Shaoxing’s traditional fermented tofu—dubbed the “Eastern cheese”—is gaining popularity in Europe, with exports up over 20% in early 2025.
Fermented tofu, often referred to as a “rice companion（下饭神器）” in China, is gaining new fans overseas. In the first five months of 2025, Shaoxing Customs reported around 331 tons of fermented tofu exported. The total export value reached 5.91 million yuan (about $820,000). Exports to Europe rose by more than 20% year-on-year.
A Thousand-Year Flavor with Global Appeal
Shaoxing City in Zhejiang Province, is one of China’s major producers of fermented tofu. The local version, renowned for its distinctive flavor, boasts a history spanning over a thousand years. It’s a nationally protected geographical indication product. As early as the Ming Dynasty, Shaoxing fermented tofu was already shipped abroad. Some foreign consumers call it the “Eastern cheese.”
At a fermented tofu factory in Shaoxing, dozens of workers are busy preparing orders for Europe, Southeast Asia, and North America. The process includes seasoning, bottling, and loading trucks.
“There are many types of Shaoxing fermented tofu, but red fermented tofu is especially popular overseas,” said a manager at the factory. “We still rely on traditional handcrafting—grinding soybeans, shaping, fermenting—over 20 detailed steps.”
While Chinese consumers often eat fermented tofu with plain rice, Europeans use it differently. Some mix it with pasta as a sauce. Others spread it on bread like jam.
Meeting Global Standards with Speed
As a traditional fermented food, fermented tofu also faces strict food safety regulations. In July 2024, the EU introduced new rules for red yeast rice, a key ingredient in red fermented tofu.
“Within three months, we adjusted our process and developed a red tofu product that meets EU standards. Production went smoothly.” said the manager. Thanks to the upgrade, the average price of tofu exported to Europe rose by 5% in the first half of the year.
How to Enjoy Fermented Tofu?
1、As a Pasta Sauce Boost: Mix red fermented tofu with olive oil and garlic to create a savory umami-rich pasta sauce.
2、Spread on Toast or Crackers: Blend fermented tofu with cream cheese or butter. Spread it on sourdough toast or pair with crackers.
3、Fusion Burger Topping: Use crumbled red tofu as a topping on veggie or beef burgers
4、Salad Dressing Base: Mash a small amount of fermented tofu into vinaigrette to give salads a fermented depth.
5、With Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Vegetables: Stir a spoonful into mashed potatoes instead of salt or mix into roasted root vegetables for extra savoriness.
Additional reporting by CNS.
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