Guest Author - Taisha Turner

Mabodofu (Mabo Tofu) is another inexpensive dish for the budget traveler or expatriate in Japan. It is commonly served, therefore easy to find in dining establishments in the Southeast Asia country. It is a Japanese comfort food.

Mabodofu is a spicy dish. It is made with tofu and a spicy meat sauce. Green tea and soup is served with it. Order mabodofu Japanese style, not Chinese style, it is less spicy.

The tofu is stir-fried in oil with meat. Tofu absorbs the meat flavor. This stretches the meat which is expensive in Japan. Garlic, chili paste, bean paste, ground chili pepper and stock are added to the wok. The prepared mixture is served on a bed of sticky rice.

Mabodofu is based on an old Chinese Szechwan dish. The Japanese version is not as spicy as the original.

Try the dish to add variety your dining experience. A serving of Mabodofu with tea and soup is quite filling and cheap. Use your travel funds on other things while in Japan. Save them to see the beautiful country.

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