Stinky Tofu Banned: Neighbor's Complaint Crushes Taiwanese Tradition

The Golden Leaf restaurant in San Gabriel, California, has permanently removed its prized stinky tofu from the menu after a years-long dispute. The issue began in 2017 when a neighbor repeatedly complained to the city about the pungent aroma of the traditional Taiwanese dish. Despite the owner's claims that other patrons and nearby businesses did not notice or mind the smell, the restaurant received multiple citations and violation notices for emitting odors deemed a public nuisance.

Owner David Liao stated the dish, known as chou doufu, is a cherished taste of home and a source of cultural pride for many. The food item contributed significantly to the restaurant's revenue, accounting for 10 to 20 percent. The city's threat of fines, potentially up to $1,000, eventually forced the restaurant to cease selling the dish.

In 2025, Liao attempted to revive the dish with occasional weekly releases, supported by a stinky tofu newsletter and a Change.org petition signed by over 1,000 people. However, the neighbor's renewed campaign of complaints led to a second notice from the city. Upgrades like a specialized filtration system could cost upwards of $100,000, a price the family cannot afford without guarantees from the city, which were not provided.