Lao Gan Ma: The Chinese Chilli Oil That the Whole World Is Obsessed With

Lao Gan Ma or Laognama? 

If you've spent any time in Asian food communities online, you've seen the jar with chili oil sauce. The red lid, the label with the grandmother's face, the dark glossy oil packed with crispy chilli and fermented soybean. Lao Gan Ma — which translates roughly as "Old Godmother" — is one of the most recognised condiments in the world, and for good reason. Once you try it, it goes on everything.

You can now find it at Oishii Asian Mart, alongside the LGM Crispy Chilli in Oil — a brilliant alternative for those who want the same bold, addictive heat in a slightly smaller jar.

What makes it so good?

The magic of crispy chilli oil isn't just the heat — it's the texture and depth. Lao Gan Ma is made with 35% chilli peppers, soybean oil, onions, fermented black beans, and Sichuan pepper. That last ingredient is key. Sichuan pepper doesn't just add spice — it creates a numbing, tingling sensation on the tongue that makes every bite more interesting. The fermented soybean adds an umami richness that makes this condiment taste complex rather than just hot.

The result is something that's simultaneously crunchy, oily, spicy, savoury, and deeply satisfying. It is genuinely hard to stop eating. Hot chili sauce, chili crisp, chili oil it has so many names but tasts so good. 

What do you put it on?

The honest answer is: almost anything. The most popular uses are noodles and plain rice which can be make it hot chili sauce — just a spoonful stirred through transforms a simple bowl into something craveable. But Lao Gan Ma also works beautifully on dumplings and gyoza, as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, stirred into soups, spread on toast (yes, really), drizzled on eggs, or used as a finishing condiment on pizza and flatbreads. Once it's in your kitchen, you'll find yourself reaching for it constantly.

LGM vs Lao Gan Ma — which to choose?

Both products in the collection share the same core formula: soybean oil, 35% chilli, onions, fermented soy, and Sichuan pepper. The LGM Crispy Chilli in Oil (210g, €5.10) is a great entry point — smaller jar, lower price, ideal if you're trying it for the first time. The Lao Gan Ma Crispy Chilli Oil 670g" href="https://oishii-asianmart.com/collections/lgm/products/lao-gan-ma-crispy-chilli-oil-670g-lao-gan-ma-kraukskiga-cili-ella-670g">Lao Gan Ma (670g, €9.50) is the original, with a devoted global fanbase and the iconic branding to match. If you already know you love it, the larger jar is a much better value.

Either way, this is one of those pantry additions that quietly becomes essential.

Shop the Lao Gan Ma collection at Oishii Asian Mart — delivered across Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.

What others say about Lao Gan Ma:

Lao Gan Ma chili oil is a flavorful and spicy condiment made with soybean oil, chili flakes, and crispy garlic.

Spicy chili crisp adds heat and texture to dishes with its combination of chili oil and fried garlic.

Hot chili sauce like Lao Gan Ma delivers a rich, umami flavor enhanced by dark soy sauce.

Chili crisp is a popular Chinese condiment known for its crunchy texture and savory, spicy taste.

Crispy garlic in chili oil creates a deep, aromatic flavor that enhances noodles, rice, and stir-fries.

Chili oil is infused with spices and chili peppers, making it a versatile addition to many Asian dishes.

Chili crisp is made by combining chili oil with fried garlic and other crunchy ingredients.

Fried garlic adds a golden, crispy texture and rich flavor to spicy chili sauces.

Lao Gan Ma is a well-known brand famous for its iconic chili crisp and chili oil products.

Dark soy sauce is often used to deepen the flavor and color of chili-based condiments.

Soybean oil is commonly used as the base for chili oil, providing a smooth and rich consistency.