Flavor That Started with a Story

Ớt Gà Đen began with one unforgettable night in Paris and a deep love for bold Vietnamese flavor. In the early 2000s, my husband and I were running Lang Van, the Vietnamese music label we co-founded in California in 1982. Our work often brought us to Paris, where we operated a record store in the heart of the 13th district—surrounded by a vibrant Vietnamese community that had taken root across Europe. On one of these visits, a few of our artists raved about a little restaurant they nicknamed the “gà đen place.” I followed them there out of curiosity—and what I tasted changed everything.

The dish was simple but unforgettable: braised chicken over red rice, sweet fried bananas, and a fiery habanero sauce on the side. The heat and depth of flavor instantly reminded me of home—of Saigon, of meals shared with family, and of spooning ớt sa tế over bowls of mì vịt tiềm or hủ tiếu Mỹ Tho. That plate brought together Paris, Vietnam, and Africa in perfect harmony—and it sparked something in me. I returned home inspired to capture that moment in a bottle.

For over 20 years, I experimented with garlic, shallots, Vietnamese chilis, and habanero—refining the balance of sweetness, spice, and soul. The result is OT GA DEN: a bold, Vietnamese flavor-forward sauce that elevates everything it touches. Today, people drizzle it on bánh mì, grilled meats, eggs, noodles, and even sushi. But at its heart, this sauce is a story—of culture, creativity, and a woman who followed her taste buds toward something fearless, unforgettable, and deeply personal.