Shengkeng Old Street :TOFU!

TOFU...TOFU..I love TOFU! So, when my new host mother Grace said that we were going to go to Shengkeng Old Street, I shot up and stood at the door way with my backpack on and rain gear in hand.  Grace took me and my host cousin by bus up the mountain a bit. We arrived at the street and I could already smell the tofu!

Throughout the past months of my exchange, I have just fallen more and more in love with tofu. I enjoyed it before I came, but I have experienced so many different ways to eat tofu and to enjoy it since being in Taipei. Many of you have probably heard about a little thing called "stinky tofu", which is a very famous way the Taiwanese enjoy there tofu. It is sold at every night market, and roadside stands all over. You can't miss it because it is indeed "stinky tofu." It is produced by fermented milk, vegetables, and meat. It can include other items as well. I have eaten tofu so many times however, it is the one way I do not enjoy tofu. The stench of it makes it difficult to put near your nose, but then when it is in your mouth it is like you are eating the stench. Not enjoyable! However, there are so many other different tofu snacks.

My favorite, is something called "dou-gan." That means dried tofu. This tofu is dried and pressed, however it still  moist within. Once it has completed the drying process, you can then eat it plain or marinate it in any kind of flavor. It is incredible and for sure my favorite snack!

There is also a form of sweetened tofu. It is flavored by coconut, peanuts, various beans, tapioca, and some kind of sugar. This is called "dou-hua" and it is so good! In winter you can eat it warm and in the summer you can have it cold with crushed ice. A wonderful way that I  have enjoyed eating tofu. This weekend, I tried a new way of sweetened tofu in the form of tofu ice cream. Also, quite good!

I also tried some new items that my host mother introduced me too. Taiwan has many unique fruits that I have never seen before.  I love most any fruit, it is one of my most favorite things here.  Grace introduced me to a traditional taro snack that was very populat many years ago. It has dried taro inside and a sticky outer layer. This snack does not have an English translation.  But, just know it so good and I wish you could be here to try it with me!

Thank you Grace for the wonderful day and the smiles you brought to my face! I learned so much, and enjoyed delicious TOFU! I appreciate you sharing the day with me!