It's the perfect season for beer! And to truly enjoy that blissful, refreshing drink that gets you through the heat, a tasty snack is essential. As a lover of both spicy food and alcohol, I'm here to introduce the ultimate snack that is cheap, delicious, and easy to eat.
This time, I’m spotlighting Hizatsuki's “Geki-Gobo Fried Arare.” All I can say is, you have to try it... it's seriously Geki-Gobo (intensely burdock).
Hizatsuki’s Geki-Gobo Fried Arare
The product name alone packs a punch, and coupled with the eye-catching packaging, I couldn't resist grabbing Hizatsuki Seika’s "Geki-Gobo Fried Arare."
Hizatsuki Seika is a confectionery company based in Tochigi Prefecture, set to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025—a true veteran in the industry.
Shockingly Intense Gobo Flavor
The packaging boasts, "Unleashing the full potential of burdock root," and this is no exaggeration.
The moment you open the package, the aroma of burdock (gobo) hits you hard—almost like a punch to the nose. It's fragrant, smoky, and gives off that irresistible scent that just screams, pair me with a drink.
見た目は素朴で軽い作りなので、アラレというよりスナック風。食感は“サクッ”ではなく“ザクッ”としていて、軽いけれど食べ応えがあります。
味付けは甘じょっぱい、言うなればごぼうのキンピラともいえる甘辛お醤油味ですが、それ以上にごぼうの味が濃厚！ サクサクに揚げたごぼうを食べているような感覚になります。
スナック系といえばビールを合わせたくなりますが、ここはあえて日本酒や焼酎で楽しみたいところ。甘辛系の味付け、そしてごぼうは赤ワインとの相性もいいので、次に購入した際には赤ワインと一緒にいただいてみようと目論んでいます。
The appearance is humble, almost like a simple snack rather than traditional arare (rice crackers). The texture isn’t the usual light crunch, but rather a satisfying crisp-crunch. It's light but gives you a substantial bite.
The flavor is a perfect blend of sweet and salty, reminiscent of Kinpira Gobo (a classic sweet and savory Japanese dish made from burdock), but the gobo flavor is even more pronounced. It feels like you’re eating crispy, fried burdock itself.
While this might seem like a snack that pairs perfectly with beer, I recommend trying it with sake or shochu. The sweet-salty profile also makes it a surprisingly great match for red wine, so the next time I grab a bag, I plan to try it with a glass of wine as well.
Snack Rating: 100 – Instantly Devoured!
I’m the kind of person who likes to sample a variety of snacks without necessarily finishing the whole bag. But this Geki-Gobo Fried Arare was an exception.
The size is just right, the seasoning is spot on, and with that intense gobo flavor, I couldn't stop reaching for more. It disappeared in seconds—an instant knockout. It's not just a great snack for adults enjoying a drink, but also an excellent treat for kids.
With its catchy name and packaging design, this snack is sure to spark conversation at any drinking gathering. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to liven up their drinking sessions!
You can find “Geki-Gobo Fried Arare” at 7-Eleven. If you spot the bright yellow package, be sure to grab one for your next happy hour!
