Pepper & Sesame Cracker — dried fruit | G. Detou Paris

The pepper and sesame craquelin is the savory cocktail snack we recommend to fans of Eastern and Japanese-inspired flavors. A thin shell made from wheat flour and semolina, scattered with sesame seeds and lifted with black pepper. A clean, satisfying crunch, lightly salted, perfect alongside a dry Japanese-style pilsner.

The label lists the full composition: rice flour, sunflower oil, salt, sugar, maltodextrin, black sesame, garlic, black pepper, powdered milk, onion. It's the classic formula for an Asian-inspired apéritif cracker produced for the European market.

Why this craquelin

The 300 g size is ideal for a shared apéritif between four to six guests, or several family snacking sessions. The shell is thin enough to stay crisp for a long time as long as the bag is properly resealed — something we check systematically on every delivery.

The pepper-sesame combination works like a classic duo from Japanese cuisine. The sesame brings a buttery, toasted quality; the pepper follows on the finish with a gentle heat. We steer clear of the overly sweet crackers you often find in supermarkets.

Japanese crackers (senbei, arare) belong to a family of savory rice- or flour-based biscuits, traditionally enjoyed with green tea. This modern pepper-and-sesame version draws inspiration from traditional arare but adapts to the European market with a slightly more pronounced crunch and saltiness.

Serving ideas

At apéritif time, serve in a separate bowl. The craquelin holds its own on its own, but pairs beautifully with a dip: classic hummus, tarama, or simply an herb cream cheese. To stay in the Japanese register, a mayonnaise-shichimi-wasabi dip works wonderfully.

As a soup accompaniment, serve them alongside in place of bread. The crisp texture contrasts beautifully with a miso soup, a butternut squash velouté, or a pho broth.

For a more creative use, crush them with a rolling pin and use as a breadcrumb coating for chicken breast or firm tofu. The crunchy coating delivers the double benefit of sesame and pepper.

For a fusion apéritif spread, pair the craquelins with a dip made from Greek yogurt, white miso, and a touch of sesame oil. The salty, smoky edge of the miso responds particularly well to the craquelin's flavor profile. Served in small individual bowls, it makes for an elegant presentation.

For an even more inventive use, crushed craquelins can serve as a crunchy topping on black sesame ice cream (a contemporary Japanese recipe) or a matcha-based dessert. The contrast between the sweet, cold ice cream and the spiced pepper-sesame crunch works especially well in a fusion context.

Japanese rice crackers (senbei and arare) have been part of snack culture in Japan since the 19th century. Modern black pepper versions are Western adaptations of the traditional concept — the original Japanese version is typically pepper-free, seasoned simply with soy sauce.

Storage and delivery

The 300 g bag is available for in-store pickup at our Paris location or for delivery anywhere in France. Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Best before date as stated by the manufacturer: twenty-four months from production, provided storage instructions are followed.

If the bag softens after several weeks once opened, a quick 3-minute pass in the oven at 120 °C is all it takes to restore the crunch. This technique applies to most Japanese-style crackers.

Among savory apéritif snacks, the pepper and sesame craquelin is the option that breaks away from the classic salted almond without veering into the exotic. It's a product we recommend to customers looking to diversify their apéritif spread without overcomplicating the preparation. The 300 g size is sized for two shared apéritif occasions.

At our Paris store, we happily recommend these craquelins alongside a warm saké or a Japanese beer such as Asahi. The crispy-spicy-bitter pairing works particularly well with these drinks. For a more European spread, pair them with an herb cream cheese and a glass of very mineral dry white wine.

Frequently asked questions

Gluten allergen?

Yes, the craquelin contains wheat flour — a declared allergen listed on the label.

Is it dairy-free?

No. The ingredient list includes powdered milk. Not suitable for those with lactose intolerance or a milk protein allergy.

How spicy is the pepper?

Mild. The black pepper is dosed to enliven without overwhelming. Children from around age eight generally enjoy them.

How long will they keep once the bag is opened?

Three to four weeks in a properly resealed bag stored in a dry place. In an airtight jar, they hold for two to three months without any loss of texture.

Can they be used as a breadcrumb coating?

Absolutely. Finely crushed with a rolling pin or mortar, they make a highly aromatic coating for fish, tofu, or chicken.

What drinks pair best?

Dry Japanese-style pilsner, warm saké, very mineral dry white wine (Chablis, Sancerre), yuzu gin and tonic. The craquelin calls for dry, mineral drinks that don't mask the sesame and pepper notes.