Flavor: Spicy Chakalaka
Country: Russia
When Seen: Unreported
In a Bite: Untasted. Have you tried it? Email us and tell us what you thought.
In a Haiku:
Deep red, sizzling heat,
African spice, Russian bag,
Burning, salty snap.
Origin Story: The existence of this chip is almost certainly the result of a very specific set of circumstances. It all started with a group of former Russian mercenaries, recently returned from a stint in Africa, spending their evenings recounting tales of the vibrant, spicy chakalaka they’d encountered in the field. As it turns out, one of their girlfriends happened to have a desk at the Lay’s Flavor Department. After a few too many drinks and some overly enthusiastic descriptions of “the only thing that made the heat bearable,” the request was put in, and a South African street staple was officially imported to the frozen tundras of Russia. A culinary souvenir from a very questionable career choice.
Photo submitted by: Anton
