Citong Tofu Skin | Yunlin Signature Dish

Yihe Village in Citong Township is Taiwan's most important tofu skin production cluster. Of Taiwan's 43 tofu skin factories, a large number are concentrated in Yunlin, with Yihe Village at the core — accounting for roughly 70% of national tofu skin output and earning the village the nickname 'Hometown of Tofu Skin.' Local producers use non-GMO soybeans with Zhuoshui River groundwater, heating the soy milk to draw up thin films that are lifted off to become fresh tofu skin (yuba) or dried into dried tofu skin — making this township a crucial node in Taiwan's soy products industry.

What is Citong Tofu Skin

To make tofu skin, soybeans are ground into soy milk and heated to a specific temperature. The protein and fat in the milk thermally coagulate at the surface, forming a thin film that is gently lifted with a bamboo rod to produce 'fresh tofu skin' (also called yuba); further drying yields 'dried tofu skin.' Producers in Yihe Village insist on using Zhuoshui River groundwater, believing the local water's hardness and mineral composition allow the skin to form more evenly and gives the finished product a springier, more tender texture. Common culinary uses include hot-pot ingredient, cold dressed tofu skin strips, tofu skin sushi, and braised tofu skin.

Citong Township is located in central Yunlin County, where early agriculture centered on rice farming before the tofu skin industry grew to prominence and Yihe Village gradually became a cluster of tofu skin factories. Smile Taiwan 319 Townships+ has documented the concentration of tofu skin enterprises in Yihe Village. This geographically concentrated industrial cluster enables the sharing of technical knowledge and raw materials, which helps maintain a consistent level of quality in Citong tofu skin.

How to eat it like a local

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Hot pot brings out the texture bestBlanch fresh tofu skin in the hot pot for just 15 seconds. The texture should be smooth and silky with a subtle soy fragrance; leaving it longer causes it to fall apart. Dip in sesame sauce or bonito soy sauce after lifting.

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Cold dressed tofu skin stripsRehydrate dried tofu skin, cut into thin strips, and toss with shredded ginger, black vinegar, and chili oil. This simple cold dish is a refreshing, rice-friendly home-style side for summer.

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How to pick a good oneFor fresh tofu skin, look for an even pale-yellow color and no off smell. For dried tofu skin, choose pieces with a uniform thickness and no browning at the edges — signs of stable temperature control during production.

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Buy direct at a Yihe Village factorySeveral tofu skin factories in Yihe Village have on-site retail windows. Fresh tofu skin bought directly is far superior to packaged supermarket versions — bring an insulated bag.

Local knowledge

Verified sources

Smile Taiwan 319 Townships+ has confirmed Yihe Village as the core cluster of Taiwan's tofu skin industry, with a large share of Taiwan's tofu skin factories located in Yunlin.
Yihe Village accounts for roughly 70% of Taiwan's tofu skin output and is known as the 'Hometown of Tofu Skin' — an established record within Taiwan's soy products industry.
Producers use non-GMO soybeans and Zhuoshui River groundwater; some factories have obtained food safety certifications.

Practical tips

Tofu skin factories in Yihe Village are working production sites, not fully open for tourism. Confirm each factory's retail hours before visiting.
Fresh tofu skin is a perishable product and should not be left at room temperature for more than one day. Refrigerate after purchase and consume within two days.
Citong Township is primarily accessible by car; there is no direct public transport. The drive from Douliu city center to Yihe Village takes approximately 20 minutes.

Sources: Smile Taiwan 319 Townships+, Citong Township Farmers' Association. Photos pending Dio's on-site photography.

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