what is the chili called that is given in chinese food places?!

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I think you're referring to chili paste, like Sambal Oelek. It looks like mashed red chiles.

I've notice that many supermarkets (in my area) carry chili paste on their ethnic food aisle. Heck... even Wal-Mart has it... http://www.walmart.com/ip/Huy-Fong-Foods…

There's also chili oil which is oil mixed with dried chili flakes, but I thinking you're referring to the "fresh chilie paste".

I go to the more authentic places here in Toronto Canada, there are several types, the ones the other have said, a sauce in bottles srichaia and here on the tables they serve a chili paste in oil, I have a friend who's family runs a Hunan place in our Chinatown area, they use hot oil over ground chili flakes, so you can add the oil that floats to the top or the chili paste from the bottom of the container, all 3 have varying levels of heat and spiciness, I like all 3.

Chili paste.

http://www.acateredaffair.ca

It's usually called chili paste. You can find it at any Asian market next to the rooster sauce! It is good, I use it as a side or add it to sauces or curries.