Facts About Kappa Ebisen
Kappa Ebisen is a cherished Japanese snack made by Calbee in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima. In the U.S., Calbee America offers a comparable treat known as Shrimp Flavored Chips. These crispy delights are crafted from wheat flour, vegetable oil, starch, shrimp, sugar, salt, baking powder, amino acids, and sweetening agents.
First introduced in 1964, Kappa Ebisen rapidly gained popularity among Japanese snack enthusiasts for its simple, flavorful recipe. It is commonly enjoyed in karaoke bars or as a casual bar snack. By 1966, Calbee began exporting Kappa Ebisen to Hawaii and Southeast Asia. Today, you can find it worldwide, sometimes in intriguing flavors such as curry or spicy variations.
Interestingly, in South Korea, a similar snack called Saewoo Kkang (새우깡) has been produced by Nongshim since 1971. However, this version was created without Calbee's authorization.