Fresh Tofu

Great tofu for low prices (4 pieces for $ 1). Sweet, fresh, and not too oily. I just wish the owner would make more of an effort to cater to non-​Vietnamese because I had no idea what half the items were. A menu would be nice too.

Came in today to buy four pieces of tofu, you know me.
Saw that they tofu skin rolls! Oh boy…
So the tofu skin roll was different than what I have had before from other tofu shops. This one had wood ear, eggs, bamboo shoots, and some type of bread-​ish stuffing. The outside was deep fried but was kinda soggy and soft due to how big the roll was. (Would really like to see them make one with a tofu, or fish paste, stuffing inside– that’s probably overkill for some people that’s like having sausage wrapped in ham.)
Had a somewhat pleasant conversation with one of the ladies, the other one was like ‘can you f’in not…’

Yeah the tofu here isn’t too bad but it is a bit pricey. The worst part about this place and why I’d never come back is the cranky ass lady working the counter. Extremely unfriendly, no greeting, no thank you, no smile, nothing. She actually seems pissed that you’re even in there. In fact I think she scoops you less food from the hot trays sitting in front if you’re not Vietnamese but will charge you all the same. Avoid this place at all cost, some of the food looks good but with the attitude, service, and portion sizes it’s not even close to being worth it.

Bad service. I have been here several times and the person at the counter is very rude. I don’t know why they would put someone at the register who doesn’t speak english. They don’t greet their costumer and never say «Thank You». Annoying service and rude!

First impressions are important. If it’s something that can be construed as a fluke, I’ll most likely give it a second try before reviewing. This place, however, is definitely an exception. A ‘never-​again’ place.
I got a sesame seed bun and some fried tofu. When the lady went to get a bun, she used tongs to pick up the bun and placed it in a bag. Sanitary. When she moved right to get the tofu, she also used the tongs and placed four cubes of tofu on a small tray… which is all fine and dandy until she covered my tofu with her bare hands as she went to get some Saran wrap to keep them in place. Ew. She then proceeded to punch some numbers into the register with the same hand that she used to cover my tofu. How many times has this lady washed her hands today? I know she didn’t wash her hands after she handled cash when helping the guy before me. I honestly considered walking out and not buying since she wasn’t the most amiable lady on the block, but she was an older lady… and the Asian in me annoyingly chattered that I couldn’t disrespect an elder like that. So I feebly handed over my money -.-
The tofu were pretty expensive, $ 2 for four cubes. $ 1 for the sesame bun that had no trace of sesame seeds on it whatsoever. It was dry and hard. The tofu went into the trash as soon as I found one, so I can’t tell you what it tastes like.
Pretty sure I got swindled by a cranky grandma. Maybe that’s why it’s a never-​again place for me. I’m just too ashamed. That’s right, it’s not their lack of sanitation or anything.

I’ve only come in here to buy a large $ 5 styrofoam cup of the silken tofu with ginger sauce as a dessert. I’d definitely be back for more and look forward to trying their other offerings. There is a significant language barrier, but don’t be discouraged — just don’t leave that place empty-​handed! Everything there looks pretty good.
I believe there’s a $ 15 minimum cash purchase before you can use plastic.

This place is legit. But if you dont speak their language, good luck ordering! So grab a vietnamese friend and drag them to this place to help you order!
I came here having no idea what to expect and I am in love with it. Its a hole in the wall that most people will probably never ever go in while driving by. The food is so delicious and homemade, reminds me of my vietnamese friend’s mom’s cooking that I miss so much from college. When you go in, you are greeted by a nice grandma. I usually just point to what I want (two items– usually a meat and a veggie) over rice. I get a cup of their fresh soy milk and its easily one of the best lunches I can have in town. However, I dont think I have ever asked the price. Its been different every time but I get different meats everytime: a marinated pork or chicken. I love the variety that you get every time you come, so don’t expect something when you walk in. Be surprised and fill your tummy!

Homemade tofu establishments always remind me of animé, Asia, and artisan-​style products. In too many Asian cartoons, you see a heavy amount of neighborhood shops selling tofu or the like. In Asia, you can also find many of these coagulated soy goods. Lastly, these people are crafting tofu by hand and utilizing many techniques with it. Sounds good, huh?
The goods here are a little pricier than you would expect. I saw some «recommended expiration date» being broken, having been stocked for 2 days after the date. I couldn’t find anything too unique to merit a large order, as I just wanted to get a little bite.
This joint boasts fresh tofu, in reference to the namesake title, but my fresh tofu was actually sub-​par. If you have never partaken in this soft delight, it is essentially super unfirm tofu served with a ginger-​brown sugar syrup, similar to a maple syrup. without the maple flavor.
If you are into the snacks and assorted carbohydrate-​laden goodies found at Asian institutions, then Fresh Tofu is your spot, my friends. As for me, I will pass – I am not too huge of an Asian grub fan.

