The outer skin of the stinky tofu is crispy, while the inside is soft and has a moderate fermented taste. The spicy pickled vegetables and cilantro enhance the layers of flavor, with a sweet and sour taste combined with a slight spiciness that adds to the overall flavor profile.
The well-known stinky tofu shop on Shenkeng Old Street attracts many tourists. During the New Year period, the crowds are overwhelming, so it is recommended to use public transportation.
# Open During the New Year
The business hours are the same as usual. I went on the third day of the New Year, and there were a lot of people! I had to line up!
"The Stinky Tofu under the Big Tree" is one of the more famous stinky tofu shops on Deep Pit Old Street. There are a ton of stinky tofu shops here, and I usually choose one that I have a good impression of. This time, I came to this one.
The stinky tofu here has a crispy outer layer and a soft, moist inside, and the fermentation flavor is just right—not overwhelming. It doesn't have that excessively pungent fermented smell, making it suitable for the general public. I ordered the spicy kimchi with cilantro flavor, and they really gave a generous amount of cilantro, piled on thick. People who like cilantro will probably enjoy it a lot. There’s also the sweet and sour flavor of the kimchi, making the overall texture very rich and not greasy.
The spicy kimchi itself isn't really that spicy; at most, it provides a slight kick, mainly enhancing the variation in texture. I personally think it pairs quite well.
However, I want to remind you that during the New Year period, traffic in Deep Pit can be incredibly congested to the point where you start questioning your life choices. Even if you find parking, the fees are usually outrageously high. So if you can avoid driving, I strongly recommend using public transportation. It saves money and hassle, and after eating, you can leisurely stroll around the old street.