Lao Gan Ma

Lao Gan Ma (Chinese: 老干妈; literally: "Old Godmother") is a brand of chili sauces made in China. The brand is the brainchild of Tao Huabi (陶华碧), who launched it in 1997 in the city of Guiyang, Guizhou province.

History

Tao Huabi, who comes from a poor family in rural Guizhou, started her business with a small noodle shop. She invented a special chili sauce to serve with her noodles, which quickly gained popularity. Seeing the potential, she closed her noodle shop and started selling her chili sauce, which she named Lao Gan Ma.

Products

Lao Gan Ma offers a variety of chili sauces, including Chili Oil with Black Bean, Spicy Chili Crisp, and Hot Chili Sauce. The sauces are known for their rich flavor, which combines the heat of chili with the umami of fermented soybeans and the aromatic qualities of spices.

Popularity

Lao Gan Ma has gained a cult following not only in China but also abroad. It is a staple in many Chinese households and restaurants, and it has been praised by chefs and food critics for its versatility and depth of flavor.

Controversies

Despite its success, Lao Gan Ma has been involved in several controversies. In 2020, it was the subject of a lawsuit by Tencent, a major Chinese tech company, over a supposed advertising deal that turned out to be a scam.

See also

• Chinese cuisine
• Chili sauce
• Tao Huabi