Hairy Tofu: What Is It and How Is It Made? (2024)

For many people, hair in their food sounds unappetizing, and at a restaurant, they would be sent back to the kitchens. However, luckily, not all foods are created equal! For example, hairy tofu is a delicacy in China, known for its aromatic flavor. Though some may find tofu a tad bland, hairy tofu packs a punch of flavors, especially when prepared with a melange of spices. Moreover, this Chinese delicacy is also known for its unique, hair-like filaments that "grow" on its surface during its preparation. Discover the incredible flavors and magic behind China's hairy tofu!

What Is Hairy Tofu?

Restaurant goers who've ever had hair in their soup may find the thought of "hairy food" an unsatisfying sight. However, the preparation behind this hairy food makes it, so that hair (or filaments) deliberately grows on the tofu's surface. Also known as mao doufu, hairy tofu is a local favorite in China's Anhui province. According to Chef's Plate, hairy tofu has a similar texture to blue cheese with a "noticeable resistance." Specifically, this hairy food is known for its long and thick hairs due to the beautiful process of fermentation. Locals and international tourists travel far and wide to China to try this unique delicacy, which has a unique preparation method. To date, some cooks even prepare the tofu using traditional means, whereby no high-tech gadgets are used. Making incredible hairy tofu requires patience, skill, and a pound of passion.

How Is Hairy Tofu Made?

Hairy tofu as a meal is a labor of love and requires a lot of patience, much like the finicky nature of macarons. The process starts off with firm tofu placed in a vessel, such as a wooden box. YouTuber Dianxi Xiaoge offers viewers a preview of how she makes her hairy tofu: using wood boxes lined with straw, she places rows of firm tofu within each box, stacking each one on top of the other (using plastic to cover them). Then, like for many hairy tofu makers, she leaves the fresh tofu to ferment for several days. According to Xudu, a specialty hairy tofu maker and owner of the international youth hostel in Anhui's Hongcun, the process can take between 3 to 6 days, depending on the season. Also, natural fermentation of the tofu requires temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees F. After several days, the tofu develops thick, opaque hairs, resembling a soft rabbit's tail!

• Did You Know? A study conducted in 2021 found that within a population of college students, things that scared them included eel, catfish, and mutton (rabbit) due to specific characteristics like taste, smell, or appearance. Reportedly, some respondents (approximately 31% of them) "strongly disliked" the appearance of hairy tofu, which was a stark contrast to a small percentage of them (approximately 7%) that "strongly liked" it.

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Hairy tofu may sound like a particular food, as "hairy food" is not an everyday staple for many diets. Though some people may be unwilling to try this amazing food, "hair" on food is not a new phenomenon. In fact, tempeh, a popular plant protein alternative to meat, is actually made in a similar manner! To make this Indonesian specialty, spores called Rhizopus are inoculated into the tempeh. Similar to hairy tofu, the tempeh is left to ferment until they form little hairy filaments on its surface. Black spots, formed due to the Rhizopus culture, also form along the surface. According to Tempea, it's best to eat tempeh when it has an off-white color, with some fuzz on it. This appearance signifies that the tempeh is at its best, especially since the flavors and aroma are peak. Additionally, good-quality tempeh has a yeasty aroma, resembling the smell of mushrooms!

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How Is Hairy Tofu Eaten?

Hairy tofu is a delicacy, and there are many ways to enjoy them. For Xudu, she prepares her hairy tofu by coating them in egg yolks (minus the egg whites) pan-frying them until they're golden brown. Additionally, she makes a savory sauce using spring onions, chilies, and onion. Meanwhile, YouTuber Dianxi Xiaoge prepares hairy tofu by deep frying it and serving it alongside some dry seasonings. Another way she prepares it is by scrambling it with aromatic ingredients, creating a dish resembling a "tofu scramble." Finally, she also shows viewers how to preserve the hairy tofu inside a glass jar with spicy seasonings, ginger slices, and spoons of canola oil. Like those in Anhui's Hefei Day Market (on Gongchen Street), some cooks will even freshly prepare hairy tofu and pack it in jars, ready to be sold to curious customers.

Hairy tofu is a delicacy loved by locals in Anhui's province of China. Like many foods people consume (even the majestic white chocolate), fermentation is key in making good quality and tasty hairy tofu. During her interview on Chef's Plate, Xudu recommends people try hairy tofu at least once in their life!

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