A Day for Calbee's Delicious Kataage Potato Chips

Today, and November 8th annually is, Kataage Potato Day 堅あげポテトの日 in Japan. It is a commemorative day celebrating one of Japan's best-known (and one of my personal favorite) potato chips: Kataage Potato from Calbee.

Kataage means 'firm fried.' Unlike many standard potato chips, Kataage Potato chips are cooked using a slower frying method that creates a firmer, crunchier texture. This harder bite and rich potato flavor have helped the product develop a loyal following since its introduction. The chips are available in a variety of flavors, with lightly salted and nori seaweed among the most popular.

Calbee established the anniversary to promote the long-running snack and the distinctive production method that gives it its unique texture. They chose November 8th, 11/8, for the commemoration simply because it is the anniversary of their release. They were first released on this day in 1993.