Cassava chips. Which are also known as tapioca chips to some others.
I am not a potato chip fan. Yes I admit, a bag of potato chips does not bring any excitement to me. I do, however, fancy cassava (tapioca) chips, and other crunchy munchies like Tortilla chips, twisties, and nachos. So when it comes to Lays, Pringles… I always wish they were a bag of Doritos instead. The only exception that I have to this potato chip preference is Terra Chips and Kettle Chips. It is perhaps the packaging that I am drawn to instead of the potato chips themselves.
That said, tapioca used to be regarded as the poor man’s food, especially in Asia. During the war, people would subsist on tapioca. But today, it is gaining in popularity as an alternative to potato chips. Personally, I feel that tapioca chips have a sweeter and richer quality to their taste, compared to potato chips that are a little blander and saltier. I like to eat the tapioca chips without any special flavors – some companies like to put BBQ seasoning or chili/jalapeno flavorings, but I personally prefer those that have minimal seasoning, as the natural taste is light and sweet.
Tapioca chips have a harder and more cracker quality to them compared to potato chips. If you like to chew your chips and enjoy each bite, you might just like tapioca chips too! Potato chips tend to be rather fluffy and light and crispy, but tapioca chips tend to feel more solid. If you tried to break a potato chip in half, it will possibly crumble into many pieces, but tapioca chips are more plastic-like in their texture. I know many of my friends who are tapioca chip fans love this about tapioca chips. Each of them you chew you have to work at it. If you prefer to eat chips that melt in your mouth, potato chips would probably melt better!
Unfortunately, cassava chips are not all that mainstream in the Western diet. In some parts of Asia, the cassava is not considered exotic at all, and it is part of their regular diet. It is so rare to find cassava chips in the supermarkets I frequent; when they are there, you have to search out rows and rows of junk food just to get to them!
Tapioca chips are the healthier alternative to potato chips, especially for those who are gluten intolerant. Cassava chips are gluten-free and have less fat compared to conventional potato chips. For the health-conscious, these chips are definitely a wise choice.
For those who love their kitchens, making your own tapioca chips might just be the way to go. First, you should peel the skin off the tapioca. Second, cut them into thin slices. Third, deep fry them in hot oil. Take them out when they are a light golden color, just like other foods that you fry. When they dry out they will turn a lovely golden color and then they will be crispy. If you like, you could put a little salt. Some people recommend frying them with curry leaves – it’s really up to you to flavor your chips.
Throwing a party? Organizing a little get together? Need a snack to keep awake in class? Want a healthier alternative to potato chips? Try Tapioca Chips! They are so addictive!