There are different legends and sayings about the origin of Mapo tofu dish.
A common explanation is that Mapo tofu originated from a Mapo temple near Chengdu, Sichuan. According to legend, the temple girl of Mapokongzi Temple made a tofu dish, which was spicy and delicious, and was famous for its unique taste.
Later, this dish was handed down and named after Mapo Temple, namely Mapo Tofu.
Another way of saying it is that Mapo is the nickname of a famous chef in Sichuan cuisine.
According to legend, Mapo is a hot-tempered and eccentric chef of Sichuan cuisine. He invented this spicy and delicious tofu dish and named it after himself, that is, Mapo tofu.
Anyway, Mapo Tofu, as a classic Sichuan dish, has become one of the delicacies in China and around the world. Its spicy taste, rich layers and delicate taste of tofu make it popular.