Thai Snack Report: Exotic Potato Chip Flavors

I recently spotted some exotic potato chip flavors at my local 7-11. And, being a snackfood aficionado and naturally inquisitive to boot, I had to pick ’em up.

My report follows.

Lays Barbeque Spareribs flavor:

Taste: A hearty blend of seasonings lends this chip a full, spicy flavor. Strong finish with hints of cayenne. Musty aroma. Fleeting aftertaste.

Packaging: The Statue of Liberty suggests this exceedingly bold chip’s rightful association with the American frontier mentality.

Suggested pairing: Chang Beer.

Lays Seafood Mayonnaise flavor:

Taste: Highly-acidic hints of Gulf of Thailand squid, Lao mackerel, and Mekong catfish coupled with an earthy mayonnaise bouquet. Heavy shrimp paste seasoning. Intense and lingering aftertaste.

Packaging: Despite the chips’ arguably over-aggressive seasoning, the Eiffel Tower is a fitting tribute to the product’s roots in a storied Gallic culinary tradition.

Suggested pairing: Sang Som.

Tasto Tuna Salad flavor potato chips:

Taste: Surprisingly nuanced and delicate. Tuna — perhaps more of the canned than the sashimi variety — intertwined with mild suggestions of tomato and lettuce flavorings. Rustic aroma. Slightly buttery aftertaste.

Packaging: Rather uninspired.

Suggested pairing: Chocolate Milo.