Regional potato chips have become a standard souvenir I buy for myself. They keep well, and although they cost more than convenience-store chips, they are an easy recommendation for anyone already in the habit of buying snacks.
I bought these Japanese Spiny Lobster Potato Chips at Ichihara Service Area as well.
Ichihara Service Area is fun because it carries so many regional sweets.
The potato chips were prominently displayed at the end of an aisle, so I put a bag in my basket.
I bought nearly every kind on this shelf, which was slightly embarrassing at the register. Still, that is unavoidable for a souvenir reporter.
Japanese Spiny Lobster Potato Chips (Showa Bussan)
Spiny lobster as a Chiba specialty? And what does lobster combined with potato chips taste like? I was curious.
A photograph of a spiny lobster against a rough sea dominates the eye-catching package.
The back contains plenty of trivia, including the claim that Chiba has Japan’s largest spiny-lobster catch. I did not know that.
It also explains that spiny lobsters mainly eat shellfish and crabs. Since I also love crab, shrimp, and shellfish, perhaps eating one lobster is like enjoying all three at once.
A 120-gram bag cost 378 yen.
The best-before date is printed on the back, and the chips keep for 120 days from manufacture.
I was about to tear the bag open dramatically as usual when I noticed a convenient tear notch.
What Did Japanese Spiny Lobster Potato Chips Taste Like?
Time to try them.
The salt level is restrained, giving the chips a clean, light taste.
Although spiny-lobster powder is used, the lobster flavor is not especially strong. Only a faint shrimp-like aroma appears in the finish.
Honestly, without being told they were lobster chips, I might assume they were simply lightly salted.
The package promises such a powerful lobster experience that the mild flavor was slightly anticlimactic.
As potato chips, however, they were simple and tasty. I love shrimp flavor and wanted a much stronger impact, but people who are less obsessed with seafood may find the balance just right.
The dramatic package also makes them a fun conversational souvenir.
Thank you for the treat.
See the page below for more Chiba souvenirs.
Japanese Spiny Lobster Potato Chips Product Info, Expiration Date, Manufacturer
| Product Name | Japanese Spiny Lobster Potato Chips |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer / Seller | Showa Bussan |
| Address | 1056-1 Nishicho, Kamogawa, Chiba |
| Expiration Date | 120 days from manufacture |
| Place of Purchase | Ichihara Service Area (Outbound) |
| Price | ¥378 |
