This plate of steamed stinky tofu arrives with a warm, gentle aroma that fills the air—not aggressive or overwhelming, but a mellow blend of fermented bean fragrance and savory broth. The tofu has fully absorbed the sauce, its surface carrying a rich amber sheen. A light press of the chopsticks reveals its soft, airy interior, releasing more broth from the tiny pores. The texture is tender but still holds structure, almost like a sponge of flavor.
The broth is the soul of the dish—balanced, not overly salty, and layered with soy sauce sweetness, a hint of herbal notes, and a subtle spicy finish. Ginger strips and scallions add brightness and a slight crunch, giving contrast to the softness of the tofu. The fermented aroma is deep but refined: it doesn’t punch the nose, instead it unfolds slowly on the palate, building richness with every bite.
A sip of the broth brings everything together—savory, fragrant, mildly spicy, and comforting. Without the heaviness of frying, this steamed version turns the “stinky” character into something elegant and flavorful. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to wipe the plate clean, spooning up every last drop of broth.
Simple, focused, and unforgettable—this is how good steamed stinky tofu...
Read moreIf you like stinky tofu, I think you’ll like this place! It’s hidden inside the night market, Nanjichang (which was my first time, a surprise to me since I keep thinking that I’ve exhausted all the night markets in Taipei!) It’s kind of easy to miss if you can’t read Chinese, so be on the lookout or maybe go with someone who can read Chinese and stinky tofu??
Anyway, the woman worked there was really nice since I was sort of confused on how to order - so she explained everything to me, which I really appreciate! For those who are turned off by the smell, I probably won’t recommend you eating this unless you decided to be really adventurous! For those who do, it was very flavourful and absolutely perfect for the rainy weather Taipei was having that day. It’s a bit pungent but that’s okay - that’s the whole point of the dish.
If it wasn’t so out of the way, I’d def...
Read moreVegan, steamed stinky-tofu that's generous in portion and worth the wait. Delicious and inexpensive at NT$70 for two full-sized pieces in spicy broth of your choice (super spicy, hot, medium, less hot, mild, or no spice), topped with mini shiitake mushrooms, edemame, and julienne ginger.
Small restaurant with three four-seaters and three two-seaters in the back and a four seaters in the front. There's also a restroom...
Read more