Do you Mumbo? This Washington, D.C. favorite turned my world upside down in 0.2 seconds. Mumbo Sauce is part sweet and sour, part urban legend, part ketchup, and unbelievably delicious! Every restaurant has their own version, with no two Mumbo Sauces alike. Philly has their cheesesteak, New Orleans has beignets, and D.C. is home of the Mumbo Sauce. This sauce is truly a local treasure, influenced by D.C.'s international culture with a BBQ sauce base and an Asian, Southern flare. If I had my way, I'd put Mumbo Sauce on everything!
It's hard to describe its exact flavor but Mumbo Sauce has varying levels of sweet and tangy, with a vinegar kick, and a pinch of heat. The sauce I tried had a translucent golden red hue with specks of red pepper, all perfectly glazing my freshly fried wings. You can probably get away with putting this sauce on anything and everything but it's usually found at Chinese restaurants, accompanying a side of fries, and slathered on fried chicken wings (highly recommend!).
The Mumbo Sauce wings I tried here were from Wingo's in Grover Park and I must say, they were the BEST wings I've ever had! I would describe these wings with this sauce as nothing less than euphoric. If you live in D.C., I am insanely jealous of your incredible sauce! If you are visiting D.C., you have to pop into the nearest restaurant and grab yourself some fries and wings with extra Mumbo Sauce on the side - it's an experience you can't miss when visiting!
Not visiting D.C. anytime soon but need this sauce in your life ASAP? Here is an Amazon Affiliate link to a bottle of Capital City Mumbo Sauce, which is supposed to be really good!
Craving more? I've linked below a YouTube video all about Mumbo sauce and how it has culturally evolved in D.C. and how it's celebrated - Why Mumbo Sauce Is the Key to D.C.'s Subculture | Food Grails
Onaney says
Ah I needed to read this last summer when my husband and I were in DC! He really wanted to try Mumbo sauce and we had no idea where to go lol
Michele says
Oh no!! Totally worth the hunt. It'll be something fun to try next time you two are visiting D.C. Hope you are doing well Onaney!