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宁波臭豆腐

Pinyin: Níngbō Chòudòufu | Cuisine: Zhejiang Cuisine

Níngbō Chòudòufu (Ningbo Stinky Tofu) is a fermented tofu specialty from Ningbo, Zhejiang. Despite its pungent aroma, the tofu has a mild, savory flavor with a creamy, custard-like interior. It can be eaten cold, steamed, or pan-fried, and is a beloved Ningbo street food and home-cooked dish.

TofuFermentedStreet Food

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Cut tofu into 3 cm cubes.
  2. Submerge tofu in the fermented brine for 8-12 hours at room temperature.
  3. Remove tofu and rinse gently. Pat dry.
  4. For pan-fried: heat oil, fry tofu until golden on all sides (about 3 minutes per side).
  5. Serve with soy sauce, chili oil, and chopped scallions.

Cultural Notes

Ningbo stinky tofu has been a local specialty for over 300 years. Unlike Changsha's famous stinky tofu which is black and deep-fried with a strong flavor, Ningbo's version is lighter in color and milder in taste, with a creamy texture. The fermentation process is a traditional technique in Ningbo, where fermented foods are an important part of the culinary culture. Ningbo residents believe that properly fermented tofu aids digestion and has health benefits.