I am a firm believer of stinky tofu and am always on the hunt for the best stinky tofu in Taiwan.
One of the foods that foreigners dread trying when they come to Taiwan is stinky tofu. You know you can’t miss it, but you just can’t get yourself to order it and take that first bite.
I don’t blame you!
Stinky tofu literally smells like someone marinated tofu in a bag of shit.
BUT! I swear, stinky tofu is just one of those foods that you’ll have to get used to. Once you’ve gotten used to the taste and smell of it, you’ll suddenly find yourself craving it for dinner.
Stinky tofu comes in all shapes and forms. The most common ones you see are either fried or steamed. Steamed stinky tofu usually comes with a stronger scent, but both are delicious in their own right.
Having lived in Taichung for around 4 years now, I’ve tried many stinky tofus all over the city. And I believe I’ve finally found the best stinky tofu in Taiwan at the Kongye vegetarian restaurant in Taichung.
I was first taken to Kongye for my 22nd birthday last year. I had seen this restaurant all over Taiwanese vegetarian accounts on instagram and heard quite a few positive reviews from my vegetarian friends at school. But I never really gave it much of a thought until I tried it out for myself.
The simple wooden interior design here gives it a very zen ambience. It almost feels as if you’re dining in a Japanese monastery. This restaurant also seems to be a favorite amongst monks and nuns.
Today I’ll be giving you a comprehensive food review and a guide on what to order the next time you dine here.
the best stinky tofu in Taiwan (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Literally if you only order one thing at this restaurant, order their steamed stinky tofu.
Their stinky tofu is no joke, it is definitely the best stinky tofu in Taiwan. It still stinks, but it stinks like something you’d willingly put in your mouth, which is a great starting place for stinky tofu amateurs (looking at you).
The texture and taste of the stinky tofu here is a lot more tender and juicy than the one you usually get at the night markets. And it goes perfect with the edamame and Thai basil toppings.
You can also choose the level of spiciness you want your stinky tofu to be. I love spicy food, so my general rule is to make everything you eat as spicy as possible. But I find that minimal spice is enough to enhance the taste of the tofu without covering up its taste.
again, the best stinky tofu in Taiwan. I’m not kidding.
soup noodles
Chinese herbal soup noodles (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Chinese herbal soup noodles if great if you want somethings hearty yet flavorful. Many people are foreign to the taste of Chinese medicinal herbs, I personally love it and find it so healing and I would recommend it as something everyone has to try when they visit Taiwan.
Spicy ma la soup noodles (⭐⭐⭐⭐.5)
The ma la soup noodles here are my absolute favorite. As a die hard spice consumer, I’ll eat everything spicy that comes my way. The ma la noodles here aren’t too spicy, and just the right amount of numb, and it is so so aromatic. Must try if you come to Kongye.
Curry soup noodles (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Honestly I’m usually not the biggest fan Curry flavored stuff, I usually find them quite underwhelming. But I was surprised to find how flavorful and creamy this bowl of curry soup was, you’ll definitely enjoy it if you’re a fan of curry.
dry noodles
Sesame sauce buckwheat noodles (⭐⭐⭐⭐.5)
I never fancied Japanese buckwheat noodles, but I am a big fan of sesame sauce!
I feel like every food post I have is just me talking about all the food that I dont like. Sorry, I’m a really picky eater.
These noodles are the most delicious cold noodles ever. The buckwheat noodles are extra chewy compared to the usual ones, or in Taiwan, you’d say they’re very ‘Q‘. I never thought of eating buckwheat noodles with sesame dressing, whoever thought of this is a genius!
rice
Mi gao (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Migao is traditional Taiwanese dish, it’s basically sticky rice with some sort of minced pork. If you’re a fan of rice-based dishes, then eating migao should definitely be on your bucket list. The migao at Kongye is one of the best vegetarian migao I’ve ever had! It comes with a bottle of dong chuan spicy sauce (a specialty of Taichung), which is not actually spicy but it pairs really well with the migao.
read more: 10 Taiwanese foods you have to try
Vegetarian minced meat rice (⭐⭐⭐.5)
Honestly, it was pretty good. But I’d just go with the migao if you’re looking to try a rice-based dish!
Sides
Spicy wonton (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
I love everything that looks like a dumpling, and that includes wontons. These dumplings dishes are the pride of Asian culture, and anyone who hasn’t tried should be ashamed of themselves.
I’m kidding, please go try. 👉👈
It’s not easy finding vegetarian wontons that taste good, but this one was pretty good! I wouldn’t say it’s the best, but it’s worth trying if you like wontons!
Fried king oyster mushroom (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Okay, I’d give this mushroom a 10/10 if it weren’t for the fact that I don’t like mushrooms. All my friends loved it and it IS really good but the mushroom was cut in really big pieces which everyone loves BUT I DON’T LIKE TO EAT BIG VEGETABLES.
So yea, you’ll love it if you’re not too picky with your food.
damn Emily, why you gotta be such a picky eater 😠
Overall, this restaurant is a great place for both casual dining and fancier gatherings with family and friends. The food here is amazing and the environment is very clean and absolutely lovely. And if you’re a fan of stinky tofu like I am, then definitely do come here for the best stinky tofu in Taiwan.
Thanks for tuning in today and I’ll see you in the next blog post! 🫰
are there any traditional dishes in your country that foreigners dread trying all the time?
tell me in the comments below, I would love to know!
Until next time,
Be sure to save it on pinterest if you liked the post! 🫶🏻
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