Japanese Rice Cracker Mix — dried fruit | G. Detou Paris

The cipangu mix (cipangu being the historical Latin term for Japan) brings together about ten varieties of small rice crackers in an array of colors and flavors: senbei cubes, peanut-stuffed tubes, seaweed strips, and mini Japanese-style pretzels. It makes for a wonderfully complete Asian savory snack that you can munch on endlessly without tiring of it.

Origin listed as China on the manufacturer's label — industrial production of this type of mix is largely handled by China for the European market. The ingredient list is detailed: cornstarch, peanuts, wheat and corn flours, sugar, sesame, soy sauce, seaweed, and spices.

What's in this mix

About ten distinct varieties, visible at a glance: yellow cylinders filled with peanut, green sesame cubes, brown soy sauce sticks, small white ginger puffs. The variety is the whole point — each type brings its own note to the bowl.

Notable allergens: peanuts, gluten (wheat), sesame, soy. Four major allergens present — this product should be strictly avoided by anyone with an intolerance or allergy to any of them.

The name "cipangu" is a medieval Latin term for Japan, cited by Marco Polo. Manufacturers use it to evoke the Japanese inspiration behind the mix, even when production is primarily Chinese for the European market. This is a common commercial convention for this type of product.

Serving ideas

Served as an appetizer in a shared bowl, this mix pairs particularly well with a Japanese beer like Asahi or Kirin, warm saké, or a yuzu-based cocktail.

Alongside miso soup or a dashi broth, serve them on the side in place of bread. The satisfying crunch against a steaming bowl of soup is hard to beat.

For a fusion twist, roughly crush them over a salad of red cabbage, shredded carrots, mango, and cilantro with a soy-sesame dressing. The mix adds crunch and a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness of the vegetables.

For a quick Japanese-style breadcrumb, crush 100 g of cipangu mix with a rolling pin until you get a coarse powder. Use it to coat a chicken breast instead of classic panko. The result is wonderfully aromatic, thanks to the peanuts, sesame, and seaweed in the mix.

For a contemporary fusion dish, crush the cipangu crackers to form a crust on salmon cooked medium or firm tofu. The spiced, salty, crunchy coating that results makes a welcome change from classic breadcrumbs. Pan-fry quickly to preserve the crunch.

The cipangu mix sold in Europe today is largely standardized: Chinese and Thai manufacturers produce it at scale for the European market, with a similar composition from one brand to the next. Variations mainly come down to the level of heat and the degree of saltiness.

Pick-up and storage

Available in a 500 g bag for in-store pickup at our Paris location or for shipping anywhere in France. Store at room temperature with the bag well sealed. The shell of rice crackers is sensitive to moisture — an airtight jar is recommended after opening to preserve the crunch.

If you enjoy Asian-style snacking, you'll also find shrimp chips, toasted nori seaweed, and roasted soybeans on our shelves. The cipangu mix remains the most versatile option for a shared appetizer spread.

For a full appetizer board, we recommend combining cipangu rice crackers with other Asian snacks — edamame, toasted nori, roasted soybeans. The visual and flavor variety is what makes an Asian-inspired appetizer spread so appealing. The cipangu mix brings the spice and the crunch.

In contemporary fusion cooking, the cipangu mix has caught the attention of several European chefs. Crushed into a breadcrumb for coating, blended into a topping for Asian soups, or used as a crust base for oven-baked fish — the range of flavors packed into the mix opens the door to countless creative culinary adaptations.

The cipangu mix is best enjoyed within a few weeks of opening to preserve its crunch — which is its defining characteristic. Beyond a month stored open in a dry environment, the texture that makes this Japanese-inspired snack so distinctive begins to fade. The 500 g bag is sized for regular use.

Frequently asked questions

Which major allergens are present?

Peanuts, gluten (wheat), sesame, soy. Four major allergens. This product should be strictly avoided by anyone with an allergy to any of them.

Should the Chinese origin be a concern?

It's the real origin of the vast majority of cipangu mixes sold in Europe. Quality and ingredient traceability are governed by European import regulations.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes, from around five to six years old. The small rice crackers do not carry the same inhalation risk as whole peanuts. The spice level is minimal.

How long does the mix keep after opening?

Four to six weeks in an airtight jar kept in a dry place. Beyond that, the shells soften and lose their crunch.

Can they be used as a breadcrumb coating?

Absolutely — crushed with a rolling pin, they make an aromatic coating for chicken breast or tofu. The sesame, soy, and spices add a great deal of flavor to the finished dish.

Is Chinese origin safe from a food safety standpoint?

Yes — products imported into the EU must comply with European regulations on contaminants, additives, and residues. Customs inspections upon arrival ensure a standardized level of safety. Flavor quality may vary by brand, but food safety is strictly regulated.