Tofu isn't a stranger to Filipinos. Although it traces its roots to Japan, it has been €Filipinized€ through a famous recipe we call €tokwa't baboy.€ But if you go to Japan, you will encounter tofu in a different garb - soft, and cooked in delicate ways. Let's journey through the significance of tofu in the Japanese culture and cuisine.

Tofu is basically solidified soy milk. And just like the liquid version of soy, it is very nutritious - high in protein, zero cholesterol, and very affordable. Plus if you buy it in a neighborhood shop in Japan, you will most likely get it freshly made for the day!

But tofu wasn't always affordable. In fact, it was an exclusive dish served to the upper class in ancient Japan, when the method of making it was too expensive and labor intensive. Thanks to technology and tools, the process has dramatically gone from difficult and expensive to easy and cheap.

Types of Tofu (Oh yes, there are types.)

€ Kinugoshi dofu. This is commonly seen in soup dishes like miso
€ Sukui dofu. Eaten by itself with some ginger and soy sauce, sukui is a silkier kind of tofu, much like your breakfast taho.
€ Egg tofu. Instead of white, it is yellow in color, and is actually salty rather than bland and plain. There are other flavored tofu varieties, such as yuzu tofu, shiso tofu and sesame tofu.
€ Zaru tofu. A popular and prized variety, zaru is another delicate tofu that tastes creamy and has the same texture as that of a mousse.

Tofu Dishes

€ Mukashi dofu. A delicate dish wherein firm tofu is simmered in hot water in a clay pot over burning coals. It is seasoned with spices and also dipped in fish stock with algae.
€ Shima dofu. It is distinctly smoky in flavor, and is usually eaten with puree extracted from sea urchin.
€ Aburaage. Fried tofu with rice inside! Very Pinoy, if you would ask me. It is golden brown in color, and the outer part of the tofu becomes chewy.

So if you think that flying out of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Japan just for tofu is not worth it, well, you're right. But tofu and all its goodness is just the tip of the iceberg. Japan is a very rich country, in terms of history, preserved culture, and even new ones. And hopefully when you get back, you've adopted the Japanese time (always on time) and left your Filipino time (never on time!) at the airport on your way back!