Hunan Smelly Tofu (湖南臭豆腐)!

I am finally back from Hunan, the place known for its regional-specific Chinese cuisine called Xiang Cai (湘菜)! Before i left, i mentioned to some friends that smelly tofu will be the first thing i blog when i come back.

Why?

I heard that smelly tofu from China is the ultimatium in terms of look (black outside, green inside), taste (like shit, which i cannot comment since i have never actually tasted shit before) and of course, smell.

Being an avid smelly tofu connoisseur appreciator, i die-die must try!!

Due to hygiene purpose and not a very strong stomach, i controlled myself the first few days i was in Hunan. The tour guide promised i will definitely try it when i am back at the province capital of Hunan, Changsha.

The day came finally on 15 October 2009, at a famous restaurant called 火宫殿 (direct translation as Fire Palace). 

One Look:

it's charcoal black! Inside was a greyish color and the texture was a cross between the silky smooth tofu and the streaky rougher tao pok.

First Smell:

no smell!!! Blooody hell, even the smelly tofu sold in pasar malam has a more potent smell!

Initial Taste:

deep fried, crispy and tasted oddly like a lighter version of pork lard (which i like of course!). Aftertaste was more like the smelly tofu sold in pasar malam and peng lai ge in Katong. Both of which, unfortunately, were not my FAVOURITE.

I stated my disappointment to the tour guide, who clarified that the main reason for the lack of smell was due to the air-con setting. He added that he will buy some from the street stalls for us to have an "original" taste!

He did, on the very same night; very nice of him right?

However, I am still not convinced. The smell, though stronger, was not comparable to the one we have in Geylang. The taste was stronger this time, largely due to the spices used but again, not comparable. And i choked on the spices used!!!

In summary, it was a good, tasty dish but not up to my expectation! According to wikipedia, China has a few variations of smelly tofu and this one from Hunan may not really be my cup of tea.

Nonetheless, my next focus shall be on Taiwan!!