There is a shopping area up the road in amongst 3 of the largest universities that has a particular odor about it. I would describe the smell as a bunch of boys’ used gym socks that have been stuffed with garbage. That unforgettable smell is the odor of frying chòu dòufu better known as “Stinky Tofu”. Stinky tofu is said to have been a favorite food of Mao Zedong. The tofu itself is fermented for about 6 months before being cut into square pieces. It can be eaten cold, steamed, or stewed but it is most commonly fried. One Friday night one of my students, Phocion ordered some for our table. Ricky was brave enough to try it. I couldn’t get it past my nose. Even though Ricky only had part of a small piece he said that he retained that peculiar nasty taste throughout the rest of the meal, no matter what he ate. Phocion ate the whole serving and lived. (and he said he likes it) Amazing! It is a smell that I will remember for the rest of my life. The picture above is Ricky BEFORE tasting it.
