SAT, MAY 10, 2014 | 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM | University of Washington - Red Square
14th Annual UW NIGHT MARKET
A strong garlic stench, deep fried outer layer, and chewy goodness on the inside are the qualities that all eligible tasters look for in their ideal stinky tofu (臭豆腐). Stinky tofu, for the unfamiliar tongues out there is a popular Taiwanese night market dish made from fermented tofu. Usually it is deep fried and paired with Taiwanese kimchee or some hot sauce.
It is considered ‘stinky’ as the name implies because of the strong garlic and fermented smell. Some foreign visitors to Taiwan also consider stinky tofu as the ‘adventurous’ treat, because of its similar street cred as natto (fermented soy beans) in Japan, a ‘nasty’ food almost like those featured on the show ‘Bizarre Foods’ with Andrew Zimmerman. Even among Taiwanese there are people that dislike this supposedly ‘Taiwanese’ delicacy.
Stinky Tofu: A Love-Hate Relationship
By Joanne Huang (4/29/2013)
My relationship with stinky tofu goes back to the first time I went to Taiwan, when I was in the 7th grade. I remember wincing at the smell of stinky tofu, while my mom and ‘ahma’ (grandma) were gobbling down this street food. To be honest, I hated the taste and smell at first but I did like the crunchy texture and compliment of the Taiwanese kimchee. I think with any taster’s relationship with stinky tofu, it is one that needs to be cultivated over time.
So slowly, after giving stinky tofu another chance I have learned to really enjoy the food, and in fact be a big lover of stinky tofu. In my most recent trip I to Taiwan, I was literally lining up for one hour just to get a taste of the popular stinky tofu food cart in the night market in Banqiao (板橋).
There is a saying that says if you don’t like something, give it a couple more chances before completing putting it aside. I think for those who dislike stinky tofu that haven’t tried it more than once, they should give it another chance. And for those that have never tried it, should try it for the sake of having ‘street cred’ for eating a bizarre food and because it is quite delicious.
(We are pleased to announce that Henry's Taiwan will be selling "stinky tofu" (臭豆腐) at this year's Night Market!)
Stinky tofu sold at Shilin Night Market in Taipei
A favorite in many night markets, stinky tofu can almost always be found by its alluring aroma. (Banqiao, Taipei)