Big Bro – Pepper Flavour Glutinous Rice Crusts

I’ve waxed poetic before about how I love rice in all it’s forms, and how Big Bro in particular makes some really good rice crusts that I have found myself craving every once in a while. This flavour is new to me, and while I’m not generally a huge fan of pepper, I do like to sink my teeth into new flavours as long as the base texture is still what I know and love.

This one is pepper flavour, with a green packaging. Something to note here is that while it still has 8 individual packs, each pack only has 2 squares, compared to the original and spicy flavours that had 3 in each for a total for 24 pieces. This one only clocks in at 16, so the box feels a bit lighter. I’m not sure whether this is because this is considered a more premium flavour or what have you, but something important to note.

The size and texture of these is identical to the other flavours, and the only difference is that it is heavily seasoned on one side. Given how strong the seasoning is, it makes sense to just hit the one side, so as to not oversaturate the seasoning and make things too salty. One thing I find with a lot of Chinese snacks is they tend to go a little heavy handed with the seasoning, and sometimes I end up with that same flavour stuck in my mouth for hours afterwards.

Speaking of the seasoning, unlike the other two flavours I’ve tried so far, this one actually has a strong, distinct flavour to it where you might have some trouble pairing this with something else. It feels more like it’s supposed to be consumed on it’s own. The flavour is very savoury, a little sweet, but overall reminds me of those flavour packets you get in some instant ramen products. The most distinct flavours here are the spicy chili peppers, and what I assume is Sichuan peppercorns. What you end up with is the heat from the chili peppers, combined with the numbing sensation from the peppercorns. While it is on the spicier side, I still find it manageable. The peppercorns do tend to linger for a bit, so spice wimps beware.

The texture is what I have come to know and love, in all it’s crunchy glory. It’s the same as the other flavours where it’s crunchy, yet light, and the experience feels substantial in a sense. As you crunch into it, it has a nice satisfying feel and sound, and by the end of it you feel sated. While arguably dry enough you can pair with sauces or a soup, I prefer to eat these dry so as to maximize the crisp and the crunch.

Overall I think this is another winner by Big Bro. Pepper is not quite my jam, but I wouldn’t mind getting this again. That being said if the original or spicy flavours are available, I would likely default to that just because I end up with more pieces to stuff my grubby face with.