Golden Leaf's Stinky Tofu Ban: A Cultural Clash

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A San Gabriel restaurant called Golden Leaf has stopped selling stinky tofu after repeated

city warnings over its strong smell.

The popular Taiwanese fermented dish made up about 20% of their sales since the family

opened in 2014.

Neighbors first complained in the fall of 2017, leading to health and fire department visits

and violation notices under local odor codes.

The owner explained that while customers inside couldn't detect the odor, a nearby resident

could from her building.

The restaurant checked with other businesses, but none reported issues affecting their operations.

Officials verbally ordered them to reduce the smell or drop the item, and fines followed,

totaling more than $1,000.

For many in Los Angeles, home to the nation's largest Taiwanese community, stinky tofu

is a vital cultural link, not just food.

The owner views keeping it alive as essential to their roots.

Meanwhile, a city council member stressed his purely a smell control matter, noting other

spots sell it without complaints.

Golden Leaf pulled the dish until 2025, then brought it back briefly before another warning

hit three months later.

Unable to afford upgrades like a $50,000 ventless fryer or a $100,000 filter, they halted

sales for good in November.

2025.

Now the owner has started a change.org petition urging California supporters to back the

right to cook and sell stinky tofu there, seeking aid.

Workable path forward with the city.