Tohato Sakura Shrimp Potato Rings

The other sakura themed item in this box, we have sakura shrimp. Which may not actually be sakura flavored, as sakura shrimp are in fact a type of shrimp. And I can't really say I've even had those before. What I can tell is that this is a variation on the Tohato potato ring I've had before, but the first one was sweet potato flavored, so I expect more of a savory flavor for this one. Also the packaging absolutely enamors me, the triangular pyramid form factor is rarely ever seen so it's a treat to have here. This is also part of the party pack so there are plenty more where this came from!

To my surprise, the potato rings are a bit smaller than I was expecting, but I guess it makes sense given the smaller package. Not much to say about the appearance otherwise, they're rather plain looking but that's to be expected with this type of snack. The potato smell is definitely more dominant here than the shrimp smell but I do get both. I expect the shrimp flavor to play more of a background role here, accenting the potato to provide some extra flavor profile.

Like I predicted, the rings are more dominant on the potato side. The shrimp seems to be a rather sweet shrimp flavor. However, the two flavors don't seem to play off each other as well as I thought. It seems like they're always at odds, which is odd because this seem like it could work ala fish and chips. But the shrimp and potato do seem to be in their own universes, only overlapping occasionally.

I don't really think I get anything significant from eating this either. It's not quite satisfying, and I don't enjoy either the potato or shrimp flavors because they're always clashing with each other. It's not quite enough of a savory taste, or enough of a sweet taste. Definitely left feeling underwhelmed here, which was a shame, because I had high hopes for this after the last shrimp snack.

Rating: 2 - Awrr

Calbee Sapporo Potato Vegetable Chips

Long overdue review here, as I also received this as part of a Christmas mystery pack at my local Japanese market. I'm really surprised why, because it looks rather promising, who doesn't love veggie chips? They're always nice for throwing some extra splashes of flavor into your traditional potato chips, whether they're actually healthier or just tricking you into thinking you're eating healthier.

As shown the potato sticks are quite tiny, more akin to the size of shoestring fries. But as promised there are the little splashes of vegetable color in here. The bag smells like the typical veggie chips, potato with all those other vibrant flavors and some salt.

A bite reveals these to have that same pleasing flavor of the mixed vegetables, and surprisingly not over-salted which is a good thing in my book. Though I have quite a few qualms with the texture and size, as it is there's a heavy crunch to these on the outside and a seemingly almost-hollow inside, which means with every bite there's something lacking, I want so much more of the flavor. It feels like a snack that's on the right path, but doesn't quite hit the mark of satisfaction. Even putting two or more in my mouth leaves something to be desired... So as a whole I'd go with the usual American brand veggie chips over these, these seem to stop a little bit short in terms of flavor and texture.

Rating: 4 - Boof!

Potato Chips Salt and Hokkaido Konbu

Two potato chips in one Japan Crate, both with the same konbu (kelp) flavoring? That's questionable curation to say the least. But maybe this one will be different in a significant way, who knows. These potatoes come from Hokkaido, which is... *looks up* an island in Japan. Cool! It may not have any impact on the potatoes but it's cool to know where they come from. Maybe I'll move my den there if they taste good.

On first sight and sniff, these potatoes seem to be pretty much the same as the other ones. Normal potato chip flavor with a slight umami tint to them. Once again look liked they are cooked just right. On first bite however I wish the texture could be a little bit crisper, it was a little soft. But the flavor is on point. It's everything you might expect from Lay's except Japanese. Although I do get that slight umami flavor from it, it's ever so subtle and only comes out every once in a while. Though I do think that flavor is more prevalent than the other ones, especially in the aftertaste. There is also a strong salt flavor in these chips, which could be overbearing but it manages not to be and end up being just right. I think overall these get the edge over the other chips in the pack for a more noticeable umami flavor.

Rating: 7 - Aroof!

Koikeya Savory Salt Potato Chips

At first glance these just look like plain potato chips, granted with 100% on the bag twice for whatever reason. However, these chips have their own Japanese touch to them in the form of an umami flavor consisting of bonito flakes, anchovies, and konbu (kelp). So basically land meets see, potatoes with a touch of the ocean's offerings. Guess I'll find out if that's a pleasant marriage.