Dear readers,

Did you know that Calbee, one of Japan’s most famous snack makers, is from Hiroshima?

Today we’d like to introduce the country’s first shop dedicated to Kappa Ebisen. It’s in Hiroshima, the hometown of Calbee!

‘Snack Kitchen my Calbee’ is located here in “youme town Hatsukaichi”.

This mega shopping mall opened in June 2015 in Hatsukaichi city, the area famous for Miyajima Island.

In a corner of the food court on the 3rd floor I spot Snack Kitchen my Calbee! Even though it’s a weekday morning, a line has formed in front of the shop.

This little girl is trying her best to sneak a peek inside the kitchen that makes fresh Kappi Ebisen snacks. The Kappi Ebisen sold at supermarkets, etc. are produced at the factory, but the ones here are deep fried right in front of customers.

Some freshly cooked “special Kappa Ebisen” just came out of the fryer!

Ta-dah!! These are crunchy, warm Kappa Ebisen snacks!

While the “Dekitate my Snack” (background) comes in 4 flavors* including salt and comsomme double punch, the “special Kappa Ebisen” (in front) is made of wild Seto Inland Sea shrimp.

*Flavors change according to season.

In addition to these freshly fried products, here is another product hugely popular as souvenirs!!

The 5 different types of “Mitsugake Kappa Ebisen Karin” (“Mitsugake” refers to flavored syrups) that this product comes in are not offered anywhere else. They include “Setouchi Lemon tea flavor”, “Strawberry flavor” and “Green tea flavor”, etc.! They cannot be ordered online, etc. and are therefore super limited products only available here.

I take a bite, and “Crunch!”. Along with the satisfying sound there is the scent of strawberry and then lemon, followed by the savory fragrance of shrimp. You won’t grow tired of them no matter how many you eat…!!

As it’s only a little under 30 minutes from Miyajima-guchi, including a tramway ride and a little walking, how about giving your feet a short rest after visiting Miyajima, and buying some souvenirs not found anywhere else?

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Snack Kitchen my Calbee
Location: youme Town Hatsukaichi 3rd floor, 2-1-1 Shimohera, Hatsukaichi city, Hiroshima prefecture
Open: 9.00-22.00
Closed: Open year round
Tel: 0829-34-1311 (youme Town Hatsukaichi)

*When you wish to purchase products, you will receive a numbered ticket. As waiting times can be very long (several hours) on weekends and national holidays, we recommend allowing plenty of time for your visit.

http://www.calbee.co.jp/mycalbee/ (Japanese)

Setouchi Finder Photo-writer: Izumi Furukawa