You’re a kid, playing outside and making a trip to the neighbourhood market for a nutritious piece of junk food, what was your most reliable pick? For some it might be a classic like maybe a kinder egg or even a jawbreaker if you were adventurous, and kind of weird. For a whole region though, Chips Oman was perhaps the most esteemed snack food to grace market shelves. The product serves not only as a snack, but also a cultural icon.
So, how did Chips Oman come to be? They come from the Muscat-based snack company Al Jufair Food Industries, which is a subsidiary of Ali Shaihani Food Industries, and began operations in 1989. Though not the only product in its lineup, Chips Oman has proven to be a timeless snackfood and has maintained its position on the throne of most popular potato chip in the entire region. The chilli flavoured crips hold a spot in the hearts and stomachs of many, but how did such an unassuming bag of potato chips accumulate what is essentially a cult following?
The sentimentality of a potato chip
Being in Dubai since the turn of the century, I have yet to step into a baqala or market that have not had the chips on hand. The Omani produced potato chip has spread throughout markets across the region, so this affinity towards the snack is not unique to us that were first introduced to it in the UAE. Being the melting pot of cultures and nationalities that Dubai is, naturally my social circle included people encompassing a slew of nationalities, amazingly regardless of the geographical differences of our upbringings, Chips Oman has served as an anchor to which all of us could share an attachment to. In a very real sense, the product transcends beyond its purpose as a snack and has earned its tenure as a staple in the culture by fostering a sense of home for everyone that has a connection to the chip. Not to throw too much emotional weight behind a bag of chips, but shared nostalgia is a powerful feeling. And beyond the above average taste of the snack food, I think that nostalgia is what has propelled the craze for Chips Oman and it’s induction to foodie culture in the city of Dubai.
Where to find the best Chips Oman sandwiches
From its humble beginnings, Chips Oman has officially been adopted as a key ingredient within the foodie culture of Dubai. While the chip fused dishes can be found in select conventional restaurants, anyone wanting to explore the countless iterations involving the special ingredient should make their way to Jumeirah Beach Road.
There is seldom a sandwich offered on the bustling Dubai road that does not have a variation making use of the ingredient. We’ve gone ahead and hit Beach Road to craft a hit list of must visit spots if you are at all interested in seeking out some Chips Oman infused delicacies.
Al Farwania Restaurant
A personal favorite, Al Farwania makes use of delicious Paratha bread to make their Chips Oman sandwich. Coming with just the right amount of cheese and hot sauce, the establishment includes an ideal amount of the crisps to provide that satisfying crunch. If you find yourself with four dirhams to spare and wanting to check out this gem, it comes highly recommended.
Al Ijaza Cafeteria
Removed from the traditional road side food culture of Beach Road, al ijaza is tucked away in a side street off of Kite Beach. Particularly with this nice weather, we recommend taking a seat outside the cafeteria and enjoying the vibe with a side of Chips Oman sandwiches. This iteration does not use Paratha flatbread, opting for basic buns. Nonetheless it is a respectable sandwich, and paired with the homey feel of the establishments seating, is worth a visit.
HumYum
HumYum, more established and widely recognized than the previous locations, is a beloved spot by locals and residents alike. You can find HumYum both on Beach Road and as a standalone booth on Kite Beach. The Paratha bread makes a return here, and is noticeably fresher than most other shops, as you can observe it being made before your eyes. Beware of, what may be considered by some to be, an overwhelming amount of cheese. The establishment is considerably more expensive than others in the area, with their Chips Oman coming in at around twelve dirhams, generally triple the price of what you would find elsewhere. In addition to a fine Chips Oman sandwich, HumYum also sports a stacked menu, their zinger being another fan favorite, that has cemented it as a Beach Road staple.
If you’re looking to go on a tasting journey in search of the best Chips Oman sandwich, you better get used to eating in your car, and also be prepared to witness some gross traffic violations of Beach Road cruisers trying to get their grub on. It’s tough to get the sandwich wrong, but nonetheless it is and has always been a mainstay of the Dubai culture and is worth experiencing at least once, if not to relish the chili flavored concoction, at least to see what the fuss has been about for the past two decades.