This is the Calbee Kataage Potato Shrimp Salt Garlic, a flavour developed in response to a call for suggestions from the Kataage Potato Support Club, a fan community, for flavours intended to pair well with beer.
The chips varied in size, with most measuring approximately 4 cm in diameter and around 1.5 mm in thickness. They ranged from yellow to light brown in colour and were coated in a fine white seasoning. On opening the bag, they released a rich, savoury shrimp aroma, immediately reminiscent of Calbee Kappa Ebisen.
On tasting, the surface seasoning delivered an initial savoury hit before the chip yielded with a satisfyingly firm, sustained crunch. The shrimp flavour emerged straight away, with salt accentuating its umami, then developing a subtle sweetness. Garlic, present in the background early on, gradually moved to the fore, reinforcing the savoury depth of the shrimp. These layered notes lingered clearly on the palate well after each bite.
Overall, this was a robust, deeply savoury flavour that balanced umami, salt, and garlic effectively, and was easy to see as a natural accompaniment to beer.
This Calbee Kataage Potato Shrimp Salt Garlic contained 60 g. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2026.