Chilli Crisp: An Ancient Flavor Goes Global

Chilli crisp didn’t just spice up meals—it spiced up an entire moment in history. In this episode, we explore how a humble Chinese condiment, long beloved by brands like Lao Gan Ma, became a global obsession during lockdowns. As home cooks grew tired of the same old meals, chilli crisp delivered exactly what they craved: heat, crunch, and instant flavor. We unpack its meteoric rise powered by social media, its irresistible texture that fits effortlessly into Western kitchens, and why market researchers now say it’s here to stay—following in the footsteps of salsa as the next great pantry staple. How did one sauce go from niche to necessary? Tune in for the full flavor.https://www.economist.com/culture/2023/02/23/the-rise-of-chilli-crisp-is-a-study-in-how-foods-become-fads