Pidan Doufu

Pidan Doufu (Simplified / Traditional Chinese: 皮蛋豆腐; Pinyin: Pí dàn dòu fu; also century egg tofu or preserved egg with tofu) is a cold Chinese appetizer of silken or soft tofu topped with chopped Century Egg (皮蛋), dressed with soy sauce, sesame oil, and often garlic, cilantro, or chili oil. It is a home and restaurant starter rather than a hot main. Soft claims that one region alone invented the pairing are folk—the combination is pan-China. It is distinct from hot mapo-style tofu dishes and from plain Douhua.

Characteristics

Cool white tofu with dark jelly-like egg pieces; savory sesame-soy aroma; soft, slippery textures.

Ingredients (overview)

Soft tofu; century egg; soy sauce; sesame oil; optional garlic, scallion, cilantro, chili oil, vinegar. Overview only.

History and culture

Everyday cold dish on Chinese restaurant appetizer lists and home tables; English menus say "century egg tofu" or "preserved egg with tofu." See Century Egg and Douhua.

Serving and variations

Shared cold starter plate. See Century Egg, Douhua, and Hot and Sour Soup.

See also

• Century Egg
• Douhua
• Hot and Sour Soup
• List of dishes (A-Z)