Mapo Tofu @ Doufukui, Tokojimachi, Fukuoka

 

If you like your Chinese food to be authentic and spicy, then I have a place for you! And when one is touted to be some of the best Chinese food in Fukuoka, I became pretty curious. To be honest, I have not tried many Chinese joints in the area. Having said that, this was very good, and it was incredibly spicy!

Looks legit to me!

Doufukui is a Chinese restaurant located in the outskirts of the Hakata area, between Hakata station and Lalaport shopping complex. Being here for many years, it has build a reputation of proper Chinese food standing at reasonable prices. And once I enter I can clearly see why. In fact, before going into the building, you can get a whiff of the spices and aromas from the kitchen just assaulting the nearby premises. Now, that is the hallmark of a proper Chinese place. 

It has arrived

And when you come in, you can see various trinkets decorating the place, ducks being prepared for their dinner service (which is a good sign, as this means they have Peking Duck) and of course, the aforementioned spicy fragrance. I have been told by a few mainland Chinese friends that their star maker is the mapo tofu. So without much thought that was what I got, where a ser lunch which consists of a serving of tofu, with rice, soup, and unlimited side dishes and soft drinks stood at 980 yen. Now that is a bargain. 

So red!

 The good times continue to roll (or came to a screeching halt depending on your opinion) when my food arrived. The tofu was just blood red and bubbling! It really looked like some form of molten lava. t was hot, steaming and was an absolute beast to look at. The flavour also packed the same level of intensity. It was strong, powerful, with the Szechuan spices just attacking your mouth. However, it was very flavourful and I can taste a huge punch of garlic and onions too. The tofu was actually very flavourful too. it was not plan and boring, but rather it absorbed the quality of the other ingredients, making it very tasty. 

What a close up

The liquid death was then laid over some rice, making it an easier eating experience. The silky tofu, surrounded with that spicy and meaty lava just melded onto the rice like some form of jealous lover, not willing to let go. And with the rice and tofu combined, it provided an array of textural differences. And you all know I like textures. It was so hot and my mouth was just going against every fiber of my being. But it was so tasty that I cannot stop. So I was between a rock and a hard place, damned if you did but damned if you do not. In any event, the unlimited soft drinks help cool me down as sweat started flowing behind my ears and I struggle to complete this firecraker of a meal. And the sides were some veggies and pickles, which complimented this explosive experience. 

Unlimited ice tea was a life saver

Despite leaving this place like a total wreck, I will definitely come again if I need mapo tofu! And it is to be noted that they have a super spicy version, which to me is too much of a tall order to ask. Having said that, the food here is very authentic. So much so that the staff and most of the customers are Chinese. Enough proof to show that this is some serious player in the scene. There are other food items here too like sweet and sour pork, noodles and of course the aforementioned duck (which you need to book in advance). So if you are game in getting your tongue incinerated or want to try some of the other food items here, which you should, the address is as follows:

1 Chome-2-2 Tokojimachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0896

Front of the house