The Search for Tofu Across Paris
Welcome to a celebration of one of the most versatile and cherished staples in the realm of plant-based cuisine: tofu. Also known as bean curd, tofu is made by coagulating soy milk and pressing the curds into pale and squishy blocks. Tofu is believed to have originated in ancient China but is a staple in many East Asian cultures & cuisines. It has since emerged in the West as a beloved alternative for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike seeking delicious and nutritious options. In this journey, we delve into the world of tofu, exploring its various textures, flavors, and applications. Whether you're a tofu enthusiast or a newcomer to the scene, join us as we search the restos and cafes to find the best tofu dish in Paris.
For this critique, the various tofu will be ranked on a scale devised by the writer's experience with tofu. The following dishes will be ranked on a scale from 1-10, with points in each category for flavor (3), texture (3), appearance (2), and the likelihood that the dish will be reordered (2).
Hoki Sushi: Crispy Tofu Bites
Image Credit: Lilly Mildenberger
The first item on the menu is crispy tofu nuggets with the popular accompaniment of sweet chili sauce. This dish offers a familiar presentation of an appetizer appreciated across cultures. The standout feature is the extraordinary texture of the tofu. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast between the crispy, golden-brown exterior, and the soft, fluffy interior. The exterior batter, with its light, flaky crunch, creates a harmonious balance with the tender tofu within.
However, when it comes to the flavor, there is a minor letdown. Deep-fried tofu often leans towards being somewhat muted in taste, and this dish is no exception. The flavors, while not necessarily underwhelming, don't offer any surprises or nuances that would make it truly memorable. It's a classic, satisfying flavor profile and it certainly doesn't disappoint, but it doesn't surpass expectations either. Overall, the crispy tofu nuggets from Hoki Sushi deserve a solid 8/10 rating. It's a great appetizer that you'd happily order again.
Texture: 3/3
Flavor: 2/3
Appearance: 1/2
Would Eat Again: 2/2
Total Score: 8/10
The Crying Tiger: Tofu Sauteed with Thai Basil
Image Credit: Lilly Mildenberger
A classic favorite on many menus, a well-executed vegetable stir fry appeals to diverse tastes, but in this review, we’re focusing on the tofu.
The tofu in this dish is presented in small, bite-sized pieces, and it's generously coated in a thick, flavorful sauce. The first noteworthy aspect of this dish is the surprising burst of flavors it offers. The tofu, as the star of the show, managed to absorb the savory essence of the sauce, creating a taste nothing short of immaculate. Larger tofu pieces might provide a more substantial, meaty texture, which can be a preference for those who enjoy a heartier, more substantial mouthfeel in their dishes.
This dish might be characterized as "basic" due to its classic ingredients and preparation, but it is far from ordinary. It stands out as a balanced and filling dinner option and shows that even a classic dish like a vegetable stir fry can be a delightful surprise when executed exceptionally well.
Texture: 2/3
Flavor: 2.5/3
Appearance: 2/2
Would Eat Again: 2/2
Total Score: 8.5/10
La Favorite: Green Curry Tofu
Image Credit: Lilly Mildenberger
The dish in question is a classic Parisian cafe's interpretation of green curry, a fusion of French and Thai culinary influences. Although cafe-style dishes often carry a distinctive charm, they might not follow the same techniques and seasoning as dishes prepared in more specialized or authentic settings. In this instance, the reviewer was left somewhat disappointed.
The tofu didn't live up to expectations. It was mushy and appeared to have been added to the curry without much prior preparation or seasoning. When prepared thoughtfully, tofu can take on the flavors of the sauce and maintain its own distinct texture, offering a pleasing contrast. However, in this case, it seems that it was underutilized or not given the attention it deserved. The sauce, while defining the character of any curry, was unable to salvage the dish from its underwhelming tofu. The result was a rather average tofu curry.
