David ChangMomofukuLao Gan MaDavid Chang's Momofuku brand faces backlash for its legal actions against Asian-led chili oil companies over 'chili crunch' use, renewing appreciation for the iconic Lao Gan Ma spicy chili crisp.
Celebrity chef David Chang's Momofuku brand has been criticized for sending cease-and-desist letters to small, Asian-led chili oil companies, demanding they stop using the term 'chili crunch', a trademark owned by Momofuku. This controversy has reignited love and support for Lao Gan Ma, a cherished spicy chili crisp, among Asian American communities, praising its long-standing success without resorting to aggressive legal tactics.