Comments on: Nip’s Shrimp Flavored Chips

By: pomai

pomai — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:09:02 +0000

Jenny, funny you mention that. Food Networks’s Giada De Laurentiis was making these “Meatball Sammies” (sliders) on her show yesterday where she used what she called “Hawaiian Sweet Bread”. When I looked at it, I immediately could tell it was really Portuguese Sweet Bread Rolls (cut in half to make a miniature bun).
So I guess on that thought, anything on the mainland using “Hawaiian Sweet Bread” will have some funky “Hawaiian” name. Like say, “Kahuna Sliders”. Or “Waikiki French Toast”. lol

Patty, Chinese Pretzels (a.k.a. Chinese Snowflake Cookies) are kinda’ pricey in the stores, even in Chinatown. I’d like to try that green onion version you mentioned. Sounds good!

By: Jenny

Jenny — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 04:45:33 +0000

Hey, Pomai, do you know what they call Portuguese sweet bread on the mainland? “Hawaiian sweet bread.” No kidding! Guess “Hawaiian” has a better marketing ring to those who didn’t grow up in the islands. Everytime I go to the supermarket and see King’s Hawaiian bread, I have a good laugh.

By: Patty

Patty — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 19:13:58 +0000

Pomai, these Chinese Pretzels you will a lot of made by fund raisers during Chinese New Year in Chinatown. They are deep fried rosette pastries. I use to make a lot for Chinese New Year and it so easy with recipe online on web and savory one too. The green onion and one with green onion and hot chili flakes in it too.

By: pomai

pomai — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 16:57:28 +0000

Jodi, those Chinese “pretzels” you’re referring to, do they look like this? If so, they’re considerably pricey, even in Chinatown. Perhaps because they’re difficult to make and fragile.

Jean, appreciate the kind words. Haven’t tried the BBQ-flavored Pop Chips yet, but SWEAR the Hawaiian Luau Barbecue Rings by Tim’s Cascade Chips are a DEAD RINGER for the original (not current) Yick Lung Nibbits! If you see those in the store (they often sold in single portion snack-sized bags), get some. You’ll be stoked!

Patty, see the link I provided above in response to Jodi, which might also be called a Chinese “Snowflake” Cookie. Unless I’m wrong?

Carol, that’s so funny. It is indeed easy to “polish” (good word!) a whole bag of Shrimp Chips, as its volume is mostly air anyways.

Fat Fudge and Marvo, I was going to mention that racial “sensitivity” about the name in my write-up, but figured I’d let readers respond first before saying anything. Of course the truth of the matter is that’s the family’s Chinese name (which I noted), which you’ll find a number of ‘Nip’ contacts listed in the Oahu phone directory. Now if it was called “J#p’s”, that would certainly raise red flags.

Then again, I like to think us folks who grew up in Hawaii as tolerant to racial references, not taking it personally. After all, I’m half Portuguese, yet don’t get offended when someone tells a “Pordagee” joke. Or see a menu item with Portuguese Sausage or sweet bread called something like the “Pocho Special”. I’ve even made fun of the “Pake’s” a few times on this blog, and my local Chinese readers here take it with a grain of salt and laugh about it, as they understand my good-spirited nature of it. Racial tolerance, understanding, and even sometimes making fun of each other is what makes Hawaii a unique place to live.

By: jodi

jodi — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 04:38:10 +0000

I remember Nip’s chips, and now that I see the package, these are the chips I always remember when I think of shrimp chips, and if they’re the ones that made the Chinese pretzels that came in the shrink wrapped six pack, *wah* I’ve been looking for those for years.

They used to sell them at the supermarket in the shopping center right across the street from the housing next to the elementary school. I wonder if it’s still there? And later, they had the Chinese pretzels at the Longs in the Kam shopping center, too. I loved those Chinese pretzels. So greasy.

By: Jean

Jean — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:59:08 +0000

Hi Pomai, love your blog. I read it regularly. I wanted to mention that a co-worker brought in some chips she bought from Costco. They are the barbeque flavored Pop chips. IMHO they are a very close resemblance to Nibbits! You gotta try it and tell me what you think!

By: Patty

Patty — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:04:13 +0000

Pomai, I thought Nip Potato Chip Company was gone but now glad they still around. My cousins use to attend Mckinley High where the another son Alivin Nip taught Mandarine Class. Guess he rather be a teacher than businessman.

Wonder if they still make Chinese pretzels ? They were the only company that had it.

By: Carol

Carol — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:43:28 +0000

I haven’t had shrimp chips in a long time! I’ve been known to polish off a whole bag in one sitting. Which is probably why I stop buying them. :-p

By: Fat Fudge

Fat Fudge — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:22:24 +0000

Even though it’s named after the owner, as a Japanese, I find the name very off putting.

By: Marvo

Marvo — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:28:00 +0000

When I saw the title of your post, I was thinking to myself, “I hope they don’t have a Japanese caricature on the package.” Thankfully, they didn’t.

I haven’t seen these, but I do enjoy shrimp chips. But I think I like the color more than the flavor.