What is black vinegar Black vinegar is a type of vinegar that originated in China and has been passed down in many parts of Asia, along with many other Chinese foods. It can be made with a wide variety of ingredients and a range of recipes, so it varies greatly in taste. Like other vinegars, black vinegar is made by fermenting something, in this case a grain, and then allowing the resulting liquid to ferment. After aging, the vinegar is bottled and sold.