Chen Mapo Tofu is defined by eight qualities: numbing, spicy, hot, fragrant, crisp, tender, fresh, and lively.
Tips
history
麻婆 literally means 'pockmarked old woman' — the founder Mrs Chen had a pockmarked face, and her pork-and-tofu dish got named after her. Over 160 years on, this is still the flagship eponymous restaurant in Chengdu.