Lay’s Wavy Cuban Sandwich chips went down so easily that I’m already thinking about Havana-nother bag.
Let’s just go ahead and move on from the pun, ok? We all see it. It’s not going anywhere. Havana, like the capital of Cuba. Real clever, bro. It is what it is, and I’m not gonna apologize. Anyway…
Cuban sandwiches! We like those, don’t we folks?
Lay’s has been putting out sandwich-based chips for years and even dropped some limited edition city-inspired flavors, so how did it take this long to get to the delicious Miami-born Cuban sandwich?
I can’t believe this wasn’t a “Do Us a Flavor” winner at some point, and we’re just now finally getting it. It has to be worth the wait, right?
Well, I’m Havana hard time trying to decide.
Ok, I apologize for that one.
Right outta the bag, the chips smelled familiar, giving off Cheddar and Sour Cream vibes, so I instantly expected the cheese to dominate. Once I chomped down, I realized it was a soft cheesiness that I just kinda accepted as Swiss. Don’t get me wrong, it was a nice mild flavor, but without previous knowledge, I’m not sure I would have pinpointed that cheese specifically. Swiss is obviously a milder cheese, but I wish it popped more.
I was a little surprised at just how mellow the overall flavor was until I got hints of mustard and pickle that ended up being my favorite pieces of the puzzle that is this chip.
Like the cheese, I wasn’t overwhelmed by the protein element. At first, it just tasted like some kind of vague spiced meat, but it slowly transformed into a pretty impressive hammy pork flavor. At that point, I realized how complex these chips actually were. They somehow managed to sneak in subtle flavors of both pork roast and ham without them canceling each other out.
You really get each individual Cuban sandwich ingredient to the point that I think these might be one of the most successful Lay’s flavor reproductions I can recall… yet I still wished there was MORE flavor.
They have a sensation that makes it seem like they’re ready to get spicy at any second, but the heat never comes. They’re mild but on the verge of bursting with flavors. It’s hard to explain. I left wishing each chip had about 20% more of a dusting. These were so close to perfection, but they needed to be ramped up to “Cubano Xtreme” or something. They’re layered and impressive but ultimately unfulfilling.
I give Lay’s props for deciding to make these Wavy though. I think it’s the perfect level of crunch for the flavor, and the grooves give a great little nod to the panini press grill marks of the real thing. Regular chips would have been too boring, and I think the flavor balance would’ve gotten thrown out of whack on a greasy kettle chip.
So, while these let me down ever so slightly, I guess I’m still satisfied. I wish they were caked in seasoning like Doritos. What can I say?
If you think I’m gonna close with that pun again, you have another thing comin’.
Purchased Price: $3.68
Size: 7.5 oz.
Purchased at: Walmart
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (13 Chips) 160 calories, 10 grams of fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 mg of cholesterol, 140 milligrams of sodium, 15 grams of total carbohydrates, 1 gram of total sugars, 1 gram of fiber, 2 grams of protein.
I’m for sure buying another bag of these, but I thought the pickle flavor was dominant. I will be sad when these go away.
I just tried these Lays Cuban chips, and I absolutely love them!! I hope they stay around for a long time. I’m anxious to try the other two as well. If you haven’t had the opportunity to try these chips, please, go out and grab yourself a couple bags of these!! You won’t regret your decision.
Great review! Although your stating the Cuban is from Miami is controversial, I am on Team Tampa.
I’m on team Tampa as well. Miami Cuban’s are just a close second.
I tried the Cuban Sandwich Chips Saturday and in my opinion they are the most no nothing chip I have ever had.
The plain salted chips at least have flavor.
Lays flavors are not strong enough for me….and their BBQ is too sweet.
If I want just plain chips they are fine but for flavored chips I’ll look else where!
I liked these a lot! They actually truly taste like a McD’s Quarter Pounder w/ Cheese. I really, really mean this- it’s a great chip, but the pickle, onion and artificial meat flavoring is, like, spot on.