A Love Letter to Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp

What’s your favorite chili crisp? I get asked this question all the time. Of course, I love my own chili crisp the most. Not to toot my own horn, but Everyday Savory Chili Crisp has the perfect flavors and textures that check all the boxes on my chili crisp scorecard. So, the real question becomes, what’s your favorite store-bought chili crisp? Then, my answer is always Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp.

You know, we never forget about the first time. Our first kiss, our first love, and the list go on. But, out of many vivid, happy memories in my life, first tastes are moments that I can never forget. And, rightfully, the first taste of Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp changed my life for good. I still remember picking up the red jar for the first time. I’ve seen thousands of food labels, but I was fascinated by the face of a Chinese lady, Tao Huabi, who created the Lao Gan Ma empire. She wasn’t even smiling! But, I was drawn to the visible chili flakes, chili oil floating on top, and her somewhat serious face, and just like that, I bought my first Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp.