Celebrity chef’s ‘chili crunch’ trademark sparks debate over food and culture

Stephanie Sy:

Whatever you call it, chili crunch, chili crunch, this stuff has been a staple in a lot of Asian kitchens for generations, including my own.

David Chang’s Momofuku Chili Crunch is a relatively new player introduced in store shelves just a few years ago. However, his company acquired the trademark for the name chili crunch. That means other brands that use chili crunch can be found liable for trademark violations.

And, in fact, some makers of chili crisp have received cease-and-desist letters.

For more on this sizzling topic, I’m joined by James Park, who’s written a whole cookbook featuring chili crisp.

James, welcome to the “NewsHour.”

I apologize in advance for all the puns that will inevitably come out in this conversation.

Describe the reaction you have been hearing to Momofuku’s legal moves here. Is it fair to say there’s an uproar?

James Park, Author, “Chili Crisp: 50+ Recipes to Satisfy Your Spicy, Crunchy, Garlicky Cravings”: Absolutely.

This has been quite a hot topic in the past few days and the backlash since the news broke has been quite intense. And the community has been a little bit disappointed and also hurt by this action, because Momofuku has been a pioneer and a leader of this Asian food and products in the ever-growing chili crisp category and market.

And because he’s going after smaller makers that are often operated by just one or a few people, they’re calling him even a trademark bully because they’re targeting a smaller people who don’t have a capital or team to fight against this action.