stinky tofu
Fermented bean block
Stinky tofu is a fermented tofu preparation with an intensely pungent odor, popular as street food in China, Taiwan, and other parts of East Asia.
The smell—often compared to rotting garbage or sewage—comes from the brine of fermented vegetables, meat, or shrimp in which the tofu soaks.
Despite the off-putting aroma, the taste is milder and savory: The stinky tofu stand cleared half the block, but the line was twenty people deep.
Transformed by microbial action
- brineWater saturated with sodium
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
- lactobacillusAcid-producing beneficial bacterium
- microbesMicroscopic living organisms
pickling · enzymes · lactic acid · anaerobic · probiotics · cultures · aged · curing
Solidified soy milk
- soybeanProtein-rich Asian legume
- deep-friedCooked submerged in fat
- curdCoagulated milk solids
- cubesEqual-sided solid blocks
crispy · golden · sauce · chili · garlic · pickled vegetables · vegetarian · protein
Outdoor vendors after dark
- vendorOne who sells goods
- stallEnclosed compartment or delay
- hawkerRoving vocal merchant
- cartVehicle for hauling
sidewalk · alley · outdoor · queue · sizzling · wok · frying · smoke
Sharply strong-smelling
- malodorousHaving a bad smell
- reekingEmitting strong foul smell
- rankPosition in hierarchy
- putridDecomposed and foul-smelling
fetid · sulfurous · ammonia · funky · overpowering · off-putting · distinctive · notorious
Inclined toward risky endeavors
- connoisseurshipRefined evaluative expertise
- palateOral cavity ceiling
- acquiredCame to possess
- appreciationRecognition of worth
cultivated · discerning · polarizing · challenging · unusual · exotic · daring · initiation
fermented
Transformed by microbial action
- brineWater saturated with sodium
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
- lactobacillusAcid-producing beneficial bacterium
microbes · pickling · enzymes · lactic acid · anaerobic · probiotics · cultures · aged · curing · yeast
bean curd
Solidified soy milk
- soybeanProtein-rich Asian legume
- deep-friedCooked submerged in fat
- curdCoagulated milk solids
cubes · crispy · golden · sauce · chili · garlic · pickled vegetables · vegetarian · protein · umami
night market
Outdoor vendors after dark
cart · sidewalk · alley · outdoor · queue · sizzling · wok · frying · smoke · tourist attraction
pungent
Sharply strong-smelling
- malodorousHaving a bad smell
- reekingEmitting strong foul smell
- rankPosition in hierarchy
putrid · fetid · sulfurous · ammonia · funky · overpowering · off-putting · distinctive · notorious · infamous
adventurous
Inclined toward risky endeavors
- connoisseurshipRefined evaluative expertise
- palateOral cavity ceiling
- acquiredCame to possess
appreciation · cultivated · discerning · polarizing · challenging · unusual · exotic · daring · initiation · first-time
- Chinese foodsoup dumplings, kung pao chicken, chow mein, baozi, orange chicken
- Acquired Tastesdurian, blue cheese, natto, Marmite, Vegemite
- Fermented Foodskimchi, sauerkraut, miso, yogurt, soy sauce
- pungent smellsgarlic, onion, skunk, ammonia, sulfur
- street foodtacos, kebabs, skewers, satay, dumplings
- Taiwanese culturebubble tea, night markets, temple festivals, boba, pineapple cake
stinky tofufragrant
Emitting pleasant smell
fresh · aromatic · sweet-smelling · jasmine tea · aromatic herbs
stinky tofusilken tofu
Smooth, undrained soybean curd
soft tofu · edamame · fresh · pressed tofu
stinky tofusteamed buns
Filled dough cooked by vapor
congee · spring rolls · fried rice · lo mein · General Tso's chicken
stink, stinking, stench, stinky, stinks, tofu, stinker, stunk, stinkier