Mapo Tofu — Sichuan Signature Dish in Martigny

Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐) is arguably the most iconic dish of Sichuan cuisine. Silky tofu swimming in a deep red sauce, spiced with Sichuan pepper: it's the perfect embodiment of málà, that spicy-and-numbing sensation that has made Sichuan gastronomy world-famous. At Rêve Saveur, we offer it in vegetarian (24 CHF) and traditional pork (26 CHF) versions.

The Legend of the Pockmarked Grandmother

The name "Mapo" literally means "pockmarked grandmother" (má = pockmarked, pó = grandmother). Legend has it that in the 19th century, a Chengdu cook with a smallpox-scarred face ran a tiny restaurant near a bridge. Her spicy tofu was so good that travelers would make the detour. The name stuck, and the dish became a global classic.

Our Mapo Tofu at Rêve Saveur

• Vegetarian version — 24 CHF: silky tofu simmered in doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste) with Sichuan pepper, garlic, ginger, on fresh artisan noodles with a soft-boiled egg half.
• Traditional pork version — 26 CHF: the same base enriched with wok-fried minced pork for extra umami depth.
• Fresh noodles extruded to order: the firm texture of our house-made noodles perfectly absorbs the spicy sauce.

The Key Ingredients of Mapo Tofu

Three ingredients make the soul of a real Mapo Tofu:

• Silky tofu — tender, almost creamy, it melts in your mouth and absorbs the sauce.
• Sichuan pepper — the berry that "tingles," signature of all Sichuan cuisine.
• Doubanjiang — this fermented broad bean and chili paste is the umami foundation. Without it, it's not real Mapo Tofu.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mapo Tofu?

Mapo Tofu is a Sichuan dish of silky tofu simmered in a spicy sauce with Sichuan pepper, traditionally served with minced pork. Its name means "pockmarked grandmother's tofu."

Is Mapo Tofu available in a vegetarian version?

Yes! Our vegetarian Mapo Tofu at 24 CHF retains all the richness of the original thanks to doubanjiang and Sichuan pepper. The traditional pork version is 26 CHF.

What gives Mapo Tofu its unique taste?

The secret is Sichuan pepper, which causes tingling and numbness, combined with doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste) for umami depth. Together they create the málà balance.

Ready to Taste Real Mapo Tofu?

Come discover our Mapo Tofu at Rue du Grand Verger 12, Martigny. Open Monday to Saturday, lunch and dinner.

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Explore Our Cuisine

Discover our DanDan Mian, our Sichuan cuisine guide and our signature Sésame, ouvre toi pastry.

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