When I was in Argentina a few years ago I found a bag of potato chips with a flavor I had never encountered before–Patagonia Lamb. I wasn’t sure I would like the taste, but I had to buy a bag to satisfy my curiosity. It took a little time to get used to the flavor, but they were definitely edible.
You wouldn’t think you could learn about a country by tasting its potato chips, but I think you can (not that I need more excuses to eat them). There are some flavors that are popular in many countries (eg. Salt and Vinegar), and others whose popularity might be unique to a certain country (eg. Consommé).
I have tried some of the brands below (Pehuamar, Old Dutch, Kettle Foods), and I am very interested in trying the others (Eta, Jonathan Crisp, Walkers); in the case of the Calbee chips, I may never get the chance. Apparently it’s common in Japan for new flavors to be introduced and then quickly replaced, so the flavors I’ve listed below may not currently be available. For photos of the types of Japanese chips listed, go to greggman.com.
Pehuamar (Argentina)
- Bife Criollo (Steak with Onions and Sweet Peppers)
- Cordero Patagonico (Patagonia Lamb)
- Provoleta (Grilled Provolone Cheese)
- Tomate y Hierbas (Tomato and Herbs)
Old Dutch (Canada)
- Buffalo Wings
- Cheddar & Sour Cream
- Crispy Bacon
- Dill Pickle
- Ketchup
- Onion’n Garlic
Kettle Foods (USA)
- New York Cheddar with Herbs
- Honey Dijon
- Yogurt & Green Onion
- Roasted Red Pepper with Goat Cheese
- Spicy Thai
- Cheddar Beer
Eta (New Zealand)
- Chilli & Sour Cream
- Feta & Italian Herbs
- Honey Soy Chicken
- Mature Cheddar & Caramelized Onion
- Roast Chicken, Sage & Onion
- Roast Lamb & Mint
- Smoked Salmon & Capers
- Sundried Tomato & Balsamic Vinegar
Jonathan Crisp (UK)
- Black Olive & Garlic
- Black Pepper & Ginger
- Horseradish & Sour Cream
- Mature Cheddar & Red Onion
- Sundried Tomato & Basil
Walkers (UK)
- Heinz Tomato Ketchup
- Lamb & Mint
- Marmite Yeast Extract
- Pickled Onion
- Prawn Cocktail
- Steak & Onion
Calbee (Japan)
- Caesar Salad
- Caramel Butter
- Cheese Curry
- Consommé
- Kimchee
- Mapodoufu (Tofu in a Spicy Pork Sauce)
- Tandori Chicken
Good karma: priceless. For everything else, there’s 
December 9th, 2006 at 8:37 pm
[...] See the list here. [...]
January 7th, 2007 at 10:03 pm
What a fantastic website. I loved the link to the 32 weirdly specific museums. Who knew we had a hat musuem here in Portland. Can’t wait to come back and read more of Joe’s Blog.
March 27th, 2007 at 6:42 am
We just had most of the NZ chips on our trip down there and fell in love with the lamb & mint. It’s really a Willy Wonka moment when you realize a potato chip tastes like a full gourmet dinner.
Now if you can just tell us how to order these yummies online, I’ll be happy.
BT
October 13th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
I just returned from Greece and we had much discussion and adventure trying all the different chips there. There was a chip freak in our group, which made it all the more fun. We all agreed that potato chips deserved a whole chapter in the vacation log. Paprika Pringles were a favorite, while we found the oregano chips inedible.