Tapioca chip facts for kids
Tapioca chips are a yummy snack food. They are made from thin slices of cassava root. Cassava is a plant with a starchy root, a bit like a potato. These chips are deep-fried until they are crispy. You can find them a lot in South India and Sri Lanka. In Indonesia, they are called kripik singkong.
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What Are Tapioca Chips?
Tapioca chips start as fresh cassava roots. First, the outer skin and inner rind are taken off. Then, the cassava is sliced into thin pieces. These slices are usually fried in coconut oil. After frying, they are salted. Many times, they are also spiced with red chili powder.
Tapioca chips can stay fresh for a long time. This is much longer than raw cassava roots. You can often buy and eat these chips as a street food. Some companies make and sell tapioca chips in bags, just like potato chips.
Different Kinds of Tapioca Chips
Tapioca Chips in India and Sri Lanka
This snack is very popular in parts of India, like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. It is also a favorite in Sri Lanka. Tapioca chips have a lot of carbohydrates, which gives you energy. They are crunchy and full of flavor. Many people find them even crunchier than banana chips or potato chips. You can find them in two main types: plain (not spicy) or spicy. The spicy ones have red chili pepper powder and other spices added.
Indonesian Cassava Chips
In Indonesia, thin slices of cassava are deep-fried to make kripik singkong. These are also known as cassava chips or tapioca chips. They are a very popular snack, just like potato chips. Indonesian cassava chips often have different flavors added to them. Many brands sell them in stores and supermarkets.
One special kind of spicy kripik singkong is called kripik balado or keripik sanjay. These chips are coated with sugar and chili pepper. They are a famous snack from the city of Bukittinggi in West Sumatra.
