Stinky Tofu

Much like its name, this tofu is godawful rancid. At first you don’t notice it, but after a few bites you realize it smells and tastes exactly like cow manure so continuing your meal is an arduous task. But contrary to your western palette, it’s a popular dish in China and its appears at roadside stops, night markets, restaurants, and inside many mouths munching on the repulsive goodness.

Stinky tofu is fermented tofu with a very strong odor. It can be eaten cold, steamed, fried or stewed and is usually supplemented with chili oil (I suggest pouring the spice on if you wanna mask the taste). And from far away it resembles sewage that smells like dirty socks filled with a well-aged Stinking Bishop cheese.

In varying regions of China’s mainland you’ll find the meal prepared in different ways, so you can try each one! Some are flavoured with Sichuan peppercorns, others dry enough to stick to the back of your throat, and some are actually delicious (well, if you can successfully block out the smell). These more bearable kind are usually mixed with fresh cilantro, green onions, black pepper and chili powder or oil. In China’s food mecca Chongqing, you’ll find the latter option and it won’t be a waste of your yuan.

Perhaps you’ll even enjoy this curious snack. The stench didn’t agitate me too much once I got used to it and upon exploring its many forms all over the country, it definitely left a lasting impression- though maybe that was the foul aftertaste. In the end it depends on how experimental you are with trying new foods and though I’ve basically written an argument against eating stinky tofu, I’d still eat it again.