweets like mochi. Arare is gluten-free and typically enjoyed alongside beer, as trail mix, or prepared in honor of specific festivals.

There are many different types of arare, from regional styles to mixed arare, which feature an assortment of flavors and specialty ingredients, like wasabi peas.

1. 1. Hina-arare: This bright and multi-colored mix of crackers is a core component of Hinamatsuri, or Doll’s Day, a special celebration in Japanese culture.
2. 2. Norimaki arare: Norimaki arare are cylindrical rice crackers wrapped in small pieces of dried, roasted nori seaweed.
3. 3. Kaki no tane arare: This popular bar mix combines small crescent-shaped pieces of senbei with red Iso peanuts.

Arare and senbei, another type of rice cracker, are both popular snacks in Japanese cuisine with two key differences: size and main ingredients. Senbei are larger flat palm-sized discs made from joshinko (non-glutinous) rice available in many different flavors—among the most popular are black sesame seeds, chili powders like togarashi, split black soybeans, or dusted with sugar. Arare are bite-sized crackers made from glutinous rice and soy sauce (some arare mixes include pieces of senbei).

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