Kathryn Yu

My REVISED chili crisp rankings
1. Lao Gan Ma Chili Crisp
2. Momofuku Chili Crunch, Regular
3. Boon Sauce, Regular (haven’t tried Xtra Spicy)
4. This Little Goat Chili Crunch, Spicy
5. Bullet Sesame Oil Chili Crisp
6. Sze Daddy Chili Sauce
7. ZinDrew Crunchy Garlicky Chili Oil, OG
8. This Little Goat Chili Crunch, Regular
9. Holy Tshili Spicy Everything Chili Oil Crisp (haven’t tried Extra Spicy)
10. Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp

Didn't make the cut: Trader Joe's Crunchy Chili Onion, S&B Crunchy Garlic with Chili Oil, Junzi Chili Oil, Nowon’s Chili Oil, Cy Eats Spicy Mala Chili Oil, RiceBox Chili Oil, Momofuku Black Truffle/Extra Spicy/Ghost Pepper Chili Crunch, ZinDrew Crunchy Garlic Chili Oil X-Batch, Su Chili Crisp Mala, Su Chili Crisp Five Spice, Su Chili Crisp Cilantro

Ones I have tried that are longer made (?): Umamei Chili Oil, Mom's Mala Sichuan Chili Sauce

*I usually prefer ones that are less heavy on the Sichuan peppercorn and are more crispy than oily

Mar 6, 2023 at 1:46amWeb
Show threadKathryn YuMar 15, 2023
UPDATED! Bullet Sesame Oil Chili Crisp coming in as the new number 5, knocking out Momofuku Black Truffle from 10th.
Show threadKathryn YuMar 19, 2023
Another note: the Fly By Jing jars underwent a redesign around late last year and now have a much longer neck. Probably the only brand that doesn’t immediately stain your counters red! 🌶️
Show threadKathryn YuMay 28, 2023

My updated chili crisp rankings as of 5/28/23:
1. Lao Gan Ma
2. Momofuku, Regular
3. This Little Goat, Spicy
4. Boon Sauce, Regular
5. Bullet
6. Sze Daddy
7. This Little Goat, Regular
8. ZinDrew, OG
9. Holy Tshili
10. KariKari

The rest: Trader Joe's, S&B, Junzi, Nowon’s, Cy Eats, RiceBox, Momofuku (other 3 varieties), ZinDrew X-Batch, Su (all 3), The Flavor Society Pizza/Spicy Pizza, Fly By Jing

No longer in production: Umamei, Mom's Mala (2 varieties)

Show threadKathryn YuNov 20, 2023

My updated chili crisp rankings as of 11/20/23:
1. Lao Gan Ma
2. Momofuku, Regular
3. This Little Goat, Ranch (Ltd Ed)
4. Fly By Jing, Chengdu Crunch
5. This Little Goat, Spicy
6. Boon Sauce, Regular
7. Bullet
8. Sze Daddy
9. This Little Goat, Regular
10. ZinDrew, OG

The rest: Trader Joe's, S&B, Junzi, Nowon’s, Cy Eats, RiceBox, Momofuku (other 3 varieties), ZinDrew X-Batch, Su (all 3), The Flavor Society Pizza/Spicy Pizza, Fly By Jing Regular, Holy Tshili, KariKari

No longer in production: Umamei, Mom's Mala (2 varieties)

Show threadKathryn YuJan 11, 2024

My updated chili crisp rankings as of 1/11/2024:
1. Lao Gan Ma
2. Momofuku, Regular
3. This Little Goat, Ranch (Ltd Ed)
4. Fly By Jing, Chengdu Crunch
5. This Little Goat, Spicy
6. Boon Sauce, Regular
7. Umamei
8. Bullet
9. This Little Goat, Regular
10. Super Magic Taste

The rest: Trader Joe's, S&B, Junzi, Nowon’s, Cy Eats, RiceBox, Momofuku (other 3 varieties), ZinDrew Regular/X-Batch, Su (all 3), The Flavor Society Pizza/Spicy Pizza, Fly By Jing Regular, Holy Tshili, KariKari, Co-op, CinSoy/CinSoy Spicy

Rare/no longer in production (?): Mom's Mala (2 varieties), Sze Daddy

Show threadKathryn YuMar 12, 2024

My #ChiliCrisp #ChiliCrunch rankings after trying 42 kinds, as of 3/11/2024:
1. Lao Gan Ma
2. Momofuku, Regular
3. Fly By Jing, Chengdu Crunch
4. This Little Goat, Spicy
5. Boon Sauce, Regular
6. Umamei
7. Bullet
8. This Little Goat, Regular
9. Super Magic Taste
10. Kwong Shop No. 5

The rest: Trader Joe's, S&B, Junzi, Nowon’s, Cy Eats, RiceBox, Momofuku (other 3 varieties), ZinDrew OG/X-Batch, Su (all 3), The Flavor Society Pizza/Spicy Pizza, Fly By Jing Regular, Holy Tshili, KariKari, Co-op, CinSoy/CinSoy Spicy, Chile Crunch (red jar), Mama Teav’s Hot Garlic OG, Me’s Way, Blank Slate, Xian Famous Foods, Mr. Bing

Rare/no longer in production (?): Mom's Mala (2 varieties), Sze Daddy, This Little Goat (Ranch)

Show threadKathryn YuJul 20, 2024

I’ve now tried 56 different chili crisps and crunches.