Definitely best tofu in town!
The owner doesn’t have a menu because she makes different dishes every day. She’s an elder lady with really fine skin which she gives credit to Tofu. She is also a good cook for home made food. Her cafeteria reminds me home and mother. I don’t know what to expect every time I come to there, but it always surprises me with delicious food.
So far, one of my favorite dishes is fried yellow fish. It’s so tasty and yummy and doesn’t taste fishy at all. It tastes even better if you put a little bit salt and pepper. But you have to be careful of the bones.
Winter melon pork rib soup is good too.
As for pricing, it’s actually very simple. Small cup for $ 3, mid size for $ 5, large cup for $ 7. A combo to go box for$ 5.50. No tax, no tips. There is no name for any dishes. Just choose by looking into the counter and keep your finger crossed. The foot long large fried yellow fish is only $ 10! But they only make two pieces a day. So better call to order if you really want it.
If you want silky tofu with ginger sauce, just tell them you want «Dow Hwa». :)

No menu, homey, and casual. And no menu. i have a hard time deciding what to order when I have useful descriptions of all the options, but just looking at it all, not knowing price or anything, was not helpful to the point of being irritating.
I asked the person behind the counter and didn’t get much help. It’s not just that I don’t know Vietnamese, I don’t even know the descriptions of any of these tasty looking tofu dishes in English.
So I gave up on ordering lunch, and just got some silken tofu with sweet ginger sauce. That I got, and for a reasonable price ($ 2.50 cash… Cash is important here, because there’s a $ 10 min for credit cards).
The tofu had a soft, yogurt-​like texture, and the sauce, packaged in a small container on the side, was sweet and gingery, a syrup with a bit of runny applesauce-​like texture from the ground ginger inside.
Maybe one day I will come back here with a couple of friends – a vegetarian on one side and someone from Vietnam on the other – and figure out how to put together a real meal. Or maybe I’ll just stick with the sweet ginger tofu.

I really liked their sesame bun that someone brought to work so I went there today. I got a sesame bun, a bowl of soy eggs and a bowl of fried shrimp. The lady there rang up so fast i couldn’t see everything, but she rang up 6.50 instead of 6.00 for the soy eggs, so I asked why is it 6.50 and she said it’s for tax. And at the end of the process, taxes were added again to the total price. She didn’t give me an itemized receipt either. It’s only around a dollar that she added to my bill, but this kind of practice disgusts me. I didn’t bother to ask her again b/​c she looked mean and her English was somewhat limited. But she knew what she was doing, and I think she only does that to non-​Vietnamese speaking people. I really like their sesame buns, but I don’t think I’d go back there again, ever.

The best tofu I have ever had. Don’t go here for a great shopping experience. The people here are not helpful and are more or less rude.
Still, I go back for the fresh tofu and the fried chili lemongrass tofu.

Went here TWICE and failed TWICE…
I really wanted to try the tofu in ginger sauce… but could NOT communicate with the owners nor see the soft tofu in the cafeteria-​style cart. And… where do I find the menu in here? I felt totally lost as the ladies in here gave me a blank stare… while I looked around helplessly.
First time, I just came in and left in shame because I was totally confused. Also, I came around 6:30pm but most of the food at the cafeteria-​display were gone. Second time, I gathered more courage and decided to order whatever was there.
I settled for the $ 5.50 meal for two kinds of entrée and rice. Frankly, the food was eatable, but definitely not warm/​hot enough to consume happily. Also, the meat’s flavor was very very pungent… in a kind of blatant way… maybe it’s just personal preference, but I advise caution when choosing the meat. The fried tofu (? in some kind of batter) was okay but definitely not the soft, break-​apart-​in-​your-​mouth sort of tofu that I wanted to taste =(
Maybe someone could give me tips how to get the amazing tofu in this place, but until then, I don’t think I could give another try at this place.

The tofu and soy milk are fresh and tasty here so I always come here when I need them despite the higher cost (compare to regular purchase from grocery stores). As far as I know, it’s the best in Austin.
However, if you don’t speak Vietnamese and one of the only English speaking lady is not there… it’ll turn into a hellish experience trying to convey what you want to buy. Typically it involves lots of gesturing and guessing game. Last time I went the lady didn’t even know what «tofu» was despite it being in their store name. She kept pointing at some rice noodle dish. They also look annoyed most of the time I go in as soon as they realize I don’t speak Vietnamese.
However, I will return for the food. I just won’t expect it to be an easy and pleasant shopping experience.

