Small Business Saturday: Chumami Chili Oil

A new condiment that’s made in New Jersey created from a family secret recipe…color us intrigued! Chumami Chili Oil is a small business started during the pandemic that is currently making waves and shipping nationwide.

Chumami is a premium all-purpose chili oil made with simple, wholesome ingredients. No MSG. No artificial preservatives. No artificial flavors. Just a whole lot of LOVE. Each batch is produced in small quantities to ensure the highest quality level and crafted at Garden State Kitchen in Orange, NJ.

I got the opportunity to interview Jessica Chu who along with her brother Herman founded Chumami Chili Oil. The story behind their secret family recipe began when her grandfather “Agong” immigrated from Hong Kong to England in the early 80’s. As a culinary master, he brought his skill set to one of the only Asian restaurants around. During that time most local palettes could not handle the intense flavors, so Agong decided to create his own taste of home by way of chili oil.

Fast forward their mother, Kit, although not formally trained, would inherit Agong’s flare for world-class cooking. Amongst the exceptional dishes refined over the years, “Mama Chu” took the chili oil recipe and perfected it to what we consider Chumami today.

Their chili oil is a curated blend of ripe bird’s eye chili peppers (sourced domestically), savory dried shrimps, and spices. In addition, their canola oil is non-GMO expeller pressed (no chemicals). The family has meticulously crafted a flavor that will enhance your dish to the next level.

Although this falls under the condiment category, they believe Chumami offers unmatched versatility whether you’re using the oil part for cooking, the mixture as a marinade, or just adding on top for an extra visual and literal kick.

I asked Jessica what she learned by opening her business during the pandemic.

“Not only has the pandemic affected the entire restaurant industry amongst all other ways of living, but it was also probably the most challenging time for a startup condiment to get going. Our original gameplan was to spread the word through local markets and fairs where sample pairings would have done well (Just one taste and you’ll know what we mean!). However, with the pandemic, we needed to rethink our approach and took to Social media as our primary channel of marketing and communicating. Utilizing Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and other online platforms allowed us to connect with an assortment of foodie networks. We learned the power of social media and how many tools/resources could be used to support a starting business.”

Her advice to future entrepreneurs: “Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. Don’t be afraid to feel weak if you don’t know how to do something. Be brave in the unknown cause it’s only going to help you learn faster and MOST IMPORTANTLY find other entrepreneurs because they can give you advice when you’re starting that you can learn from and there’s nothing better than building a community of likeminded people.”

They have a lot planned for 2021 including their first limited-edition flavor to the public, collaborating with local small businesses such as Bakesbycr.ena (women-owned, micro-bakery) to create a delicious Chumami creation to be featured in the Spring, and NJ Gourmet Meal Prep (gourmet food delivery business).

They also plan to sell their products at new storefronts and local, artisanal shops and restaurants across NJ. Look out for them at farmers market this Summer!

When I asked Jessica what her favorite recipes were she said, “It’s hard to pick a favorite, but we love adding it to a grilled cheese sandwich and hash browns. It also pairs beautifully with eggs, and if you want to get fancy you can even make your own homemade spicy mayo with just Chumami and your favorite mayo.”

That sounds amazing.

For more information check out their Website, Facebook, and Instagram.