稭豆腐 Wara dōfu

Rice-Straw Tofu

#46 佳品 Fine

English Interpretation

Wrap tofu in straw. Warm over fire; the fragrance transfers from the straw — a wonderful scent.

原文 · Original (1782)

豆腐を稭に包み込むべし。火にて温め、稭より香りうつりて、妙なる香りなり。

Transliteration

Tōfu wo wara ni tsutsumi-komu beshi. Hi nite atataméte, wara yori kaori utsurite, tae naru kaori nari.

Notes & Annotations

Wara/稭 refers to rice straw. The character 稭 specifically indicates the stalk after the rice grain has been harvested.

English Recipe

Ingredients

  • firm tofu 豆腐 1 block (350 g)
    一丁
  • rice straw several handfuls
    Clean, food-safe

Method

Serves 2–3

1. Wrap firm tofu completely in layers of clean rice straw (or food-safe wrapping).
2. Place over gentle heat — either buried in warm embers, or wrapped and grilled at a distance over low charcoal, turning occasionally.
3. Heat for 15–20 minutes until the tofu is warm throughout.
4. Unwrap at the table if possible — the ritual of unwrapping releases the aroma.
5. Slice and serve warm with light soy sauce or simple dashi.

The rice straw imparts a subtle, grassy-nutty aroma. Similar to tsuto dōfu (No. 38) but using different straw or technique.