Wang's Tofu

Review

Wang's Tofu is at No. 85 Shiding East Street, on the corner at the front of Shiding Old Street. Supertaste's Shiding Old Street guide lists it as a century-old shop, and Smile Taiwan's feature on Shiding also describes the tofu shop as having a hundred years of history. Tofu has long been a signature taste of Shiding Old Street, and Chen's Tofu Desserts on the same old street uses Wang's tofu as the base for its sweets, which shows the shop's standing locally.

Tofu is made the traditional way, and Smile Taiwan names the charcoal-scented soy milk, tofu and tofu rolls as signatures. Supertaste singles out the weekend-only grilled tofu and the douhua, while diners recommend the ginger douhua for its silky texture and gentle sweetness. For a meal there are braised tofu, fried tofu, tofu thick soup, spicy duck blood with tofu, braised pork rice, shredded chicken rice and stir-fried greens, so you can try many tofu dishes at once; ifoodie puts average spend at about NT$80.

Fans praise the simple tofu dishes, the house-made soy milk and prices lower than in the city, and many recommend the fried tofu and tofu rolls as must-eat tofu snacks on Shiding Old Street. Critics find the braised tofu too salty and oily, and some long-time customers feel the handmade tofu, soy milk and ginger douhua were better in earlier years, with recent visits ordinary and portions on the small side.

Online information shows hours of about 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with possibly later opening and earlier closing on weekdays; Google lists Mondays and Tuesdays as closed, so sources differ and it is best to check. There is a minimum spend on weekends and it is cash only. Seating is both indoors and outdoors, and takeaway is available. Parking around the old street is limited and weekends are busy, so arrive early or come by bus.

Good for anyone strolling Shiding Old Street who wants tofu dishes, or who wants to take older relatives for a light, old-fashioned meal. Order fried tofu or tofu rolls with soy milk, plus a bowl of tofu thick soup; on weekends don't miss the limited grilled tofu, and finish with ginger douhua. Around NT$100 per person covers several dishes.