Tahu Pong

Jl. Gajahmada 63B
Semarang

Tahu pong is a hollowed tofu. This is one of Semarang famous foods, a must try, so to speak. We chose the one at Jl. Gajahmada for its location (close to our home). We ordered tahu pong and emplek (a firm tofu). My husband peeked when they fried the tofu. To my surprise the oil they used was dark in color. I had no idea how long they have used it. :(

So anyway, aside from the horrid scene, I managed to eat the tofu with an open mind. The 'pong' was much better than 'emplek'. Both did not have any taste at all, but the 'pong' was better for its hollowness, which absorbed the sauce much better.

The sauce itself consisted of petis (made from fermented shrimp), garlic, water, and kecap manis (sweet soy sauce). They used mortar to blend everything together and then served the sauce with optional minced chili and pickled lobak (radish).
The chili added more flavor to the sweet sauce, turning the bland tofu into a good dish.

A must try, indeed!