Nambu Senbei
A beloved traditional cracker enjoyed in the Hachinohe and northern Iwate regions

About Nambu Senbei

Nambu Senbei (南部せんべい, Nambu senbei) is a type of cracker made by crafting a dough from wheat flour and water, then baking it with toppings like sesame seeds or peanuts.

It is a local specialty of Aomori and Iwate Prefectures, where it is widely produced and enjoyed. Nambu Senbei is said to have originated in the Nanboku-chō period when Emperor Chōkei visited the region. Legend has it that an attendant, moved by the Emperor’s hunger, cooked and presented the first version of this snack using a helmet as a baking plate.

This traditional cracker has been passed down in the historical Hachinohe Domain, formerly governed by the Hachinohe Nambu clan.

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