Full list and top ten ranking is now hosted here.

https://kathrynyu.medium.com/chili-crisps-and-crunches-ranked-17ae90ac6389

The Best Chili Crisps and Chili Crunches for 2026 (I’ve Tried 86)

My personal favorites after trying a bunch of different kinds

Medium
Show threadKathryn YuSep 17, 2024

Due to This Little Goat's apparent closure, I have removed their chili crunches from my top ten ranking.

I have also now tried 64 kinds of chili crisps and crunches.

Updated list here, current as of 9/17/2024.

https://kathrynyu.medium.com/chili-crisps-and-crunches-ranked-17ae90ac6389

The Best Chili Crisps and Chili Crunches for 2026 (I’ve Tried 86)

My personal favorites after trying a bunch of different kinds

Medium
Show threadChris AinsworthMar 12, 2024
@kathrynyu We just finished a jar of karikari, will keep an eye out for something from the top of your list for our next!
Show threadKathryn YuMar 12, 2024

@driph The jar of KariKari I tried had too many overly roasted garlic pieces.

You might like Mama Teav’s for a more garlicky chili crisp version!

Show threadChris AinsworthMar 12, 2024
@kathrynyu Thank you for the recommendation, next up for us is Mama Teav’s and Lao Gan Ma!
Show threadChris AinsworthMar 29, 2024
@kathrynyu Update, both of them are great but I looove the Mama Teav’s, wonderful taste and I really enjoy the texture.
Show threadKathryn YuMar 29, 2024
@driph Excellent news!
Show threadJ. WaltonMar 12, 2024
@kathrynyu I love that Lao Gan Ma still beats all the others.
Show threadranjitJan 11, 2024
@kathrynyu I tried the Xi'an Famous version recently and didn't like it because I'm not looking for a lot of Sichuan pepper in my chili crisp - but luckily the people i gave it to as gifts loved it!
Show threadKathryn YuJan 11, 2024
@ranjit Noted! The regular Fly By Jing has too much Sichuan peppercorn for me but I really enjoy their Zhong sauce (which is a little sweet) and their Chengdu Crunch (which is closer to Lao Gan Ma in texture).
Show threadranjitJan 11, 2024
@kathrynyu i've never tried any Fly By Jing sauces! I gotta change that.
Show threadranjitNov 20, 2023
@kathrynyu of all these I have only tried Lao Gan Ma and Momofuku, and though I'd probably reverse your rankings for them, I'm glad they're your faves :)
Show threadKathryn YuNov 20, 2023

@ranjit I think the Momofuku needs slightly less crunch and slightly more oil. By the time I get to the bottom of the jar, it's all crunchy bits that are hard to scrape out.

LGM also has the benefit of some variety in the texture, whereas the Momofuku does not.

That said, I've tried basically every variety of the Momofuku: regular, extra spicy, ghost pepper, and black truffle. And have a bunch in the back closet.

Show threadranjitNov 20, 2023
@kathrynyu i think for me it probably just comes down to momofuku's is saltier!
Show threadJosh Tsui 🍥May 29, 2023
@kathrynyu nothing beats Lao Gan Ma!
Show threadAndrew PlotkinMar 15, 2023

@kathrynyu As a recent convert to chili crisp, I am taking notes.

(I don't remember what brand I found at the local bfresh, but I will look for more.)

Show threadJeff PummillMar 6, 2023
@kathrynyu The Lao Gan Ma is amazing! If anything, I overuse it 😊😎
Show threadNeven MrganMar 6, 2023
@JPummil @kathrynyu This sounds right! LGM is cheap and widespread; I almost feel bad for any other brand that tries to compete…
Show threadAnthony SoraceMar 6, 2023
@neven @JPummil @kathrynyu It’s so dominant that when my friend from China was trying to tell me about chili crisp generally but couldn’t remember what it was called in English, she kept telling us to go look for “old dry mother”.
Show threadJosh Tsui 🍥Mar 6, 2023
@kathrynyu Lao Gan Ma Forever!!!
Show threadjondmatthewsMar 6, 2023
@kathrynyu The list I didn’t know I needed, but I clearly needed.
Show threadMike LawtonMar 6, 2023
@kathrynyu Delighted to see your list. I love Momofuku and now will be ordering some Lao Gan Ma Chili Crisp to check it out.
Show threadMike LawtonMar 11, 2023

@kathrynyu Wow, Lao Gan Ma is every bit as good as you rated it! And unlike, Fly by Jing (which I do like), there are so many crispy bits. FBJ sometimes seems a bit thin.

