Daoshan Stinky Tofu

Review

Daoshan Stinky Tofu is on Lude Road in Dongshan. Travel blogger Bunny Ann lists it as a must-stop in both her Dongshan attractions guide and her day-trip plan, calling it a local queue-worthy hidden gem about five minutes' drive from Meihua Lake. The same writer also includes Daoshan among local snacks in her wider Yilan food list.

The focus is thick, crisp-skinned stinky tofu, fried until crunchy outside while staying soft inside, with clear layers of texture. The Taiwanese pickled cabbage served alongside is tangy and spicy enough to cut through the oil. The guide mentions a large platter costs about NT$300, good for sharing, and the writer considers it great value. Diners also mention some creative flavours, and the braised pork rice gets recommendations too.

Diners most often praise the crisp-outside, tender-inside tofu with a properly strong aroma, the pickled cabbage whose sourness pairs well with it, and the convenient free car park; many call it one of their favourite stinky tofu spots in Yilan. Complaints include pickles some find too sour, weekend waits, and a location far from town that is awkward without a car.

The guide gives hours of 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., while the online map listing shows closing at 5:30 p.m.; it is closed on Wednesdays, so go by what is posted on site. Diners say you order at a self-service machine in the shop, with a short queue when busy. There is free parking at the door, making it an easy snack stop between Meihua Lake and the Dongshan River.

It suits travellers driving around Dongshan and Meihua Lake and lovers of pungent stinky tofu. Two or three people can share a large platter and add a bowl of braised pork rice as a meal. If you are unsure about the smell, try one or two pieces first, and eat them together with the pickles and sauce to get the full effect.