Growing up the youngest of eight, Marnie’s siblings often called her Sao Noi which means “little girl” in Laotian. The affectionate nickname would later inspire the name of Marnie’s award-winning chili oils. While the woman-owned company is now operated by daughters, Lisa and Maly Douangphoumy, it was Marnie who first developed the chili oil recipes from her cozy restaurant kitchen in Hood River, Oregon.

By 2015, Marnie’s original chili oil, a versatile blend of garlic and onion, was so popular with customers of the family’s Thai-Vietnamese restaurant, that they decided to bottle and sell it. New spicy chili oils with intriguing depth of flavor were soon to come, each one evoking nostalgia for the family’s traditional Lao and Thai recipes. Sao Noi Chili Oils are handcrafted in small batches in Portland, Oregon. Pick up your favorite blend at your local Market of Choice.

Published On: May 10th, 2024

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