So when I want a little more bite, I’ll go with Lao Gan Ma. And when I want a little sweeter flavor, it’ll be Momofuku. You can’t go wrong either way though… an embarrassment of flavor riches.

Show threadEric HustvedtMar 6, 2023
@kathrynyu I swear by the chili crisp from Sekali, which pops up in the Boston area.
Show threadBen KlausMar 6, 2023

@kathrynyu I look forward to trying some of these! I bought many last year and my favorite is this one:

https://yunhai.shop/products/su-chili-crisp-mala

Su Chili Crisp Mala (Original)

Show threadKathryn YuMar 6, 2023

@looserooster I’ve been on the fence about trying this one but the five spice and cilantro varieties intrigue me. I’ll probably end up ordering it soon.

Have you tried the Bullet cold pressed sesame oil one that Yun Hai also sells?

https://yunhai.shop/products/bullet-garlic-chili-oil?variant=37392874963118

Bullet Sesame Oil Chili Crisp

Show threadBen KlausMar 6, 2023
@kathrynyu oh that looks intriguing! My jar is nearly empty so I’m gonna try that with my next order. Thx
Show threadKathryn YuMar 10, 2023
@looserooster Update: I have now ordered all three flavors of Su Chili Crisp and also the Bullet Chili Crisp from Yun Hai. 😆
Show threadBen KlausMar 10, 2023
@kathrynyu same 😂
Show threadBen KlausMar 15, 2023
@kathrynyu updated update: the Bullet Chili is fantastic!!
Show threadKathryn YuMar 15, 2023
@looserooster I need more time to do a head to head, but it’s definitely a contender for top 5 for me. It’s such a small jar, though!
Show threadMaggie Johnson-PintMar 6, 2023
@kathrynyu oh I love the momofuku so now I have to try you #1
Show threadMark AllertonMar 6, 2023
@kathrynyu of your list, I’ve only tried your top 2 but I agree with the ordering. I use both as condiments and as cooking ingredients and Momofuku might get the nod in the latter category as the flavour is a bit less obvious. But I do love that LGM flavour - I first ran into their chili oil at a dim sum place I used to visit and I was like, I need to have my own jar of this.
Show threadtkteoMar 6, 2023

@kathrynyu for Lao Gan Ma I like the variant with peanuts inside.

Thank you for the list. I don't think I see even a third of this over here (SG)

Show threadMax Damage (gamedev)Mar 6, 2023
@kathrynyu we only just got hot cheetohs and Takis in regular stores... unless you pay minimum $15 a bag from the newly arrived import-stores.
Show threadpaulmwatsonMar 6, 2023
@kathrynyu thanks for the list, lots for me to try. Also homemade can be great if a bit tricky on the crunch!
Show threadMagic6435Mar 6, 2023
@kathrynyu great list! I know it didn’t make the cut but I find momofuku ghost pepper glorious
Show threadBathysaurus FeroxMar 6, 2023
@kathrynyu I needed this! mmmmmmm
Show threadKevin LeeMar 6, 2023
@kathrynyu would be curious what you think of this one made by a friend; https://supermagictaste.com
The World's Best Crunchy Chili Crisp Oil | Canada and US Shipping

Home of the World's Greatest Chili Crisp Oil, and other food experiments made to elevate and transform your home cooking into something that can only be described as magic 🌶🔥❤️

Super Magic Taste
Show threadKathryn YuDec 10, 2023
@livekeen Finally got to try this - thanks for the rec! Enjoying the gochugaru and almond combo.
Show threadKevin PaulMar 6, 2023
@kathrynyu @anildash Thank you! At present I am obsessed with chili crisp.
Show threadAlex BenzerMar 6, 2023
@kathrynyu i'm intensely loyal to Lao Gan Ma
Show threadKathryn YuMar 6, 2023
@alex Most people are!
Show threadjimbMar 10, 2023
@kathrynyu thanks! Didn’t know there were so many choices.
Show threadSwapna KrishnaMar 15, 2023
@kathrynyu I appreciate you continually revising this list.
Show threadAdam LissMar 29, 2023
@kathrynyu Not technically chili crisp, but have you tried salsa macha? The one I’ve seen a lot is https://kualisalsa.com
Kuali Salsa Macha

Kuali Salsa is a Latino owned and operated company producing some of the finest Mexican salsas. All of our salsas are made by hand, using only high quality and natural ingredients. Salsa macha is our signature salsa and is a secret family recipe.

Show threadKathryn YuMar 29, 2023
@manalive I do want to try more salsa machas and salsa secas! However, I am currently on a one-in/one-out chili crisp policy. Because I need to finish the ~25 open jars of chili crisp I currently have. 😜
Show threadmkohpottsApr 15, 2023
My dad just went out and randomly came back with a new chili crisp. And it happens to be the number one on @kathrynyu ‘s chili crisp rankings. How excited am I to try this?! Right now number one for us is coincidentally Momofuku’s chili crunch (regular) so I am SO CURIOUS to compare with Lao Gan Ma!!!!!!!