Kataage Potato with Traditional Soy Sauce – Where Art Meets Flavor in a Japanese Snack Adventure!
Hello, snack explorers! Today, I’m excited to introduce an upcoming limited-edition treat: “Kataage Potato with Traditional Soy Sauce”. This isn’t just any snack—it’s a perfect fusion of Japan’s finest soy sauce tradition and the art of Katsushika Hokusai, one of Japan’s most renowned ukiyo-e artists. This special edition won’t be around forever, so get ready for your chance to experience it!
Wait... Hokusai’s Art on Potato Chips? 🎨
That’s right! The packaging of these chips features Katsushika Hokusai’s artwork, specifically a piece called “Hyakunin Isshu Ubaga Etoki: Kakinomoto no Hitomaro.” The name might sound a bit complicated, but don’t worry—I’ll break it down for you.
This artwork is inspired by a poem from the ancient anthology “Hyakunin Isshu”, written by the poet Kakinomoto no Hitomaro. The poem reflects a sense of loneliness during a long, quiet night. However, in Hokusai’s unique interpretation, the scene shifts to fishermen hauling in nets by the sea.
In the illustration, fishermen are warming themselves by a bonfire after their hard work. The smoke from the fire drifts upward, leading the viewer’s gaze to a small figure sitting alone in a hut—a symbolic representation of Hitomaro, embodying the loneliness expressed in his poem. Hokusai’s playful creativity shines through in this fascinating blend of imagery.
Crunchy Texture Meets Sweet, Savory Soy Sauce
When you open the bag, the first thing you’ll notice is the gentle aroma of soy sauce. It’s not overpowering but subtle and refined, hinting at the delicious experience to come.
As you bite into the chips, the crispy, crunchy texture is incredibly satisfying. The flavor unfolds slowly, with a delicate balance of sweetness and umami from the soy sauce. If you’ve ever tried soy sauce from Kyushu, this flavor may remind you of its mellow sweetness. The seasoning is just right—not too salty—allowing the natural flavors to shine through. Before you know it, you’ll be reaching for another chip… and then another!
Crafted with Care: Hieta Soy Sauce’s “Honzen”
The soy sauce used in these chips is no ordinary condiment. It’s “Honzen” soy sauce from Hieta Soy Sauce, a company with over 400 years of history. Known for its traditional brewing techniques and slow fermentation, this high-quality soy sauce is beloved by professional chefs. Each chip is infused with the rich aroma and deep flavors that “Honzen” is known for, elevating the snacking experience.
My Review: Even Black Pepper Fans Will Love This Soy Sauce Flavor
As someone who usually prefers Black Pepper Kataage Potato, I have to say, this soy sauce flavor exceeded my expectations.
First off, the aroma when you open the bag is subtle yet inviting. It doesn’t overwhelm your senses; instead, it gives off a refined, delicate soy scent.
Taking a bite, the crunchy texture is as satisfying as always. But it’s the gentle sweetness and umami of the soy sauce that really stand out. It reminds me of the mellow sweetness of Kyushu-style soy sauce, perfectly balanced without being too salty. The more I chewed, the more the flavors deepened, making each bite even more enjoyable.
What surprised me the most was how easy it was to keep eating. Unlike some salty snacks, this soy sauce flavor never felt too heavy, and before I knew it, the bag was empty. Even as a loyal fan of black pepper chips, I think I may have found a new favorite.
Can’t Find It Now? Look Out for It in OYATSU Club’s Subscription Box!
Since this limited-edition Kataage Potato with Traditional Soy Sauce won’t be available for long, you may not always find it in stores. But don’t worry—there’s still hope! Keep an eye out for OYATSU Club, an upcoming subscription box service that will deliver curated Japanese snacks worldwide.
Although OYATSU Club hasn’t launched yet, there’s a chance that this exclusive flavor might appear in one of their future boxes. If you’re lucky, you could receive this special edition alongside other unique Japanese treats. Stay tuned and be ready for the surprise!
Kataage Potato with Traditional Soy Sauce offers more than just a snack—it’s an immersive experience of Japan’s food culture and artistic heritage. If you get the chance to try it, you’ll be savoring not only the taste of Japan but also a piece of its artistic legacy. Keep your eyes peeled for its release, and enjoy the journey through flavor and art!
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Ingredients |
Potatoes (Japan or USA), Vegetable Oil, Soy Sauce Powder (contains wheat, soybeans), Starch, Salt, Sugar, Glucose, Hydrolyzed Protein (contains chicken, pork), Fructose, Yeast Extract Powder, Kelp Powder / Flavor Enhancers (Amino Acids), Flavoring, Acidulant, Sweetener (Stevia), Antioxidant (Vitamin C) |
| Nutritional Information (per 60g pack) |
Energy: 304 Kcal Protein: 3.8 g Fat: 15.5 g Carbohydrates: 37.3 g Salt Equivalent: 0.7 g |
| Allergens |
Contains: Wheat, Soybeans, Chicken, Pork Note: Manufactured on equipment that also processes other allergens. Please check the package for details. |
| Storage Instructions | Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and high humidity. |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Manufacturer | Calbee |
