Taiwan is known for its strange trends like cartoon backpacks [link], cat cafes [link], and crazy music videos [link][link]. But as TaiwaneseAmerican.org’s Taiwan correspondent Andrea Chu has reported to us, Stinky Tofu perfume? We’re not sure about this one, Taiwan. Though most of these fads don’t really affect others, this olfactory trend is causing quite a controversy. Like the food itself, people are loving it or hating it.
Taiwanese knock-off fragrance maker “Jaime” released its His & Her “TofuTofu” 《豆腐豆腐》line last month as a gag gift for ex-lovers on “White Day.” To their surprise, within two weeks, all stores that agreed to carry it were sold out. Brand owner Chou Shu Hao (周書豪) was clearly in shock, saying that “We thought only heartbroken youths would buy it for their exes. Little did we know, some college students started buying it for themselves!”1Wang Jie-Bo (王杰柏), a junior at National Chengchi University (NCCU), considers it a good way to sort through potential lovers. “I grew up loving to eat stinky tofu – whenever I smell it I think of my home in Tainan. I also feel like I have better chemistry with girls who like to eat stinky tofu too!”2 However, Liang Cheng-Lin (梁丞林), a senior at National Taiwan University (NTU) feels differently. “It’s kind of a disturbance. I don’t want to be smelling stinky tofu while I’m sitting in class!”3
The prevalence of the scent has caused some disturbances with public transportation, as many are uncomfortable with the pungent aroma of the mixed-popularity Taiwanese food. Li Ying-Lien (李英蓮), the spokesperson for the Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation (TRTC) expressed concern of the perfume’s effect on the perceived cleanliness of the Taipei Metro (MRT). “We are currently investigating the perfume situation before we make any policy changes. Rest assured, the TRTC will continue to provide clean and safe transportation for all of its passengers.”4
Will this trend continue on? Or will it be quashed, by the public or the government?
1 “本來想說只有心碎少年會買給前男女友。結果有些大學生開始買給自己!”
2 “我從小到大都超愛吃臭豆腐，聞到味道會想到我在台南的家人。我也覺得我對喜歡吃臭豆腐的女生也比較有默契！”
3 “我其實不太喜歡臭豆腐 – 我上課的時候不想聞到臭豆腐的味道！”
4 “臺北大眾捷運系統正在查這個《豆腐豆腐》香水的情況。台北捷運公司保證我們台北的捷運會繼續做得乾淨和安全。”
For more information on the topic or any translation corrections, please contact the author at eric@taiwaneseamerican.org
But is it kosher for Passover?