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Header image courtesy of @hellomeraki (via Instagram)
Dessert trends come and go, but a classic bowl of silky-smooth tofu pudding never goes out of style. With roots tracing all the way back to the Han dynasty, the soybean-based concoction is traditionally steamed in giant wooden barrels, scooped into thin, delicate slices with a flat shovel spoon, then served with heaps of red sugar and ginger syrup.
Jazz it up in a million different ways with a wide range of toppings or enjoy it in its humblest form—the refreshingly light yet velvety custard will find a way into your heart, whether you are eight or eighty. Needless to say, the widely beloved tofu pudding can be found at nearly every local dessert shop in Hong Kong, but for a bowl that will truly impress, check our list of tried-and-true spots that do tofu puddings best!
If you are a tofu pudding enthusiast of any kind, then you should be no stranger to Granny’s Tofu Pudding. This small stall in Tai Po has little décor to speak of, but it hardly needs any sprucing up when the outrageously silky and fragrant tofu pudding has made this place a stalwart favourite among locals and tourists alike.
Sure, there are only a few cramped seats available inside that will have you bumping elbows with the person next to you, but that has not deterred devout foodies from flocking to this hotspot—even if it means huddling outside the storefront and slurping up the bean curd goodness whilst standing up!
Granny’s Tofu Pudding, Shop 2A, 6 Tai Kwong Lane, Tai Po
The legendary Kung Wo Beancurd Factory has been around since the 1960s and it has not slouched one bit over the decades, impressing customers with all sorts of premium soy products—including soymilk, deep-fried tofu, and tofu ice cream—as well as making regular appearances in the prestigious Michelin guide.
Among the eclectic offerings on their soybean-forward menu, their signature tofu pudding is undoubtedly the star of the show. Sticking to tradition, the dessert is made the old-school way, which involves using hand-operated millstones to grind up the soybeans for an exceptionally smooth texture and rich flavour. Sprinkle (or pile) on some red sugar according to your preference for sweetness, alongside a glug of ginger syrup, and prepare for a creamy indulgence that will have you licking the bowl clean!
Kung Wo Beancurd Factory, G/F, 118 Pei Ho Street, Sham Shui Po | (+852) 2386 6871
Ah Yuk Tofu Pudding (亞玉豆腐花) whips up tofu puddings at prices so unimaginably low, it makes you wonder how it manages to stay in business! And yet, the tactic has proven to be a winning success, seeing that the shop has spawned four locations across New Territories and Kowloon since first opening doors in Yuen Long over a decade ago.
While you can go to any Ah Yuk Tofu Pudding and expect the same outstanding soybean flavour and melt-in-your-mouth texture, prices do vary, so we suggest going to the Tsuen Wan branch for the best deal. Whether you opt for the original flavour or one of their combos, all of their tofu puddings run for just $3!
Ah Yuk Tofu Pudding, locations across Kowloon and New Territories
The sheer variety of options at Yan Wo Dou Bun Chong (人和荳品廠) alone is enough to lure visitors in, but it’s the quality food that keeps customers coming back time and time again. Whether you order your tofu pudding hot or cold, you are guaranteed a fresh, delicate dessert that disintegrates easily on the tongue and glides down your throat like silk.
The phenomenal pudding base can be paired with over a dozen delicious fixings. For traditionalists, the classic black sesame will not disappoint, but if you’re feeling a little adventurous, try out one of the less conventional variations, like soft taro, mango, or even chocolate.
Perhaps it’s because tofu pudding is one of the rare desserts that will not leave you feeling heavy after consuming it, or perhaps it’s simply because devouring tofu pudding is an easy, fuss-free affair. Whichever it is, for some mysterious reason, Hongkongers have made it a tradition to enjoy tofu pudding after outdoor excursions like a hike or bike ride—it’s so ingrained in us that there’s even a name for it: “mountain water tofu pudding” (山水豆腐花).
Kin Hing Tofu Dessert in Lamma Island is no doubt the most famous spot for such occasions. Located along the Lamma Island Family Walk, the modest-looking shack is a must-stop destination for those hiking along the popular trail. This place keeps their famous tofu pudding simple and straightforward, sweetening it with plain ol’ sugar syrup, but we promise it’s just the refreshing treat you will be craving after a sweat session!
Kin Hing Tofu Dessert, 1 Yung Shue Wan, Tai Wan To, Lamma Island
Causeway Bay may be more commonly associated with high-end shopping and dining, but you would be remiss to overlook the many small, locally-run eateries in the area. And if you’re a sucker for local desserts, then you most definitely need to check out The Soy House.
As the name suggests, this hidden gem tucked away on Sharp Street East specialises in all things soy. Made fresh daily, their soymilk and tofu pudding (known here as sweet tofu) are both extremely decadent. For those who cannot decide on one or the other, get the best of both worlds with their signature soymilk with sweet tofu drink—and don’t forget to top it off with red bean or purple rice!
Alongside their soybean-fuelled products, The Soy House also serve up a scrumptious selection of Hong Kong-style street food and savoury light bites. It’s the perfect pitstop to recoup and refuel in between shopping sprees!
The Soy House, G/F, 4 Sharp Street East, Causeway Bay | (+852) 3483 5788
If a Taiwanese take on the classic bean curd custard is what you’re after, then Dream Tofa is the place for you. Apart from having it plain and adding classic accompaniments like ginger, grass jelly, and red bean, you can also match your tofu pudding with your favourite Taiwanese chewy treats, such as taro balls and tapioca pearls for all the die-hard bubble tea fans out there! As for the taste, the store name gives you a fairly accurate idea of what is offered—the pudding is so dreamy that you’ll want to scarf it down by the bucket.
Dream Tofa, Shop 6, G/F, 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central | (+852) 2346 8889
A wanderer, chronic overthinker, and baking enthusiast, Beverly spent much of her childhood in the United States before moving to Hong Kong at age 11 and making the sparkling city her home. In her natural habitat, she can be found baking up a storm in her kitchen, journalling at a café, or scrolling through OpenRice deciding on her next meal.
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