Potato Chips Are Everywhere

Guizhou is known for food that feels distinct from much of China, bold, sour, spicy, and full of character. In the provincial capital of Guiyang, the city quickly becomes a playground for anyone curious about trying something new. One thing you notice almost immediately is the number of potato chip stalls. Turn any corner and there they are, golden, crisp, and hard to resist. The classic flavors lean toward mala and fragrant spice, but newer versions have also appeared, tomato, lime, even shrimp, catering to younger customers and curious visitors. The real secret, though, lies in the chili powder. Every stall seems to have its own blend, often mixing chili, spices, salt, and aromatics in slightly different ways. It is one of the things many visitors end up bringing home from Guizhou, hoping to recreate at least a little of the flavor.