Texture: 2/3
Flavor: 1/3
Appearance: 2/2
Would Eat Again: 1/2
Total Score: 6/10
Banh mi Phuoc: Banh Mi
Image Credit: Lilly Mildenberger
In this popular Vietnamese sandwich, the fusion of two culinary worlds comes to life - the wonderful marriage of French bread and vibrant Vietnamese flavors. Tofu here is presented in thin strips, a departure from the more common cubed. These tofu strips are carefully mixed with a delightful array of pickled vegetables, sauce, and the aromatic freshness of cilantro. The result is a culinary masterpiece.
The tofu in this sandwich showcases the mastery of flavor that Phuoc Sandwich has achieved. It doesn't merely exist in the background; it takes center stage, impressing with its delicious flavor profile. The textural experience is equally impressive. The smooth texture of the tofu contrasted with the crunch of baguette, with the crisp, refreshing crunch of the pickled vegetables creates a magnificent combination that's bound to captivate your taste buds.
Texture: 2.5/3
Flavor: 3/3
Appearance: 1/2
Would Eat Again: 2/2
Total Score: 8.5/10
Marcelle: “Tofish” and Chips
Image Credit: Lilly Mildenberger
Marcelle, located beside the AUP Grenelle building, is a trendy brunch spot known for its plant-based options. Among their offerings, the "tofish" and chips stand out, as they creatively transform tofu to mimic the appearance and taste of fish using nori seaweed. While this concept is innovative and interesting, it didn't work out for the best.
The dish starts strong, with a crispy outer shell that successfully emulates the classic texture of battered and fried fish. This outer layer pairs harmoniously with the tartar-type sauce and captures the essence of traditional fish and chips.
However, the tofu's performance takes a slight downturn after the initial bite. The tofu was thick and retained more moisture than anticipated, which affected its overall texture. When frying fish, it's common to achieve a delicate, flaky texture, and this is where the tofu fell short. This may have been more achievable with a thinner slice, or perhaps a different type of tofu.
While the experiment of trying to replicate the experience of fish and chips with tofu is commendable, it seems the execution might require some fine-tuning. The dish, as it stands, leaves a lingering and intriguing taste in the mouth.
Texture: 2/3
Flavor: 1.5/3
Appearance: 2/2
Would Eat Again: 1/2
Total Score: 6.5/10
Poke & Shake: Tofu Poké
Image Credit: Lilly Mildenberger
This tofu may have gone bad or been marinated in an unusual liquid. If not properly handled or stored, tofu can develop strange odors and flavors, and this could be the case here. It had an unusual and unappealing “mozzarella juice-type flavor” and the only solution for ingestion was to remove it completely so as not to infect the rest of the bowl. This tofu experience was highly disappointing.
Texture: 2/3
Flavor: 0.5/3
Appearance: 1/2
Would Eat Again: 0/2
Total Score: 3.5/10
K-Town: Honey Garlic Fried Tofu
Image Credit: Lilly Mildenberger
This tofu was absolutely amazing in texture and overall taste. The standout feature of this dish is the tofu's remarkable texture. Light and airy, it retains its cubic shape even after being bitten into. Achieving this delicate yet sturdy balance in tofu texture is no small feat and is a testament to the skill in the kitchen. It suggests that this tofu is prepared with great attention to detail, offering a pleasurable and satisfying mouthfeel.
The honey garlic sauce while delicious, was lacking the intense, garlicky flavor that is often expected with such sauces. To complement the sweet and smooth honey glaze, green onions and sesame seeds are layered on top and provide contrast in both flavor and texture. The green onions offer a fresh tang, while the sesame seeds contribute a delightful crunch.
Texture: 3/3
Flavor: 2.5/3
Appearance: 1.5/2
Would Eat Again: 2/2
Total Score: 9/10
Paris, renowned for its rich culinary heritage, has slowly been embracing tofu along with authentic restaurant owners, sharing their dishes throughout the city. Although this review was unable to include all of the varieties and flavors tofu can provide, its ability to absorb flavors and adapt to diverse cooking techniques has been showcased here, solely by the different types of dishes and methods that incorporate this squishy bean curd. Hopefully, this guide has given you some suggestions on where to find tofu in Paris, whether you're a long-time connoisseur, or just hoping to expand your protein options.
