Fenglin Hakka Block Tofu is a traditional tofu coagulated with gypsum (calcium sulfate), prized for its silky texture and pronounced bean flavor. Fenglin Township has one of the highest concentrations of Hakka residents in Hualien County, with many Hakka settlers originally from Hsinchu and Miaoli, and its old tofu shops are part of the local Hakka food culture.
Fenglin Township is predominantly Hakka, a typical Hakka settlement in the Hualien-Taitung Rift Valley whose Hakka immigrants mostly trace back to Hsinchu and Miaoli, and it is known as the "Hometown of Principals" for its emphasis on education. Fenglin's most widely documented tofu-related specialty is actually chive-topped stinky tofu (from long-running shops such as You Weng Chive Stinky Tofu), not gypsum-set block tofu — specific shops for the latter could not be verified, so ask around Fenglin Old Street in person.
What is Fenglin Hakka Block Tofu
Fenglin Hakka block tofu uses gypsum (calcium sulfate) as a coagulant. The production steps include soaking soybeans, grinding, cooking the soy milk, adding the coagulant, and pressing into blocks. Gypsum tofu is known for its silky, smooth texture and pronounced bean fragrance, with good water retention. It is slightly less springy than commercial brine-set tofu, but the bean flavor is purer. Most Fenglin old shops use locally sourced or Hualien Rift Valley contract-grown soybeans; the soy milk is concentrated, and the finished tofu is thick and cuts cleanly without crumbling. Old-braised tofu skin (lao lu dou gan), made from leftover tofu slow-braised in soy sauce and traditional Chinese medicine herbs, is another Fenglin specialty.
Historical documents from the Fenglin Township Office record the Hakka people's immigration history in Fenglin. Fenglin Hakka food culture is well preserved and is one of Hualien County's important cultural assets. Most of the local old tofu shops have decades of history; the morning market is the primary sales period, with choices diminishing noticeably after 9 a.m. Visiting on weekends allows you to also explore the historic Fenglin Old Street and the "Principal Village" cultural resources, linking Hakka food with local history for a fuller experience.
How to eat it like a local
Local knowledge
Objective backing
- Historical documents from the Fenglin Township Office record the Hakka immigrant history and food culture; Fenglin is one of the townships in Hualien County with the highest concentration of Hakka people.
- The "Fenglin Principal Village" background is documented in official records and is one of Hualien County's cultural tourism promotions; Hakka food culture is a core exhibition theme.
- Fenglin's old tofu shops mostly have histories of several decades and are long-standing commercial fixtures of Fenglin Old Street.
Visitor tips
- Block tofu has a short shelf life (best eaten the same day). Eat it promptly after purchase or refrigerate — it is not suitable for long-distance transport.
- Some shops on the old street are closed on Mondays; weekends offer more options. Check each shop's opening hours in advance.
- Parking near Fenglin morning market is limited. It is better to park at the Fenglin train station lot and walk to the old street — about a ten-minute walk.
Sources: Fenglin Township Office historical documents; Fenglin Hakka cultural promotion materials. Photos to be replaced after Dio's on-site shoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fenglin's most famous tofu snack?
Available sources point to chive-topped stinky tofu as Fenglin's better-documented tofu specialty, rather than gypsum-set block tofu.
Why is Fenglin known as a Hakka town?
Fenglin is a typical Hakka settlement in the Hualien-Taitung Rift Valley, with most Hakka immigrants tracing back to Hsinchu and Miaoli.