Calbee is Japan’s largest snack food company, founded in Hiroshima in 1949 and now one of the most widely distributed snack brands in Asia. The range is enormous — from shrimp puffs and kettle-style chips to the standout Asian Style Chips line, a premium range built around the complex flavor profiles of regional Asian cuisines. Results vary wildly across the lineup, but the best of it is genuinely great.
Crumbland Favorites
Thai Style Yellow Curry (9.4)
Executes the yellow curry flavor really well — bold yet smooth, sweet yet spicy, with a little heat at the end. Thin and big chips with a light crunch.
Umami Salt (9.0)
Think slightly thicker Wise chips with a savory, salty umami flavor that’s instantly reminiscent of Japanese cooking.
Crisps Wasabi (8.8)
Hits you with a right hook of wasabi flavor right away. Nice nose-tingling bite followed by a great aftertaste. Good harder crunch, kind of similar to a Pringle in shape and size.
Korean Style Spicy BBQ (8.8)
Kind of like if Lay’s made a sweeter version of Utz Crab Chips with a mildly spicy aftertaste. All to say: it’s a damn good chip.
Chinese-Style Spicy Hot Pot (8.7)
A wonderful smoky Szechuan-flavored chip with a kick of acidity and spice. Good shape, nice crunch.
Pizza Potato Chips (7.5)
A decent ridge-cut potato chip with a mild cheese flavor. Doesn’t really taste like pizza, but it’s fine.
Honey Butter Potato Chips (7.4)
A sweet chip that almost tastes like a dessert — bold honey butter flavor that hits immediately before fading into a smooth aftertaste.
Hot & Spicy (7.1)
Similar to a UTZ Red Hot with a mild honey BBQ taste. Thin crunch, hardly spicy at all.
Takoyaki Ball (6.7)
A bit dry, sticks to the roof of your mouth. Doesn’t really taste like takoyaki — mostly a light BBQ with a slight twist. Missing the fish flakes, seaweed, and mayo that make takoyaki what it is.
Shrimp Chips Original (4.6)
Like flavorless Cheetos with a very accurate shrimp aftertaste. Not a compelling flavor, and the crunch isn’t enough to justify.
Shrimp Chips Hot and Garlic (3.8)
Really not a fan despite wanting to be. Shrimp flavor is just too strong, pretty garlicky, not spicy in a good way. Not a fun flavor at any duration.