We Tried Lay's Wasabi Chips and So Should You

'We Try It' is a regular series where we try the latest off-beat food and beverage offerings.

The madmen at Lay's have done it again – they’re bold, they’re zesty and they’re refreshingly different. The appetizing offspring of a lonely wasabi root and a potato that just didn’t vibe with the other spuds, wasabi chips will have you reminiscing about that brisk winter evening in rural Osaka where you ate the finest sashimi to ever grace your palate.

Okay, maybe they’re not that good. But Lay’s new wasabi-flavored potato chips are absolutely worth a sample.

We here at That’s are spice fanatics – the more la the better – and admittedly, these chips don’t ignite that adrenaline-inducing, sinus-clearing sensation that wasabi is famous for. In fact, they’re really not spicy at all.

But instead of being a deal-breaker, the chips are still quite tasty and the flavor true to their namesake, lack of heat notwithstanding.

For a fancier experience eating this American-Japanese junk food fusion, serve with soy sauce, ginger and finely sliced raw salmon. And remember, nothing screams ‘classy and refined taste’ like eating chips with chopsticks. 

Alternatively, we recommend cracking an ice-cold can of Asahi – or two, or three – and just kickin’ it on the sofa with suds in one hand and chips in the other. 

It’s worth noting that a similar chip flavor released by Lay’s, Kettle Cooked Wasabi Ginger, took first place in the company’s annual “do us a flavor” contest back in 2014, surpassing Cheddar Bacon Mac & Cheese, Wavy Mango Salsa and, um, Cappuccino.

While we don’t know how the wasabi chips compare to the wasabi ginger version, it’s certainly a good sign when chip lovers of America – the land of junk food – collectively give a snack their nod of approval. 

Bizarre chip flavors are nothing new in China. In fact, just about any kind of strange culinary combination seems to be par for the course here, but these might be Lay’s first attempt at a Japanese-inspired starchy snack in the Middle Kingdom.

So, whether you’re a wasabi lover, a chip fanatic or you just want to check one more thing of the list of foods you never thought you would consume (or even see), head down to your nearest convenience store and treat yourself to some Lay’s wasabi chips. 

For more 'We Try It,' click here.