We’re a privileged bunch who’ve been able to taste some of the most exciting food in Singapore, whether they be unpolished gems in roughly done-up spots or the most elegantly presented morsels in lavishly glamorous surroundings.

But, sometimes, what we really want is simple: a potato chip. Maybe two.

Even such a simple thing, however, has so many factors to consider.

• Texture – should the chip be crunchy or crispy? Thick or thin?
• Flavour – seasoned or salted?
• Shape – regular flat chip or ridged? Or have it look like a French fry?

After all, we want to consume only #valueaddedcalories. So… we had no choice but to try them all to find the best. No, really, we had no choice, we swear. Ahem.  

Hero Image Credit: VGraphic Farao | Dreamstime.com 

WHAT TO TRY?
Sweeping through the supermarket shelves is impossible, we quickly realised; there seem to be a billion different brands and types of chips.

A quick dipstick survey amongst the team and one speedy Google search later, we decided on:

• Calbee – because it’s an Asian classic (which SE Asian country doesn’t sell Calbee?)
• Pringles – for that childhood nostalgia
• FairPrice – the housebrand with the highest credibility (even ST said their truffle chips were one of the best!)
• Red Rock Deli – one of the more costly chips with seemingly atas branding
• Jagabee – because of its shape and popularity, and also because of the endless stream of limited-edition flavours in duty-free and souvenir shops in Japan

In an attempt at fairness, we tasted only the plainest flavour – original or salted.

HOW WE CHOSE OUR FAVES
To make sure every chip was fresh and that the visuals were similar, we opened all of the packages at almost the same time.

We poured them out in identical pure white bowls. Then we sat them on the exact same surface. Every single one of us tried them at the same time.  

Only after that did everyone vote for their favourite two.

No anonymity! Everyone takes responsibility for their favourite choices.

RESULTS
Unapologetically basic – Calbee won! 

Full of flavour and texture, with every bite tasting better than the previous. Best thing? The irregular shapes give the impression that it’s made with real potato. It’s also inexpensive. The perfect indulgence.

Surprisingly, Calbee won only by one vote, and second place was a tie! Jagabee and FairPrice were very popular. 

Is Calbee also your favourite chip brand?

PS – Watch us devour chips and attempt to comment intelligibly about them on the GastroSense IG account!