Cheers to a new era.

Hei Ma (黑馬) means “dark horse” in Mandarin — a symbol of unexpected strength, resilience, and comeback energy. The new name feels perfect for the next chapter of this chili crisp project, especially as we head into the Year of the Horse on the Chinese zodiac calendar. 

Thank you for coming along for the ride. Stay tuned for what's in store!

Winter Club Seasonal: GIDDYUP

We're riding into the Hei Ma era with a very different recipe to ring in the Year of the Horse! Mild heat, crunchy buckwheat and sesame, and gyopo and Chinese Lantern peppers grown in Sebastopol, CA.

These special jars are limited in quantity and are available exclusively for club members. Order your shipment today!

Learn more

We are crowdfunding to raise money for our rebrand.

If you've been following along, you're aware of the legal challenges we've faced this year. We're currently shouldering the burden of renaming, package design, a website overhaul, and label reprinting during an already difficult time for small businesses. If you are in the position to donate, every dollar will help us rebuild and continue doing what we're best at: sharing inventive takes on regional Chinese flavors using Sonoma County-grown ingredients.

Thank you for your support!

What is chili crisp?

Chili crisp is a family of condiments traditionally made with dried chile peppers, aromatics, and spices infused in oil for a perfectly crunchy, crispy, tingly, flavorful kick. It has roots in Sichuan cuisine, but its versatility makes it universally delicious on any dish.

Our lineup of chili crisp features recipes developed with a former cocktail bartender's approach to balance and building remarkable flavors in each spoonful. Give us a try and watch as chili crisp becomes your favorite condiment on the shelf!

Already obsessed?

Same. Join our club and get a big (discounted!) box of classic and exclusive seasonal flavors 4x/year, shipped straight to your door.

Two club membership options to choose from:

  • Feb. 17 is a more humane start to the new year, IMO

    Feb. 17 is a more humane start to the new year,...

    Lani Chan

    We're less than a week out until the New Year! I’ve celebrated Lunar New Year with my family my entire life. But this year, it feels different. I’ve been settling...

    Feb. 17 is a more humane start to the new year,...

    Lani Chan

    We're less than a week out until the New Year! I’ve celebrated Lunar New Year with my family my entire life. But this year, it feels different. I’ve been settling...

  • The Big Spooner - Winter 2025-26

    The Big Spooner - Winter 2025-26

    Lani Chan

    We made it! Big Spoon Sauce Co. is now Hei Ma. This is the inaugural Hei Ma club release. *applause* Hei Ma (黑馬) means “dark horse” in Mandarin — a...

    The Big Spooner - Winter 2025-26

    Lani Chan

    We made it! Big Spoon Sauce Co. is now Hei Ma. This is the inaugural Hei Ma club release. *applause* Hei Ma (黑馬) means “dark horse” in Mandarin — a...

  • A message from our co-founder

    A message from our co-founder

    Lani Chan

    Hi everyone, Nate here. Founding this little company in 2021 with my partner and wife was an astounding privilege and a joy that few may ever experience. When we moved...

    A message from our co-founder

    Lani Chan

    Hi everyone, Nate here. Founding this little company in 2021 with my partner and wife was an astounding privilege and a joy that few may ever experience. When we moved...

  • Onwards and upwards: We need your help to rebrand!

    Onwards and upwards: We need your help to rebrand!

    Lani Chan

    Lani here, with an update on our operations under the name Big Spoon Sauce Co. We are looking forward to continuing the saucy small business journey under a new name. But...

    Onwards and upwards: We need your help to rebrand!

    Lani Chan

    Lani here, with an update on our operations under the name Big Spoon Sauce Co. We are looking forward to continuing the saucy small business journey under a new name. But...

1 of 4