Tochio no Aburaage

Tochio fried tofu is a specialty handed down in the Tochio area of Nagaoka City, famous for its thickness and size. Palm sized and many times thicker than ordinary fried tofu, it has a distinctive texture, crisp and fragrant outside and fluffy and soft within.

Highlights

The greatest appeal is the contrast between the crisp fragrant exterior and the moist fluffy interior, created by frying slowly twice. Lightly grilled and topped with chopped green onion, grated ginger, and soy sauce is the classic way to eat it. It can also be filled with natto or cheese for free ranging variations.

Enjoying the Seasons

It can be enjoyed year round, but in the cold season biting into a piping hot piece straight off the grill is irresistible. Some local storefronts serve it freshly fried, and a steady stream of people stop by, drawn by the fragrant aroma.

Access and Basic Information

It can be bought at tofu shops and farm stands in the Tochio area, and enjoyed at diners in Nagaoka City. Shops keeping the old methods are scattered through the town, well worth a visit for a freshly fried piece.

A Quick Tip

First grill it simply and taste it with green onion and soy sauce. You can fully feel the juicy texture unique to thick fried tofu and the fragrance of the soybeans.