Shanyang Tofu Pudding

Shanyang Tofu Pudding

　　Locals in Shanyang commonly refer to bean pudding as “youban” (oil pudding). When freshly made, the bean pudding hasn’t yet been cut — it comes in one large cake-like piece or is sliced into strips. Glossy and gleaming, it gives off a strong rustic aroma, hence the name “oil pudding.”

　　In Shanyang, most areas grow rice, fava beans, and peas. In their free time, locals grind high-quality rice, fava beans, or peas into powder, strain the liquid, and make it into tofu pudding — a treat with a unique flavor.

　　What makes Shanyang tofu pudding unique is its taste: fragrant, sour, spicy, numbing, smooth, crispy, soft, and refreshing. Though these eight characteristics may sound simple, achieving all of them is no easy feat.

　　As more people have come to love it, selling tofu pudding has become a local industry. Stalls can be found all year round on every street corner, serving up a big bowl for just one yuan — affordable and delicious, making it a popular part of everyday cuisine. Especially during busy farming seasons, villagers out in the fields often have a bowl of tofu pudding for lunch — convenient and quick.

　　Source: Dali Prefecture Tourism Development Management Committee