Hangzhou Stinky Tofu and Veggie Pancake Vendor

One of the things about travelling in China that I look forward to is always the authentic street vendor food. Although there are always questions about cleanliness or hygiene, it's a well known fact that you can't enjoy life without getting a little bit dirty. In the case of food, just like New York hot dog stands, sometimes being a little more dirty can give it a whole new different flavor.

There is alot more than one type of street side food vendor, but none would carry a more unique smell than stinky tofu.

Near Westlake (Xihu), in Hangzhou, China, is one of the few authentic stinky tofu vendors available in the area. The stinky tofu are one of the most enjoyed snacks of the local native Chinese. It is definitely of a unique aroma, smell, and taste. The vendor that we enjoyed by Westlake is definitely one of the more authentic, barely visible without being directly beside the alley (behind them in the alley is an even more popular dining area where people enjoy Spicy Noodles).

Next to the stinky tofu vendor in here, there is also a lady selling vegetarian pancakes, which is also full of aroma. It is cooked directly inside a huge can filled with charcoal. The flavor of the heat and the charcoal help infuse the flavor of the dried vegetables inside the pancake, at the same time give the pancake a crunchy texture on the outside.

Atmosphere
Definitely one of the best places to snack is Westlake in Hangzhou; it's a beautiful place with an almost surreal atmosphere, with it's light fog, mountains across the lake, and pagodas visible in the distant. There is a generous amount of seating around the lake, as well, they serve alcohol along the walkways next to the lake.

It's a perfect place to pick up some snacks from the nearby vendors, and relax with a bottle of Tsing Tao or your favorite alcoholic beverage.

stinky tofu being prepared fresh as it is ordered