Tofu pipa the stuff of legends

Ingredients for pipa tofu includes shrimp and ground chicken or pork, but they may be omitted if you want a vegetarian option.

PIPA tofu is one of those dishes many would have eaten before but didn’t know its name.

It is pear-shaped like the ancient Chinese musical instrument, the pipa or lute, and is often associated with one of China’s legendary beauties, Xi Shi, who was said to have enjoyed it as her favourite dish.