Bombay Chili Crunch Original Chili Crunch

Finally an Indian chili crunch that celebrates the Indian flavors.

Bombay Chili Crunch is an Indian chili oil created in Chicago — gluten-free, nut-free, salt-free, and vegan. The label lists its own highlights: Allium, Umami, Chilies, Camphor, Citrus, Meaty, Smoky. Ambitious. Mostly delivered.

The taste test

It looks darker than most jars and smells smoky, with something naggingly familiar underneath — masala? mushroom powder? coriander? The ingredient list just says “spices,” and we think they’re keeping the secret on purpose. Respect.

The kick takes a moment, then the Indian herbs and spices arrive and make it unlike anything else we’ve reviewed. Eaten on its own you get the savory side and ginger; the spice level swings between a 6 and an 8 depending on the bite, so stir it well.

We’ve only had one other Indian-style chili crunch, and it didn’t celebrate the flavors the way this one does. The label suggests cheese, dips, eggs, pizza, noodles, and sandwiches — we did it with rice crackers at our Fireproof Market pop-up and it disappeared fast.

Verdict

A tier. Smoky, spiced, versatile, and genuinely distinct. If you like smokiness, check this one out — we killed our jar quickly.