Juicy!

Address: 533 W Valley Blvd, San Gabriel, CA 91778
Telephone: (626) 570-0860
Website: N/A
Bill: Approx. $6 / per dish
Recommend? Yes

Taiwan is famous for their xiao chi, particularly the “stinky” tofu. Some restaurants call it “Country Fried Tofu” on their menus. Others call it “Traditional Fried Tofu.” A few call it by it’s Chinese name, Chou Dou Fu. On Yung Ho’s menu, it’s labeled as “Spicy Odour Tofu.” I, on the other hand, like to call it “Fragrant” tofu.

Honestly, though. It’s a lot different than the Korean tofu I wrote about back in July. If you have never tried it before, and is feeling brave, be prepared to plug your nose. The smell is actually worse than my 15 month old kid’s poopy diaper. I know, I know. Now you want to coward out of trying it. But in all honesty, the “stinkier” it is, the better it is supposed to taste. And Yung Ho has the stinkiest tofu I could find in the San Gabriel area. You can literally smell it in the kitchen before it’s even served to you.

As the waitress walks towards our table, the first thought running through my mind was, “Oh dear God, please let that plate be the order for the next table.” I did not want to be the reason for complaints. I did not want to be the person scaring the customers away.

However, once the plate is set on my table, I scarfed down the triangle blocks. Dipped it in the hot spicy sauce and stuffed it in my mouth. A strange after taste is left in my mouth. But after a bite of the Chinese style kim chi (pickled cabbage), the after taste goes away. I’ve had stinky tofu elsewhere before, but Yung Ho definitely wins the award for the “stinkiest” tofu on the block!

I have only talked about Yung Ho’s stinky tofu. They have many other items on their menu for just a few bucks. We also order a squid noodle soup, salted rice ball, taro bun, soy milk, rice milk, and another order of the stinky tofu (just because (1) it’s rare that we are in town and (2) because it’s just so darn yummy) all for a measly $20.

Gentlemen, I must warn you however. It’s not the best place to bring your date. Not only will she be repelled by the smell, but the restaurant itself is not an upscale place. If they had not upgraded their furniture inside, I would have easily called it a “hole in the wall.” Also, the parking is terrible. We had to park across the street in the big shopping center and walk across at the crosswalk.

So would I return? Definately.

Have you dined at this restaurant? Share your experience with me by commenting below.

I finally signed up for a Facebook account a few months ago. If you don’t have an account already, beware. That thing is addicting. I spend at least an hour surfing through pictures, reading what’s going on with friends, reminiscing the past…ah…the high school days…

Q: How do you say Happy Birthday in Hawaiian?

A: “Hau`oli Lā Hānau”