Calbee Kappa Ebisen is a popular classic snack in Japan, so I bought some to try during this trip! I originally thought it would taste similar to Taiwan’s Hsia Wei Hsien shrimp snack, but it was actually a little different. Kappa Ebisen has a crispier texture and a light shrimp aroma when you bite into it. The more you chew, the more flavorful it gets, without being too heavily seasoned. Although they’re both shrimp-flavored snacks, each has its own distinctive flavor!
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Kappa Ebisen
A delicious shrimp snack that is hard to stop eating♪
3.25
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A shrimp snack famous for its “Bet you can’t stop eating Kappa Ebisen♪” commercials.
Roasted rather than deep-fried, it has a savory flavor and crispy texture.
Whole wild shrimp, including their shells, are kneaded into the wheat dough, making this tasty snack a source of calcium as well.
A longtime favorite first launched in 1964.
Highlights
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Bite-sized and easy to eat.
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Roasted rather than deep-fried for a savory flavor and crispy texture.
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Made with whole wild shrimp, shells and all, for a rich shrimp aroma.
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Not deep-fried and contains calcium, making it a snack you can feel less guilty about eating.
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In addition to the standard product, the lineup includes a version with 35% less salt, a lightly seasoned variety that melts easily in the mouth for children ages 1 and up, the Zeppin series that pairs well with alcoholic beverages, and the 100% series made with different varieties of shrimp.
Photos
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Popular with both adults and children for its irresistible taste
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Kappa Ebisen for children ages 1 and up
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A wide selection of limited-time and regional varieties is also available
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Can I return or exchange a product if I discover a problem after opening it?
A
We will accept the product for inspection. Please enclose the name of the store where it was purchased and the purchase date, then send the product in its original packaging to us with shipping charges billed to the recipient.
100-0005
22nd Floor, Marunouchi Trust Tower Main Building
1-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Calbee, Inc. Customer Service Office
Q
Is Kappa Ebisen deep-fried?
A
Kappa Ebisen is not deep-fried. It is made by roasting. This savory roasting process creates the distinctive crispy texture of Kappa Ebisen.
However, because the snack would otherwise not go down as smoothly, an appropriate amount of oil is sprayed onto it during the seasoning process to give it a smoother texture and mouthfeel. Although it is not deep-fried, oil is used.
Q
Where does the name “Kappa Ebisen” come from?
A
The kappa is a legendary creature that has long been familiar to people in Japan.
During the Showa 20s (1945-1954), a manga titled Kappa Tengoku by the late artist Kon Shimizu became popular.
At the time, Calbee was making and selling arare rice crackers from wheat flour. The company asked Shimizu to draw kappa characters on the product packaging, and the resulting Kappa Arare series became popular with customers.
Although shrimp have been the main feature of the packaging since the product was launched in 1964, meaning that no kappa illustration appeared on it, the name has remained. Today, customers widely recognize Kappa Ebisen as a Calbee snack.
Reviews
3
Some reviews are AI-translated.
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At first glance, when you see Calbee’s Kappa Ebisen, you can’t help but think, isn’t this just the Japanese version of Taiwan’s Hsia Wei Hsien shrimp snacks? It’s interesting that Taiwan and Japan have such similar classic snacks. They’re long, thin, and hollow, with a light shrimp aroma. They’re crispy, not overly seasoned, and increasingly addictive the more you eat. Besides the classic shrimp flavor, you may also come across different limited-edition flavors, so I can’t help keeping an eye out whenever I browse the supermarket. These crackers are easy to find at convenience stores and supermarkets throughout Japan. They’re great for snacking while watching shows or whenever you’re craving something—a timeless national favorite!
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My first encounter with Calbee Kappa Ebisen was actually while feeding seagulls at Amanohashidate. Later, I couldn’t resist buying a bag at the supermarket to try for myself, and I found the flavor really appealing.
Although they look a little like the shrimp crackers commonly found in Taiwan, they actually have a lighter flavor and aren’t too salty at all, allowing you to taste the pure shrimp flavor even more. During this trip to Okinawa, I was also pleasantly surprised to find a special locally exclusive flavor.
I like the individually wrapped small bags, which are extremely convenient to carry around. Whenever I got hungry during the trip, I could simply pull a bag out of my backpack and immediately satisfy my craving. If you’re craving a small savory snack, I highly recommend keeping a few bags in your backpack. They’re definitely a great companion for satisfying cravings while traveling.
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Details
- Name in Japanese
- かっぱえびせん
- Manufacturer
- Calbee, Inc.
- Where to Buy
- Supermarkets, convenience stores, and other retailers throughout Japan
- Price
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Open pricing (estimated retail price: around ¥170 including tax)
Prices may vary by retailer. - Calories
- 380 kcal
- Net Weight
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77 g
Also available in various other sizes - Best-Before Period
- 6 months
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)