This is the Koikeya Pride Potato Nihon no Kamiwaza Jōmon Kauru Hotate Dashi.
This flavour is inspired by Japan’s rich dashi culture, which is believed to have originated in the Jōmon period with the advent of pottery. The Jōmon ruins in Hokkaidō, Aomori, Akita, and Iwate prefectures are recognised as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, preserving the history and traditions of the Jōmon people, who lived by gathering, fishing, and hunting in harmony with nature. A portion of the sales from this product is donated to these prefectures to support the preservation of the Jōmon ruins.
This particular flavour highlights the essence of Jōmon dashi, combining the rich flavours of the sea and mountains. It features key regional ingredients: Hokkaidō kelp, Aomori scallops, Akita shottsuru (fish sauce), and Iwate shiitake mushrooms.
The chips measured approximately 0.7 mm in thickness, with a diameter ranging from 3 to 5 cm. They had a pale to golden yellow hue and an intensely oceanic aroma.
On tasting, the flavour opened with a mellow savouriness and a subtle sweetness from the fish and scallop. As the bite progressed, the depth of umami intensified, with the richness of shottsuru becoming more pronounced. The earthy shiitake emerged prominently in the body, just ahead of the rich potato flavour that lingered in the finish. While the initial aroma was strong, the taste itself was well-balanced, delivering a complex and deeply savoury profile characteristic of Japanese-seasoned chips. The overall flavour was distinctive, making these chips a delicious and worthwhile purchase.
This Koikeya Pride Potato Nihon no Kamiwaza Jōmon Kauru Hotate Dashi contained 53 g. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2024.