Challenge China's 3 Stinkiest Foods, as Pungent as Surströmming

Once, humans had to eat stinky foods to survive, but today, many try them out of curiosity, as a challenge, or to experience something new. Interestingly, China occupies five spots on the list of the world's top ten stinkiest foods, from stinky tofu to snail noodles and stinky mandarin fish, each boasting its unique pinnacle of pungency yet preserved through generations for their ultimate umami.

People have developed cooking techniques that use the stink to accentuate the freshness, employing fermented foods to enhance umami. This approach is evident in dishes like Ningbo's three stinks, Anhui's stinky mandarin fish, Changsha's stinky tofu, and Liuzhou's snail noodles.

The initial human contact with spoiled foods was complex and accidental. Over time, we have deliberately crafted and controlled these processes, largely driven by a fascination with flavors—the stinkier, the more savory. This isn't just perception. Fermentation breaks down proteins into free amino acids, which act as flavor enhancers. Though the nose may detect a stench, the taste buds perceive these amino acids as fresh and savory. This explains why something might smell foul yet taste delicious.

1.Shaoxing Famous Cuisine Restaurant

Rating: 4.3/5 (952 reviews, Source: Dianping)

Per capita: 105 RMB

Business Hours: 10:30-13:30, 16:30-21:30

Address: No. 238 Keke Road

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In China, stinky tofu is renowned for its pungent aroma, derived from the fermentation of amaranth greens which break down tofu proteins, producing lysine and enhancing the umami-rich condensation. This one-of-a-kind bistro in Shanghai is famous for its 'Shaoxing Steamed 7 Stinks', a dish beloved by locals for its intensity and unique preparation, making it a daring culinary destination. The restaurant is bustling, especially at night when it becomes the heart of local social life, similar to a bistro with vintage Shaoxing wine.

• Pig Brain Steamed 7 Stinks Almost every table orders this extreme version of the traditional 'Shaoxing 3 Stinks', known for its overwhelming aroma that rivals the Swedish surströmming, making it a challenge for the adventurous eater.

• Meigan Cai Steamed Eel This dish showcases the skill of Zhejiang chefs found in Shanghai; freshly killed eel paired with Meigan cai and scallion oil, creating a rich but not greasy flavor profile, worth trying even if you skip the '7 Stinks'.

• Sauce Flavor Platter Featuring meats from Shaoxing's Anchang Town, known for its pickled goods, this platter is a favorite among local drinkers, with its chewy texture and rich sauce flavor highlighted by favorites like pig's ears.

2.Fenjia Snail Noodle Shop 

Rating: 4.1/5 (20919reviews, Source: Dianping)

Per capita: 51 RMB

Business Hours: 10:30-21:30

Address: No. 83, Yangzhai Road

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Authentic Luosifen must have the slightly stinky pickled bamboo shoots, which gain their distinctive odor from compounds like pentanal and citral during fermentation. Fenjia dominates Shanghai's snail noodle scene with ingredients sourced from over 1700 kilometers away, offering a taste of Guangxi.

• Crispy Skin Snail Noodles Signature dish combining selected rice noodles with a special hot and sour soup, topped with crispy pork skin for an addictive crunch.

• Dry Pepper Fatty Intestines Braised and then fried fatty intestines are a must-try, crispy on the outside yet tender inside, offering an outstanding cold or hot eating experience.

3.Hui Zhen Yuan

Rating: 4.2/5 (4886reviews, Source: Dianping)

Per capita: 103RMB

Business Hours: 11:00-14:00, 17:00-21:30

Address: Unit 901-902, No. 975 Longming Road

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Legend has it that a Hui Prefect named Miao once had to salt and ferment stinky mandarin fish when it spoiled during transport due to unexpected heat, creating a uniquely flavored dish now essential in Hui cuisine.

• Tai Ping Lake Stinky Mandarin Fish A specialty, the fish is grilled in foil to maintain temperature, its mild stink enhancing the delicate flavors.

• North Anhui Clay Pot Chicken Cooked with fresh bell peppers and wrapped dough pancakes, the simmering pot melds all flavors into a harmonious aroma, complemented by the sizzling sounds of cooking.

4.Xieji Street Stall

Rating: 4.2/5 (3718reviews, Source: Dianping)

Per capita: 138RMB

Business Hours: 11:00-14:00, 17:00-4:00 (next day)

Address: Floor 1, No. 386, Changshou Road

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Xieji has elevated stinky tofu, creating a range of dishes from fried stinky tofu to rich stinky tofu and intestine pots. The aroma of stink and fragrance mingles, drawing long queues of enthusiasts for these traditional Shanghai snacks.

• Fried Stinky Tofu Cut diagonally and deep-fried, this tofu offers a crispy exterior with a soft interior, enhanced by chili sauce for added complexity.

• Salty Egg Yolk Chicken Wings The star dish features middle wings coated in salted egg yolk, fried to a crisp, offering a savory, granular texture that melts into the tender chicken, bursting with juicy flavors at each bite.