New in town: Man Kou Xiang Stinky Tofu, Newton — Cheeky, lip-smacking, and vegetarian

If you obnoxiously enjoy stinky tofu, scurry down to Man Kou Xiang Stinky Tofu at Newton Food Centre for your fix.

Stinky tofu, famous (or notorious, depending on your threshold) for its distinctive and strong odour, is a popular sight at Taiwan night markets and roadside stands. The tofu is prepared in a fermented brine, and can be served cold, steamed or more popularly, deep-fried. Chilli sauce and soy sauce are common complements to the dish.

Man Kou Xiang Stinky Tofu serves it two ways—Vegetarian Fried White Stinky Tofu (S$5 to S$9) and Vegetarian Fried Black Bean Stinky Tofu (S$6 to S$10).

Following that, you can select your flavour. Choose from the likes of a Mala Soup Base or a Specialty Garlic Chilli Sauce (Dry) for a flavourful snack.

With the dark, crispy exterior of the Vegetarian Fried Black Bean Stinky Tofu, I imagine it’d go lip-smackingly well with a Dry Signature Mala Sauce flavour.

With their cheeky name that suggests mouthfuls of fragrance in Chinese, Man Kou Xiang Stinky Tofu pays homage to the delicious and tasty tofu that belies its smell. Indeed, the more obnoxious the smell, the more flavourful it’s said to be.

The tofu at this stall is also all made locally in Singapore. How’s that for #supportlocal?

For all its flavourful and rich taste, Man Kou Xiang Stinky Tofu does it all while managing to keep it all vegetarian. Ah, the power of fermentation.

If you’ve been put off by the strong odour of stinky tofu before but are still curious as to its appeal, Man Kou Xiangy Stinky Tofu is apparently less aggressive on the smell. So, here’s your chance to give it a try while there’s a milder option. Perhaps that’ll be the life-changing moment in your Chinese street food experience.