Fu Ji Stinky Tofu

Review

Fu Ji Stinky Tofu used to be on Wufu 3rd Road in Lingya District and later moved to No. 52, Lane 53, Haibian Road, tucked into a side street; it is a name that comes up often when Kaohsiung locals recommend stinky tofu. Marie Claire's Kaohsiung street-food round-up lists it as Lingya's pick, and an earlier Supertaste feature introduced it for its crisp fried tofu.

The signature is crispy fried stinky tofu, described as crunchy and not greasy outside, juicy inside, with a balanced fermented aroma. The steamed version comes in a slightly spicy broth with very soft tofu, and several diners say it changed their minds about steamed stinky tofu. Another favourite is the tofu roll; older reports also mention a dumpling-shaped item, and there is a small hotpot that packs in many toppings.

Fans praise a warm owner who patiently explains how to order and even times dishes around friends arriving late, and the new shop, though hidden in a lane, is bright and comfortable. Critics say prices are a little higher than a typical stinky tofu stall, and some think the fried version doesn't match other famous shops, so it comes down to taste.

Current hours are roughly 2 to 9 p.m., but earlier reports said it opened at 3 p.m., so sources disagree; check before you go. Since the move it sits deep in a lane that is easy to miss on a first visit, so use navigation, and parking means finding a roadside space. None of the sources gathered here give clear prices, so look at the menu in the shop before ordering.

It suits anyone who wants to compare fried and steamed stinky tofu in one visit, and it is a good place to let hesitant friends try the steamed version. Two people can share one crispy, one steamed and an order of tofu rolls; if you dislike heat, ask how spicy the broth is first.