yelp.comIt’s official, Seattle: there is no reason to buy packaged tofu in this town. (And by packaged I mean the slightly slimy blocks of tofu that come floating in dun-colored water in plasti-sealed plastic boxes.) While it’s easy to get some decent packaged tofu in the supermarket, make a mental note whenever you’re in the International District, Capitol Hill, or the Central District to make a quick stop at at Thanh Son Tofu (or Northwest Tofu, for that matter) for the fresh stuff. The difference–both in taste and price–is astonishing. You can file Thanh Son under the “completely unassuming on the outside, wondrous on the inside” category.” Step through the open door and you’re hit immediately a rush of warm air scented with sweet, fresh soy milk. You’ll find an array of brightly colored Vietnamese sticky rice snacks, rice and sausage wrapped up in banana leaves, and assorted Vietnamese grocery items. The fresh tofu, at just $1.25 a pound, is the star: creamy and luscious, usually still steaming and quivering. Fresh tofu aside, my heart belongs to the cubes of still hot, fried tofu sitting in the stainless steel steam table in the center of the store. Load up a big plastic bag with plain, onion, or lemongrass and chili (my favorite) tofu pieces, and you’ll still be able to get out for under $3. These tofu cubes are great over rice, glass or vermicelli noodles, but I usually end up popping them just they way they are, maybe dipped in a little bit of soy sauce and vinegar. If you’re lucky enough to be passing by Thanh Son on a Saturday or Sunday, make sure to partake of the weekend special: tiny, delicious deep fried spring rolls filled with cabbage and tofu (and possibly ground pork and tiny dried shrimps). Like everything else, a large quantity will likely only set you back $1.75.