Cured bean curds are fried with boiling oil. [Photo/WeChat account: hafbwx]

Stinky tofu, which is made from strong-smelling preserved bean curds, is a traditional snack in China. In Hai'an, it is common to see long lines of people waiting to enjoy stinky tofu.

The stinky tofu made in Qutang town is the most famous in the city.

Freshly-made stinky tofu is topped with chili sauce. [Photo/WeChat account: hafbwx]

The moist climate in Hai'an creates the best growth conditions for the ingredients used to make the brine for stinky tofu.

It is very complicated to make the brine. First, cure fresh vegetables and have them ferment naturally. Then, add various spices to the vegetables while they are fermenting. The last step is to traditionally add some brine made previously to the newly-made brine.

Children enjoy the freshly-made stinky tofu in Qutang town. [Photo/WeChat account: hafbwx]

Extensive experience is usually required to make a pot of high-quality brine.

White bean curds are then soaked into the well-made brine for 24 hours until they become yellow and give off a stinky smell. The cured bean curds are then fried with boiling oil.