Brief History of Potato Chips in Malaysia

The Revolution of Potato Chips Overseas

Potatoes were independently domesticated and extensively cultivated in South America by the Incas around 1,800 years ago. Following the Spanish invasion of South America, potatoes were brought to Europe and later, in the 1720s, they were introduced to the United States. The origins of potato chips are uncertain, but there are two accounts of the earliest records. “Potato crisps” is the British English form of “potato chips,” which is in American English, but the latter is the more popular form of the word.

The earliest known recipe was created in England in 1817. Potato crisps became a popular form of cooking raw potatoes when an English doctor named William Kitchiner included a recipe for “potatoes fried in slices or shavings” in his cookbook.

Cornelius Vanderbilt, a railroad and shipping tycoon, was dining at Moon’s Lake House in Saratoga Springs, New York in 1853. He was a fussy eater and returned his fried potatoes to the kitchen for being too thick. The chef, George Crum, decided to play a prank on Vanderbilt by thinly slicing and frying the potatoes until they became crispy. To everyone’s surprise, the snack turned out delicious and became known as the ” Saratoga Chip.”

Potato chips were considered a restaurant food until 1895 when an entrepreneur in Ohio named William Tappendam figured out how to keep them stocked on grocery shelves. He turned his kitchen and backyard into a mini factory to fry the potatoes and sold them from a barrel on a horse-drawn wagon at local markets. The consumption of potatoes soared then in 1926, a Californian businesswoman included a “freshness” date in the packaging design and also marketed potato chips as “the Noisiest Chips in the World,” which became a great hit. The potato chip bags ensured the longevity of the quality chips. A year later, Leonard Japp began to mass-produce the snack and was the one who created the modern version of potato chips using oil instead of lard to fry his potatoes. And thus, the potato chips industry was born.

Rising Popularity in Malaysia

Potato chips were increasingly popular in other countries as well. It became a household staple in Malaysia around the 1970s and the demand for this addictive snack has increased ever since. Not only are they tasty standalone snack food items, but they are typically served as an accompaniment to meals such as nasi lemak or with drinks like teh tarik. Their firm crunch complements the smoothness of traditional milk tea.

The demand for potato chips in Malaysia has continued to rise over the past few decades, with more and more flavours being introduced. From classics such as barbeque or tomato to newer options like seaweed and salted egg potato chips, Malaysian consumers have an endless array of options when it comes to enjoying their favourite snack. In addition to these classic flavors, many companies have introduced unique limited-edition varieties such as chili cheese or garlic herb. These options are great for those looking to experiment with new tastes and textures.

In addition to this increased variety, potato chips have also become increasingly accessible in Malaysia. They are available in supermarkets, convenience stores, and even street hawkers. With their continued popularity and availability, it is no wonder that potato chips remain a popular snack food in Malaysia.

The Future of Potato Chips

Potato chips have a long and interesting history. From their humble beginnings as a small-scale business venture to their modern ubiquity as a popular snack food, potato chips have become a huge part of the food industry.

However, although many people enjoy these irresistible potato chips, others are more health-conscious and are mindful of their food choices. Many companies add a lot of preservatives and artificial flavouring to their product to keep consumers addicted and longing for potato chips.

With that, companies came up with healthier alternatives such as baking with sunflower oil instead of frying – take Lorenz Naturals for instance. There are also different types of potato chips such as sweet potato chips and other types of vegetable chips like Woh Tempeh – the kettle-cooked superfood made of soybeans.

The future of potato chips looks very good for Malaysia, as it has become a snack that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is no surprise that the industry continues to grow and innovate to satisfy the demands of modern consumers.