This is the Calbee Kataage Potato Shichimi & Sesame Oil, a fan-sourced flavour pairing shichimi tōgarashi with sesame oil.

The chips varied in size, with most being relatively small at around 4 cm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness. They ranged in colour from golden yellow to deep brown, generously flecked with red and green seasoning. The aroma was rich and savoury, with a distinctive depth that suggested sesame oil as the key differentiator.

On tasting, the chips delivered a deeply satisfying thick crunch. Nutty, earthy notes of sesame oil emerged immediately, coating the palate with mellow savouriness and a gentle sweetness before yielding to the sharp lift of chilli pepper. The heat built progressively, settling at the back of the throat, persisting into the finish, and intensifying with each successive chip. Despite the strength of the spice, it never overwhelmed, allowing the sesame oil’s aromatic warmth to remain present throughout.

Overall, an elegant balance of savoury depth and spicy heat, with the sesame oil lending a unique complexity that set these apart as a distinctive and memorable flavour.

This Calbee Kataage Potato Shichimi & Sesame Oil contained 60 g. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2025.