The Lao Gan Ma Craze: The Popularity of Spicy Chinese Food Culture in the Midwestern United States

The commercial success of Lao Gan Ma is closely tied to the growing prominence of spicy Chinese food in contemporary US society, which has distinguished itself among other regional Chinese cuisines. Lao Gan Ma is the most popular Chinese chili sauce in the United States, often referred to as “Happy Lady Sauce” and “Godmother Sauce.” Originally created in China’s Guizhou province by Tao Huabi, it entered the US market in the early 2000s. Drawing on oral interviews with Kansas residents and English-language media sources, this paper explores the American youth’s perception of Lao Gan Ma in the Midwest and examines how spicy food culture has become a hallmark of Chinese flavor in contemporary American society. I argue that the availability of Lao Gan Ma has fostered intercultural awareness among the younger generation in the Midwestern US and that the sauce’s convenient versatility has influenced American dining habits. To be specific, Lao Gan Ma serves as a gateway for American youth to engage with Chinese food culture. The sauce is now accessible in nearly all grocery stores and restaurants within Asian communities in Kansas, a Midwestern state often regarded as less diverse than the West and East Coasts. It can also be easily purchased through online retail platforms such as Amazon. During interviews, young people in Kansas expressed their attachment to Lao Gan Ma due to its unique spicy flavor and its versatility in enhancing various dishes. This research will contribute to the scholarship of Asia Pacific studies, food studies, and ethnic studies, while will also enrich the ethnic diversity of contemporary US society.