The trend of durian on things continues to permeate in China, with food brand Lay’s most recently joining the fray with their durian-flavored potato chips.
The snack food company introduced the limited edition item last month with the name “Little Durian Monster (小怪兽榴梿味),” characterized by a cartoon-like face printed over the spiky Southeast Asian delicacy.
Naturally, netizens have latched onto the unusual flavor like flies to an overripe fruit, but online feedback on Lay’s official Tmall store has been mixed.
“The smell of durian is very heavy, but there is no durian taste when it’s eaten,” said one reviewer.
“I usually eat durian,” wrote another, “but it’s not suitable for making potato chips. It’s too sweet and greasy. This new taste is disappointing and really unpalatable.”
Lay’s released salted egg-flavored potato chips at the same time, and reviews on that have been more positive, with many people calling it salty and satisfying.
The potato chip brand now forms part of the crowd of fast food producers that is using durian in their menu. Pizza Hut currently has durian pizzas on offer, while KFC used to sell durian egg tarts. McDonald’s has a durian ice cream in their Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong outlets.
The new Lay’s flavors can be found on Tmall at ¥99 for two 125-gram bags of durian and salted egg yolk each, or at convenience stores around town.