What Mapo tofu is
Silken tofu in a numbing chilli and bean-paste sauce.
Mapo tofu is listed as a dish in the China guide, where the index tags it rice-based. That is the useful shorthand, but it is not the whole story: the same name can cover a breakfast version, a street version and a restaurant version with different garnishes and prices.
Where to find Mapo tofu
Our index links Mapo tofu to Sichuan. That does not mean it is unavailable elsewhere, but it is the place to start if you want the version locals recognise.
The China guide also covers 7 dishes and 2 bakery items; open the country page for the full menu and the other places in the index.
What it costs
Mapo tofu sits in the budget band, which we define as usually under US$8. Across the 9 food entries we track for China, 7 are budget, 2 are mid-range and 0 are premium.
| Band | Typical range | Items | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | usually under US$8 | 7 | Jiaozi, Dan dan noodles, Mapo tofu |
| Mid-range | roughly US$8–20 | 2 | Xiaolongbao, Steamed fish with ginger |
| Premium | usually US$20 and up | 0 | — |
Within this list, Mapo tofu is one of 7 dish entries and 7 budget items; 2 items share the rice-based tag.
Dietary notes
- No dietary flags in our data: the index does not mark this item vegetarian, halal, pork, seafood or alcohol, so ask the kitchen about ingredients.
How to order it
- Rice is the base of the plate. Ask whether it is included or charged separately, and whether refills are free.
- Ask for the price before ordering, especially where the menu lists market price or sells by weight.
Pair it with
These are the China items that make most sense alongside Mapo tofu, either as a second course or as the drink that finishes the meal.
Closest matches on the menu
These China items share the most tags with Mapo tofu, so they are the most useful comparisons for flavour, price and preparation.
Mapo tofu: common questions
What is Mapo tofu?
Silken tofu in a numbing chilli and bean-paste sauce. It is listed in the TasteBridge China guide as a dish.
How much does Mapo tofu cost in China?
Expect the budget band: usually under US$8. Prices move with the city and the venue, so treat this as a planning figure rather than a fixed menu price.
Is Mapo tofu vegetarian?
Mapo tofu is not tagged vegetarian in our data. Ask before ordering if you avoid meat, fish or animal fats; the recipe can vary by kitchen.
Where can I try Mapo tofu?
Our index links it to Sichuan. Ask locally for the version served at breakfast, lunch or late evening, because the same name can cover different presentations.
Indexed as dish for China. Price bands are planning estimates, not live menu prices. Last reviewed 2026-11-06.