The Angry Tofu- A Korean Adventure

On one not so lovely New England winter day, I was feeling rather glum. To cheer me up, my mother suggested we go to lunch at a place that I had been eyeing, and have ourselves a foodie adventure. And this is how we ended up at Angry Tofu, looking over the extensive menu with a combination of apprehension and excitement. Before stepping foot into the unassuming restaurant, with the clever logo, I hadn’t been overly curious about the cuisine because when I thought of Korean food, my mind clung to the phrase Korean BBQ and stopped there. Natural inclinations leaning towards a mainly vegetarian diet, this phrase alone was enough to kill my curiosity. But today was different. 

The lure of something with tofu had gotten my attention. Now there was one problem. Tofu was everywhere on the menu, but alongside some sort of meat. I decided on the Kimchi soup with soft tofu. If there is anything that Korean is known for outside of its isolationism, and Kim Jong-Un would be Kimchi! This delicious fermented vegetable mixture has been praised for fighting aging, improving cardiovascular and digestive health, boosting immune system and fighting cholesterol. It’s chock full of antioxidants, flavonoids and probiotics. Sounded like the perfect choice for my lunch. My mother went with a classic Bibimbap, which is mixed rice, lean meat, seaweed and vegetables, topped with an egg. 

Very shortly after we ordered, the waiter brought over a selection of fermented and pickled dishes. I could have very happily called this my meal. Each one was delicious!!! Especially liked the fish balls (or at least what I think they were), and the kimchi cucumbers. Next came out the entrees. I was a bit surprised when I started poking around the inside of my bowl. What I had thought would be a vegetarian dish, seemed to have some interesting strips of meat inside. I think they were pork, but I am no expert. 

After they had been fished out, and designated to one of the empty side dishes, I have to say, I fell in love with the flavor of my soup. It was warming, a little spicy, and all around comforting. The straw mushrooms and tofu were perfectly complimentary. My mother’s dish was also beautiful. 

All the ingredients were organic and it was a pleasure knowing that we could order something healthy with that assurance. We finished our meal with a chilled glass of cinnamon tea that had two pine nuts floating in it. It was definitely a foodie adventure! I will be planning a return trip, to do some more tasting, and looking for that perfect vegetarian friendly item on the menu! I know its hiding there somewhere! 

Location: The Angry Tofu, 1030 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield, CT 

Phone: 860-513-1004

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Angry-Tofu-Korean-Cuisine-710177472446403/info/?tab=overview (you can see the menu here ahead of time!!)