The History of Mumbo Sauce: A Washington, D.C. Culinary Staple
Mumbo sauce, also known as mambo sauce, is a tangy, sweet, and spicy condiment that has become a staple in Washington, D.C.'s carryout restaurants, particularly those serving Chinese-American cuisine. The origins of Mumbo sauce are a bit murky, with several competing claims to its invention.
One popular theory is that Mumbo sauce was created in the 1950s by Argia B. Collins Sr., who founded the now-defunct Mumbo Bar-B-Q restaurant in Chicago. According to this theory, the sauce was originally used as a marinade for barbecued meats and was later adopted by Chinese-American carryout restaurants in Chicago and eventually in Washington, D.C.
However, others believe that Mumbo sauce was actually created by Chinese-American chefs in Washington, D.C., who developed the sauce as a way to cater to the local African-American community's taste for sweet and tangy flavors. According to this theory, the sauce was originally called "Mambo sauce" in reference to the popular Latin dance music of the 1950s, and the name was later changed to "Mumbo sauce" as a nod to the city's large African-American population.
Regardless of its origins, Mumbo sauce has become a beloved part of Washington, D.C.'s culinary landscape, and is often used as a dipping sauce for chicken wings, fried rice, and other Chinese-American dishes. The sauce is typically made with a combination of ketchup, sugar, vinegar, and various spices, and can range from mild to extremely spicy.
While Mumbo sauce is not well-known outside of the Washington, D.C. area, it has gained a cult following among locals and visitors alike. In recent years, the sauce has even begun to make its way into gourmet kitchens and upscale restaurants, as chefs experiment with new and creative ways to use the condiment.
While the exact origins of Mumbo sauce are still debated, there is no doubt that the condiment has become an integral part of Washington, D.C.'s culinary identity. Whether you prefer the sweet and tangy flavors of the original recipe or the fiery heat of a spicier version, Mumbo sauce is a delicious and versatile condiment that is sure to please your taste buds.
We are pleased to re-release one of our first sauces with a new label but the same great flavor. Mumbo has been one of our best sellers when we travel the East Coast, we hope you will enjoy our love letter to the infamous Mumbo Sauce.
Sources:
"The Mumbo Sauce Controversy: A Chicago Condiment in a D.C. World" by Mark Yarm, The Washington City Paper, April 16, 2012
"Mumbo Sauce: The Condiment That Has United (and Divided) Washington, D.C." by Adrian Miller, First We Feast, November 10, 2015
"The Secret History of Washington D.C.'s Mumbo Sauce" by Danielle C. Belton, The Root, April 23, 2015
