Tofu pudding - a dish imbued with Vietnamese culture

Tofu pudding is a popular summer snack loved by all ages, not only in Vietnam but also in Asian countries. The origin of this name is unknown. Some people think it comes from "tofu", which means bean curd in Chinese.

Tofu pudding is made from ground soybeans, filtered to remove the pulp like making tofu but more carefully, then boiled and cooled, then solidified. When eating tofu pudding, add a little ice to have a bowl of cool tofu pudding, refreshing, light on the stomach, suitable for cooling down in the summer sun.

In the three regions, people call this dish made from soybeans by different names. Hanoians call it tao pho, Hai Phongans call it tau pha, Central Vietnamese call it dau tofu, but Southerners call it tau tofu... In Hanoi, tao pho is eaten with a sweet syrup mixed with jasmine, giving it a mild aroma. Like other dishes, the craft of making tao pho also has its own craft village.

An Phu village (now in Nghia Do ward, Cau Giay district) is considered the birthplace of this dish in Hanoi. Currently, diners can find many tofu shops in this area. The seller uses a spoon or a clam shell to scoop each spoonful of thin tofu into the bowl until it is smooth and just right, then adds sugar water and a few ice cubes. A bowl of standard tofu in Hanoi has a sugar water that is not too sweet, has a jasmine scent, is light and comfortable to eat.

Tofu in the Central region has a little crushed ginger added, or sliced and placed on top of the tofu. In the South, tofu is thicker and creamier, often with coconut milk added. Variations of tofu dishes were also born from here, such as pearl tofu, caramel tofu, tofu with jelly, lotus seeds, etc.

In the past, tofu pudding was often sold on the streets with the familiar cry "Who... tofu here!", echoing throughout the streets on summer afternoons, but this has gradually become less popular. Although many cool desserts have been introduced, tofu pudding, bean curd, and tofu still maintain their own position, being a popular dish loved by Vietnamese people of all ages.

Nowadays, in all three regions, the way to eat tofu has changed to suit the increasingly diverse culinary tastes of diners. However, at any store, you can still enjoy the classic tofu dish, served with sugar water and ice cubes.

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