I went here for lunch yesterday and there was no description what anything was and it was unclear what were considered entrees/​items or how they were made into entrees (any sauces?).
I asked if that square thing was a a fish cake and she made motions as if to indicate that was, it was then said something which she had to repeat a couple times — she was saying $ 5. So I decided that would be my snack — just that. I paid her and left.
Turns out it was a mostly pork cake made with with fish [sauce?], and cold. It was still one of the tastier pork cakes I’ve had, but I’ve never paid $ 5 for less than a half pound before. I went to Hang Yang later and bought fish cake for $ 2.99/lb (plus cucumber kimchi and jab chae — two of my must-​haves from Han Yang).
Lack of signage and communication will keep me from trying this place again.

Despite being a tofu joint, they didn’t have any lunch special entrees without meat. I ended up with two heaping scoops of rice and two varieties of tofu (no sauce) for $ 5.50. It was only after my meal was packaged that I was informed that there is a $ 10 min, so I scrambled to make up the difference. I ended up with some coconut water and a half a pineapple (fine by me!) and headed out. With only two small packets of soy sauce included, I knew I’d need some sort of sauce for my meal, so I grabbed some hoisin from the MT next door. Surprisingly, I didn’t even really need the sauce because the tofu was so tasty! One variety was a plain fried tofu while the was mixed with red pepper. Delish!
For veg folks out there, I recommend that spicy tofu. I haven’t really had anything quite like it before.

I love their cha lua (Vietnamese ham), fried tofu, and rice balls in sugar syrup. It’s the only place I’ve found with warm cha lua in Austin although they tend to run out quickly. Sometimes they even have Chinese fried breadsticks and fried bananas. It’s a good to-​go place for when you crave Mom’s home cooking of thit kho (braised pork and egg), pork-​stuffed in bitter melon, and canh chua (hot and sour soup).
They only accept credit card transactions over $ 10.

After developing a random but overwhelming craving for tofu in sweet ginger sauce, I vowed to scour the streets of Austin until I got my hands on this delicious bundle of joy. I remembered there was a tofu place around the China Town Plaza, so of course I Unilocaled it to see if they had my elusive prey… and alas I found it!
It tastes just as good as any of tofu in ginger sauce I’ve ever had. Brings back childhood memories for me. My mom use to get this for me every Sunday. Mmmm warm tofu and sauce… Only problem for me was ordering the item. The cashier didn’t really speak English and when I said «silken tofu with ginger sauce» (which was what they put on the menu), the cashier still had no idea what I was talking about. Five minutes later, we got it fixed. I would come prepared with the Vietnamese name for tofu. Yes, I am Vietnamese but I really don’t speak it at all.
Besides the troubles with ordering, the tofu was yummy as expected and for $ 2 and some change for a decent size cup, I’ll definitely be back for more. In the picture I already started digging into the cup, I’m a weak woman, I have no will power. At least you can see the ginger sauce better! :)

This place is one of those little tucked-​away finds that you rave about to your friends. Mainly a to-​go business, they have a few small tables where you can sit and eat.
There is one big glass counter that is divided into two parts. On the right-​hand side is all the hot main course items. They have a deal where you can get 2 or 3 main courses with rice. Of these, my favorite is the pork-​stuffed bitter melon. On the left hand side is smaller food snacks. I recommend the fried banana. Unfortunately I can’t agree with Sherry N on the yam/​shrimp cakes — I think Tam’s does a better job — but the ones here are still worth a try.
Then there’s the drink fridge. There’s green-​tinted soy milk — I’m guessing it’s flavored with pandan leaf. Even cooler are the composed sweet drinks. With all the bits of vegetation and flowers floating in them, they look like a side-​view of some alien’s aquarium.
Oddly, this makes a good place for a lunch date. If nothing else the food will get you to strike up an interesting conversation.

I decided to try this place after going to Baguette House next door. While eating inside Baguette House, I saw so many cars drive up and leave with takeout so I took that as a sign that they were good.
Since I had already filled up on a sandwich, I only got the silken tofu with ginger caramel sauce to go. I ripped into the container when I got home and finished it in 5 minutes. It’s a sizeable amount for just $ 2 (incl. tax).
it was as good as any other tofu I’ve had in Dallas so I’m glad there’s a place in Austin that I can hit up now.
Btw…this place only takes cash.