[Shilin Night Market, Taipei, Taiwan] - Stinky Tofu//臭豆腐 and Cold Noodles//涼麵
If you've ever been to Taiwan and walked through a night market (or any random street, actually), you probably smelled what appeared to be some rancid trash or really bad feet. Pungent and definitely an assault to the nose - this smell is not for everyone. Growing up, I gagged on the smell. I only had one cousin who lived in Taiwan who actually loved eating it. I thought he was disgusting. Little did my younger, more Americanized self know, stinky tofu is one treat that's hard to beat! First of all, it's fried. Fried food is delicious. You can fry just about any food and it'll be amazing. Secondly, once you bite through that crispy outer layer, you are rewarded with a softer tofu center. I love the contrast. Then, to get a more of a different flavor, you can also add the chili sauce that is either served with the tofu, or from the jar on your table. If you are at a good stinky tofu stall, they will also have really good pickled veggies. Sometimes I can't finis...