Tofu pudding around Asia

Vietnam

As a refreshing dessert that helps cool the body and is perfect for enjoying on hot summer days, tofu pudding has won the hearts of many. Made from soybeans, tofu pudding has an ivory white color, a nutty flavor, and a light aroma, making it easily irresistible. Its soft, smooth texture, melting like jelly, makes it one of the favorite snacks throughout Vietnam.

Traditional Hanoi tofu pudding is served with jasmine-infused sugar syrup. Later variations emerged, such as mulberry tofu pudding, mung bean tofu pudding, lotus seed tofu pudding, coffee tofu pudding, green tea tofu pudding, chocolate tofu pudding, and caramel tofu pudding.

Tofu pudding in Hue, Da Nang, and other central provinces is called "dau hu" and tastes different from tofu pudding in Hanoi. Hue-style tofu pudding is sprinkled with crushed or sliced ​​ginger, giving it a fragrant and spicy flavor, and the tofu itself is softer. Hue-style tofu pudding can be eaten with or without sugar.

In Southern Vietnam, tofu pudding is often called "tau hu" or "tau hu nuoc duong" (tofu pudding with sugar syrup). Compared to regular tofu pudding, "tau hu" is thicker and more viscous, and is usually eaten hot with coconut milk and sugar syrup, along with a little ginger. In some places, small tapioca pearls called "banh lot" are also added. Additionally, in Southern provinces, especially Saigon, there's another way to prepare it: tofu mixed with ice, coconut milk, etc., called "tau hu da" (iced tofu pudding). "Tau hu da" has a distinctive mild, refreshing taste and is very popular among students.

Taiwan

Taiwanese tofu pudding is typically served with various toppings such as peanuts and beans, along with a broth made from a variety of ingredients, ranging from mung beans, taro, and red beans to brown sugar and rock sugar. Ginger, tapioca pearls, or chestnuts can also be added. Diners can choose their favorite toppings and broth. Taiwanese tofu pudding is delicious served hot or cold.

Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, tofu pudding is a dessert readily available in supermarkets. Hong Kong-style tofu pudding is thin, smooth, and has a light and mild flavor. It's served with broth, brown sugar, and ginger, and can be topped with black sesame jam or coconut milk.

Malaysia and Singapore

In these countries, tofu pudding is usually very smooth and thick, eaten hot or cold depending on individual preference, with sugar syrup or brine, and many people even add a little jelly, ginkgo nuts, or soybeans to make the dish more appealing. Malaysian and Singaporean tofu pudding can have many different flavors such as mango, cantaloupe, or sesame seeds… Recently, this dish has also been modified by adding gelatin, making the tofu pudding smooth, chewy, and thick like pudding.

Huong Thao