Lao Gan Ma Chili Products

Lao Gan Ma

“Lao Gan Ma” (老干妈) is a Chinese brand for chili oils and sauces, the name translating as “old godmother”. You can find their products in various varieties at Asian supermarkets. The jars with the red label carry the portrait of founder Tao Huabi, who began producing her sauces in 1997 in Guizhou. The slightly stern-looking lady is always a guarantee for me that the jar’s contents will be properly spicy. You can use Lao Gan Ma products both as an ingredient when cooking and for individual seasoning of your own portion.

Crispy Chili Oil

Lao Gan Ma’s crispy Chinese chili oil comes in a great many varieties with various additional ingredients. Here is a small selection:

• Lao Gan Ma Crispy Chili Oil
• Lao Gan Ma Chili in Soybean Oil¹
• Lao Gan Ma Oil with Kohlrabi, Peanuts and Tofu
• Chili Oil with Chicken Flavor and Tofu

Chili Sauce

Lao Gan Ma also produces a range of chili sauces in varying degrees of spiciness, each with different additional ingredients.

Pickled Mushrooms

Lao Gan Ma also offers pickled mushrooms in their range. These make a tasty accompaniment to soups or noodle dishes.

Pickled Tofu

Opinions on pickled tofu vary widely. But I find the Lao Gan Ma version with chilis particularly tasty.