Hello! This is Chida from the Holiday Travel editorial team! ✨
This is the 4th installment of our regional snack and souvenir introduction series.
There are still so many regional snacks across Japan that I want to introduce, so I'll keep this series going!
Today, I'm introducing potato chips sold exclusively in the Kansai area. Even though they're both "Kansai Dashi Soy Sauce" flavor, they're completely different products!
Two Types of "Kansai Dashi Soy Sauce" Flavor
Available in parts of the Chubu and Kinki regions, these are Calbee's two "Kansai Dashi Soy Sauce" flavored varieties:
- Kata-age Potato (Hard-Baked Potato) Kansai Dashi Soy Sauce
- Potato Chips Kansai Dashi Soy Sauce
I first discovered these products about 3 years ago. Ever since then, I buy them every time I visit the Kansai area - they're my favorite snacks!
Same Flavor, Totally Different! Tasting Comparison
Kata-age Potato (Hard-Baked Potato) Kansai Dashi Soy Sauce
As the name suggests, these have a firm texture with a satisfying crunch. The flavor is rich and intense, with a robust "dashi soy sauce" taste. This bold flavor makes them perfect as a drinking snack! I highly recommend enjoying them with beer or highball.
Potato Chips Kansai Dashi Soy Sauce
This is the regular potato chip style. With a milder seasoning, you can munch on them casually as a snack. The light, crispy texture makes them dangerously addictive - you just can't stop eating!
Personally, I prefer the taste of the regular Potato Chips version, but both are appealing in their own way, so I definitely recommend trying both to compare!
Souvenir Rating
Starting with this article, I'll be rating whether these snacks are recommended as souvenirs based on the following criteria! Please note this is my super personal evaluation, so take it as a reference!
Regional Authenticity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Kansai area-exclusive "dashi soy sauce" flavor is truly a regional taste!Value for Money: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Since you can easily buy them at supermarkets and convenience stores, they're affordable - perfect score!Portability: ⭐️
The large bags are bulky, which is the downside...Availability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
You can find them at supermarkets and convenience stores.Appearance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I generally love the flashy packaging of snack foods!Final Thought: Since they take up a lot of space in your suitcase, I recommend enjoying them while relaxing at your accommodation rather than bringing them home 👍
Summary
How did you like these Kansai-limited "Kansai Dashi Soy Sauce" flavored potato chips? Each of the two varieties has its own unique charm, so when you visit Kansai, be sure to grab both and enjoy comparing them!
Stay tuned for the next regional snack introduction!
