History

Welcome to DC!

For those who live outside of the area, Washington, DC is known as the Nation’s Capitol and home to the President of the United States. From politics, to the Smithsonian Museums, to the National Mall with all of its monuments – Washington, DC has much to offer visitors. Little is known, however, about the local culture of the District of Columbia, unless you have spent significant time mingling with its residents. Like half smokes, Go-Go music and “Taxation Without Representation,” mumbo sauce is a DC staple that’s here to stay. (photo source)

The History of Mumbo Sauce

Mumbo sauce (also referred to as mambo sauce) has been a favorite among the Washington, DC subculture for years – decades even. The red tomato based sauce is sweet and tangy, with a bit of a kick. Often used as a condiment on fried chicken wings and French fries, mumbo sauce is, for the most part, only found at local Washington, DC Chinese carryout restaurants.

Locals who are familiar with the history of mumbo sauce say it originated during the late 1960’s from Wing-n-Things, an African American owned chicken wing restaurant. The first location of Wings-n-Things was located on 7th and Florida Ave NW, and mumbo sauce was created as an original condiment to be served with their fried chicken wings. The sweet sauce became so popular that Asian restaurants across the DC metropolitan area adopted the sauce and created various other versions of their own. (photo source)

Most Washingtonians believe mumbo sauce originated in Washington, DC, while others suggest it came from a barbecue restaurant in Chicago. What do we believe? Well, that it comes straight from the District of Columbia, of course!

This unique DC delicacy is closely related to Go-Go music, a funky regional music style that blends rhythm, blues and early hip-hop. This genre of music was inspired by artists such as Chuck Brown, Trouble Funk, Junk Yard Band, E.U. and Rare Essence, just to name a few.

Chicken wings with mumbo sauce can be enjoyed any time of the day, but they have always been a late night favorite after a hard night of partying at the Go-Go. This tasty and unique sauce cannot be found anywhere else in the world!

So Who Has The Best Mumbo Sauce?

Aside from right here at Capital City Mumbo Sauce, it’s difficult to say because each Chinese carryout restaurant sells a slightly different version. Some range from a tomatoey sauce type to the more tangy, sweet, and sour variety. No matter where your mumbo sauce comes from though – Yum’s, Danny’s, Jerry’s, Eddie’s, Andy’s, or Kenny’s – you will be sure to find your favorite.

There is only one downside to this addictive wing sauce and that is that it can only be found in the DC, Maryland, or Virginia metropolitan areas. That is until now! (photo source)