Gans articles

  • Lao Gan Ma was in fridges long before Momofuku's chili crunch was in headlines

    Criticism of celebrity chef David Chang and his Momofuku brand erupted recently after the company cried foul at fellow Asian-led chili oil companies over use of the term “chili crunch.” The furor also renewed love for Lao Gan Ma spicy chili crisp, an iconic condiment that many of Asian descent, particularly Chinese Americans, associate with home. Last week, The Guardian reported that Chang’s food empire, which makes Momofuku Chili Crunch, had sent cease-and-desist letters to a number of chili...