CA Restaurant Fined For 'Stinky Tofu' Dish After Neighbor's Complaints

SAN GABRIEL, CA — Golden Leaf restaurant in San Gabriel has pulled a signature dish, stinky tofu, off the menu following complaints from a neighbor and fines from the city, according to reports.

The business served the dish daily from 2014-17, according to a Change.org petition with over 1,600 signatures supporting its return, but a residential neighbor’s complaints resulted in the city labeling the item a public nuisance and threatening fines.

The restaurant halted sales of the dish from 2017 to 2025, but “the demand from our loyal customers never waned,” the petition said, and the business eventually brought the dish back, serving it just once a week.

“Despite the community's positive response, the city reissued its previous stance, labeling our beloved dish a public nuisance,” the petition said.

Stinky tofu is a staple of Taiwanese street food and features tofu that is soaked in fermented brine, and, most commonly, deep fried, according to Atlas Obscura, which reported its smell “is often compared to rotting garbage or dirty, wet socks.” Despite the pungent odor, its flavor is mild, and it has a crispy exterior and smooth interior, Atlas Obscura reported.

“Stinky tofu isn’t just food — it’s a big part of Taiwanese street culture and identity. Many people grew up with the smell from night markets; it reminds them of home and tradition,” wrote Selina of Montebello, one of the supporters who signed the petition. “Allowing it to be sold keeps that cultural connection alive while bringing diversity to the community.”

Golden Leaf Owner David Liao and his family served stinky tofu last year until November, and have received multiple notices and citations, and paid over $1,000 in fines, according to the Los Angeles Times, which reported the dish remains off the menu.

The neighbor who objected to the smell “called so often, the neighbor managed to block the restaurant’s phone line, preventing customers from calling in orders,” the Times reported.

City Council member John Wu told the Times the business needs a better filtration system, noting many restaurants sell stinky tofu, but Golden Leaf is nearer to a residential area than other eateries.

Liao told the newspaper that upgrades to mitigate the smell could cost $20,000 to $100,000, and he can’t afford to make the investment without a guarantee from the city that it will solve the problem, something Wu said the city cannot provide.