This Roland Foods Spicy Chili Onion Crisp came from a local supermarket. It was the only such product they stocked, I'm sure only because Roland is pretty much a supermarket brand. That and the store in question is more of an old-school family-run operation which caters to an older clientele. You see hardly any trendy stuff in the international sections there.
Main Flavor Elements
- Onion
- Chili
- Garlic
Snapshot
- Base oil(s): Sunflower, sesame
- Solids to oil ratio: High
- Flavor Enhancer: Natural
- Potential allergens: Sesame
- Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
- Heat level: Moderate
- Texture: Crispy crunch
- Saltiness: Low (125mg. per 18gm.)
We were pleasantly surprised by this one. It's onion-forward, but the chili pepper and garlic play well into the mix. The aromatics aren't as obvious, unless you're really looking for them, but they round out the overall flavor profile nicely. The salt level is low, and, for those who appreciate it, there's no MSG.
We thought the texture was really good. The mixture is thick with medium-weight solids that provide a satisfying crunch.
We categorize it as a crunchy oil, but in reality, it has a lot in common with a Japanese taberu rayu. If it were more garlic-forward and a little saltier, a blind taste test might mistake it for one.
Compare to Trader Joe's Crunchy Chili Onion, similar in style and price.
Ingredients
Sunflower oil, dehydrated onion, garlic and red bell pepper, chili pepper, sesame oil, salt, spices (star anise, sichuan pepper, cinnamon, cloves, fennel)
More Information
Brand: Roland Foods, LLC
Style: Crunchy oil
Price paid: $5.99 / 7oz.
Country of Origin: USA
Manufacturer website:
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