21臭豆腐
"21 Stinky Tofu" on Yizhong Street is considered one of the more famous stinky tofu shops in this area. Although there are quite a few stalls selling stinky tofu nearby, this one is probably the most well-known. It used to be incredibly crowded, but now it feels like the hype has died down a bit—perhaps it's going out of fashion?
The stinky tofu itself is quite good; the outer layer is fried to a crisp, while the inside retains some moisture, so it’s not dry. It’s juicy and has a nice texture, making it above-average fried stinky tofu. The pickled vegetables are on the sour side, which balances the dish and makes it less greasy, but if you're not a fan of sour flavors, it might not be to your taste. The portion size is standard, enough to satisfy a craving.
The dining environment is quite lacking, with a space that's shockingly small. Eating there feels a bit like having fast food – you’ll want to finish quickly and get out soon after sitting down.
Overall, the stinky tofu tastes fine, the frying technique is good, the pickled vegetables are sour but unique, and the environment is a downside. But if you're just looking for a simple stinky tofu meal, it’s still worth considering. However, whether you’ll have to wait in line depends on luck.