Going vegetarian can still be bold — fermented tofu pasta pairs even better than white sauce

▲The sauce for the fermented tofu vegetable pasta is made from four different types of fermented tofu. (Photo / Reporter Huang Kexiang)

Reported by Xiao Wan’ning / Taipei

Think vegetarian chicken, duck, or tripe? That’s so outdated. The dishes at “One Grain One Dust Creative Vegetarian Cuisine,” located on Da’an Road, are sure to amaze many. Their “Fermented Tofu Vegetable Pasta” incorporates fermented tofu into Italian pasta — the rich, slightly spicy sauce complements perfectly al dente noodles. This fusion dish with strong Taiwanese flavors has won over diners of all ages.

▲The spinach egg cheese pine nut focaccia fills the air with a delicate pine nut aroma upon serving. (Photo / Reporter Huang Kexiang)

Poached spinach, fresh eggs, mozzarella cheese, and handmade focaccia come together in the “Spinach Egg Cheese Pine Nut Focaccia,” one of the shop’s most popular items. The handmade focaccia is filled with sweet, earth-free poached spinach and tender scrambled eggs, then topped with a slice of fresh mozzarella. In addition to the aroma of oregano filling the mouth, the creamy mozzarella offers a texture reminiscent of sashimi.

▲The tofu cheese cake contains organic tofu. (Photo / Reporter Huang Kexiang)

The “Tofu Cheese Cake” is another standout dessert. Cubes of organic tofu are blended into the cheese cake, creating a contrast between the firm texture of tofu and the smoothness of the cheese. Thanks to the richer bean flavor of the organic tofu, the taste of the cheese stands out even more.

The idea of infusing many Chinese elements into Western dishes brings a fresh twist to “One Grain One Dust.” Chef Allen says many people have the preconceived notion that vegetarian food is either unhealthy or unappetizing, but he believes that with proper cooking, it can be both healthy and delicious. The concept behind the creative dish — fermented tofu vegetable pasta — was inspired by white sauce pasta. By leveraging the thick consistency of fermented tofu, they created a unique sauce that actually pairs better with pasta than white sauce. The chef’s dedication shines through in every detail of the dishes, and this East-meets-West approach makes the meal feel oddly familiar and comforting.

%Chef Allen is picking mint leaves needed for the cake topping. (Photo / Reporter Huang Kexiang)

[One Grain One Dust Creative Vegetarian Cuisine]
Phone: (02) 2703-2773
Address: No. 200, Section 1, Da’an Road, Taipei City
Business Hours: Monday to Friday 11:00–22:00, Saturday and Sunday 10:30–22:00
Prices: Fermented Tofu Vegetable Pasta NT$320, Spinach Egg Cheese Pine Nut Focaccia NT$320, Tofu Cheese Cake NT$200

%Photo credit: Reporter Huang Kexiang
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※ Editor’s note: One Grain One Dust Creative Vegetarian Cuisine closed on March 15 this year