Deep-Fried Stinky Tofu – Taipei

The pungent aroma of chou doufu is apparent long before you can see the street cart where it is being cooked. Yes, it smells terrible, but it tastes terrific. Chou doufu is popular throughout China, where regional variations see the dish served spicy or spicier and accompanied by sauces or pickled veggies. In Taipei, where it is massively popular, deep-fried stinky tofu is the favourite variety. And for a newbie, this method of preparation takes away some of the shock of the very strong odour. Once you’ve gotten over the smell, though, it’s easy to get addicted to this night market snack.