Stinky tofu has an earthy, salty flavor profile with a mildly sweet and tangy undertone. Although its intense acrid aroma gives the impression of a powerful-flavored dish, most types are quite mild. People often compare the taste of stinky tofu to a smooth aged cheese.

Is it safe to eat stinky tofu?

Like all traditional soyfoods, stinky tofu is a good source of isoflavones, compounds that may provide a number of health benefits. Stinky tofu is unique, however, in that it also contains good quantities of the isoflavonoid equol.

Why does tofu smell bad?

It tastes and smells 'sour'

This is a big one – many people have been put off tofu for life because of a sour smell or taste. This may be due to the tofu 'going off', which can happen if the tofu has not being pasteurised properly or stored at too high a temperature or kept too long after opening.