Old Tofu

Last updated 2026-11-12 — Among the snacks of Renqiu, old tofu is the most famous. Under a white cloth canopy sit two large jars wrapped in cotton cloth, while the tray holds bowls, spoons, and various seasonings. Just sit down on the wooden stool nearby, and soon a steaming bowl of fragrant old tofu will be served to you. Old tofu has a long history—it was already widely renowned as early as the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty. The selection of ingredients for old tofu is quite strict. Mixed beans, fermented beans, and shriveled beans are all filtered out, leaving only pure soybeans which are thoroughly washed with water. After being ground by a stone mill, the soybean skins are removed before the soy milk is made. The rest of the process is similar to that of making regular tofu. The jars used to hold the tofu are wrapped in cotton cloth, ensuring that the old tofu stays warm even in winter. In addition, the seasonings in the bowl are quite rich—such as small-mill sesame oil, sesame paste, mashed garlic, chili oil, salted water, soy sauce, and vinegar—making it delicious and full of flavor. (Renqiu)