Kosupa Travel

Do you know about cassava chips, a popular Indonesian snack? If you’ve traveled to Bali or Jakarta,you might have encountered them. These chips, which resemble potato chips but have a distinctive vascular texture, are made from cassava root, known locally as singkong.

In this blog, we’ll introduce you to five brands of cassava chips, including Kusuka, and provide a taste comparison report. Whether you’re looking for a snack during your travels in Indonesia or seeking unique souvenirs, this guide will be useful!

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Cassava chips comparison

Cassava chips found in convenience stores and supermarkets are generally 5 brands

There are generally five brands of cassava chips found in Indonesia. The five brands we compared this time are Kusuka, Qtela, Cassamo (Lemonilo Lemonilo), Chuba, and Indomaret, which are famous brands found throughout Indonesia. Each company also offers a variety of flavors such as “Original,” “Barbecue,” “Cheese,” “Nori,” and “Chili Pepper. While enjoying these differences, we compared 13 flavors in total.

1. Kusuka

Kusuka, made from cassava root, is known for its crispy texture, similar to potato chips. These chips offer a balance of saltiness and a hint of sweetness, without being overly sweet like sweet potatoes. Health-conscious snackers favor Kusuka for its perceived healthier profile compared to potato chips.

Kusuka gained popularity in Japan after being featured as a prize on a New Year’s special episode of “Tokyo Friend Park” with Rino Sashihara. This brand is hard to find in Japan, so travelers often bring them back from Indonesia.

Flavors:

– Original
– Black Pepper Chicken
– Spicy
– Bali Spicy Chicken
– Barbecue
– Cheeseburger
– Sweet Corn
– Grilled Cheese
– Seaweed (a recent addition)

My Personal favorite: Black Pepper Chicken. The natural sweetness of the cassava comes through in a uniquely addictive way.

2. Qtela

Produced by Indofood, known for its “Indomee” instant noodles, Qtela is a leading cassava chip brand in Indonesia. Qtela chips are commonly available in convenience stores for around 5,500-6,500 IDR (about $0.35-$0.45 USD).

Flavors:

– Original
– Chili
– Barbecue
– Black Pepper Chicken
– Seaweed
– Keriting Ayam Geprek (a local dish flavor)

Pro Tip: Avoid buying cassava chips at the airport as prices can double.

3. Chuba

Chuba, from Acefood, offers a unique twist with flavors like Green Chili Mix and Red Chili Mix. These chips often feature special packaging, like their current BTS collaboration.

Flavors:

– Green Chili Mix
– Red Chili Mix
– Barbecue

Chuba chips are more commonly seen outside Indonesia.

4. Cassamo by Lemonilo

Cassamo, a new product from Lemonilo, debuted in April 2023. Known for promoting healthy, gluten-free, high-fiber foods, Lemonilo targets Gen Z with Cassamo chips.

Flavors:

– Smoky BBQ
– Spicy BBQ

Cassamo’s organic taste makes it a guilt-free snack, ideal for late-night munchies or diet-friendly snacking.

5. Indomaret

Indomaret, one of Indonesia’s largest convenience store chains, also produces its own cassava chips. These chips are sold in two flavors: Traditional and Salted. The Traditional flavor is surprisingly sweet, while the Salted flavor is more akin to the original taste of cassava chips.

Indie Cassava Chips

For those venturing into local areas of Indonesia, handmade indie cassava chips are a must-try. These chips, often found in rural markets or small roadside shops, offer a simple and authentic taste.

One memorable experience was discovering handmade cassava chips in a small village near Mount Merapi. The combination of cassava, oil, and salt, paired with the natural surroundings, created a refreshingly unique flavor.

Conclusion

Cassava chips offer a delicious alternative to potato chips, with a distinct flavor that’s sure to become addictive. Whether you’re in Indonesia or looking to bring a taste of your travels home, cassava chips are a must-have snack.

Explore these brands and flavors to find your favorite cassava chips. Happy snacking!