Guizhou: The spicy heart of China and home of Lao Gan Ma

Lao Gan Ma may be a global social media sensation, but its roots lie deep in Guizhou – the historical birthplace of China’s chilli culture. Now the nation’s top chilli producer, the province continues to push culinary boundaries. In this episode of Eat Drink Asia, SCMP reporter Lisa Cam explores Guizhou’s massive chilli exchange and discovers some radical local traditions, from mixing charred peppers with wood ash to fermenting spice inside repurposed bomb shelters.