The Rise and Reign of Chilli Crisp

How did a humble Chinese condiment go from a niche pantry item to one of the world's hottest food trends? During the pandemic, chilli crisp became a secret weapon for home cooks looking to make repetitive meals more exciting, combining spicy heat, savory flavor, and an irresistible crunch. In this episode, we explore the long history of this condiment in Chinese cuisine and how social media helped introduce it to a global audience when restaurants were closed and people were experimenting in their own kitchens. We examine why its versatility makes it so appealing, from transforming simple noodles and vegetables to adding texture and heat to almost anything. We also look at the rise of brands such as Lao Gan Ma and the explosion of new producers seeking to capitalize on the trend. The story asks whether chilli crisp is simply another viral food fad—or whether it has already earned a permanent place alongside staples like ketchup and salsa in Western kitchens.https://www.economist.com/culture/2023/02/23/the-rise-of-chilli-crisp-is-a-study-in-how-foods-become-fads