This year, we started a very interesting travel dining plan, to search for restaurants based on the theme of ‘tofu’ where ever we arrive. In China, tofu is not only commonly eaten at home, but also in nearly all the restaurants, there cannot be without tofu cuisine on the menu- either local tofu dishes or creative new ways of eating tofu.

So, in Shenzhen, the youngest city in China, we also found our favorite tofu.

The first thing we did after checking in at the hotel was to search for nearby cuisine using ‘tofu’ as a keyword on the google map, and that’s how we found ‘Puning Tofu’ —— To tell the truth, we even haven’t heard of Puning Tofu before.

Puning Tofu is a traditional Hakka snack in the Chaoshan area of Guangdong Province, and a local heritage delicacy. It has a very cute triangle shape, with a crispy outer and a soft interior like fresh milk, full of strong aroma of soy protein. Dipping leek salt water sauce is a traditional Hakka way of eating the Puning tofu, refreshing and appetizing.

So delicious that we couldn’t help to be curious about the city of Puning, a famous hometown of overseas Chinese located in Guangdong Province with many cultural heritage different from inner Han people of China. Hope to travel there one day.

As another unexpected gain in Shenzhen, we encountered a newly opened tofu themed restaurant.

The canteen is with only seven or eight tables, but all occupied with customers. Till 1:30 pm, We finally found two seats on the side of the counter and sat down, waiting for our meals while watching the young staff busy.

The tofu offered in the restaurant is Chetian tofu. Like Puning Tofu, Chetian Tofu is also a traditional local delicacy originating from Chetian Town, Heyuan City of Guangdong Province. It has been listed on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of Heyuan City. It is traditionally made from natural spring water from the upper Dongjiang River and local grown green soybeans.

The young restaurant manager is from Heyuan. ‘We use the spring water from Heyuan to make tofu and deliver by truck on every morning to Shenzhen,’ he said, ‘ opening this tofu shop inShenzhen is to provide a place for Hakka people who work outside and miss the flavor of their hometown. Besides, hope to let more people know about the Hakka food and traditions. ‘

It is a little regret that in his hometown, people like to sit around a large table to share food. However in Shenzhen, space is limited, so he had to make some changes, for example, such a izakaya style.

Tofu rice is the main food served in this tofu restaurant. This bowl of Stuffed tofu rice is the signature one. In addition to rice and tofu, it is also paired with beef mushrooms, stewed radish and Shanghai greens, and a small dish of very delicious pickles.

We didn’t find the mystery in the tofu, until we scooped it up——There are stuffed with savory meat mince hidden inside. As for the tofu itselt, not only with a tender texture, but also full of stewed gravy, so delicious rarely to see elsewhere.

This tofu snack called “Golden Wanliang” is also very creative: still tender Chetian tofu, sliced thinly, fried until golden brown, sprinkled with dried fragrant meat minces, and added with scallions for freshness. The quality of tofu is crucial, the mouthfeel of meat minces is interesting—— we are inspired to cook it at home.

What a rewarding journey of tofu! We never imagined how ordinary and magical tofu is on the dining tables of Chinese people, from traditional towns to modern cities.