Oishi Prawn Crackers Salted Egg Flavor

AI Gourmet Analysis

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Overview

Oishi Prawn Crackers Salted Egg Flavor is a snack food widely distributed across Southeast Asia, especially in the Philippines. It is based on prawn crackers with the added flavor of salted egg. The Oishi brand was established in 1974, and while its name is derived from the Japanese word for "delicious," its origins are in the Philippines, and it has since expanded across Asia. The snack combines the umami of prawns with the rich and savory taste of salted egg, making it popular among children and adults alike.

History and Background

Oishi is a brand operated by Liwayway Marketing Corporation (LMC), which has grown in the Philippines since the 1970s and expanded throughout Asia. Prawn crackers are a traditional snack found throughout China and Southeast Asia, but Oishi developed its unique processing methods and formulations, establishing itself as a national snack in the Philippines. The "salted egg flavor" featured in this product has exploded in popularity in recent years across Southeast Asia, particularly in Singapore and Malaysia. It's now featured in snacks, dishes, and sauces. Salted eggs are typically made by soaking duck eggs in brine, or in a mixture of mud and ash, resulting in a rich and moist yolk with a distinctive flavor.

Ingredients and Characteristics

The main ingredients of this product include starch, shrimp (natural shrimp), vegetable oil, salt, seasonings, sugar, salted egg powder, and spices. The actual shrimp content varies by food label, but Oishi emphasizes on its packaging that only natural shrimp are used.
Salted egg powder imparts not just saltiness, but also richness and a mild sweetness, creating a unique taste when combined with the crunchiness of the snack. The addition of black pepper and spices provides an accent, resulting in a complex balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Connection with Local Culture

Salted eggs have long been enjoyed as a preserved food in China and Southeast Asia, commonly used in porridge, baked goods, and various dishes. Given this cultural background, salted egg-flavored snacks are readily accepted as a familiar taste in the region. In provincial cities in the Philippines, including Bacolod, the product is readily available in supermarkets and convenience stores, and is popular both as a snack and as a pairing with beer.

International Expansion

The Oishi Prawn Crackers series has expanded not only within the Philippines, but also into markets such as China, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Japan, with minor variations in ingredients and flavors depending on the region. Since the mid-2010s, Salted Egg Flavor has garnered attention as a new trend, with manufacturers in various countries now offering similar flavors.

Nutrition and Consumption

One package (about 60g) is relatively high in calories, fat, and carbohydrates, so it is mainly intended for snacking. While it is typically eaten straight out of the bag, some consumers use it as a topping for salads or yakisoba.

Related Products and Outlook

Oishi offers a variety of prawn cracker flavors, including, besides Salted Egg, chili, sour cream, and extra hot varieties. Limited editions reflecting local preferences and trends are also frequently introduced. Given that salted egg flavor has become a staple in Southeast Asian food culture, further product developments can be anticipated in the future.