what is mambo sauce

Mambo sauce, also known as Mumbo sauce, is a condiment that was developed and popularized in take-out restaurants in Washington, D.C. . It is a red-orange sauce that is similar to barbecue sauce, but somewhat sweeter, and also somewhat spicier or more sour. The sauce is typically put onto fried chicken wings, french fries, fried jumbo shrimp, and fried rice. The origin and ingredients of Mambo sauce are subject to great dispute, but it is often compared to Chicago mild sauce, found at take-out restaurants in that city’s predominantly Black neighborhoods. The sauce has been around since the 1950s-1960s and is made with ketchup, vinegar, hot sauce, and spices. The ingredients can vary, but some common ones include white vinegar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice. Mambo sauce adds a unique flavor punch that locals adore and can be used to slather on anything. It is also used as a glaze for grilled meats, dip for shrimp, or drizzled over fried foods. Some people have used the term "Mumbo Sauce" in articles, internet blogs, and advertisements for their sauce products, in connection with a sauce said to have originated in Washington, DC Chinese restaurants used on chicken wings, French fries, and fried rice.