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February 2024 by cmilton111
Ota Tofu: America's Oldest Tofu Company with a Rich HistoryTofu is a versatile and nutritious food that has been enjoyed for centuries in many Asian cuisines. But did you know that the oldest tofu company in America is located in Portland, Oregon? And that its history is intertwined with the dark legacy of Japanese American internment?Ota Tofu is a small, family-owned business that has been making fresh, handmade tofu since 1911. It is the oldest operating tofu producer in the country, and one of the few that still uses traditional Japanese methods to craft its products. Ota Tofu uses 100% American grown non-GMO soybeans, and does not add any additives or artificial preservatives to its tofu. The result is a smooth, creamy, and flavorful tofu that is a staple for many local restaurants and food carts serving a variety of cuisines, from Japanese to Mexican.Ota Tofu was founded by the Ota family, who immigrated from Japan in the early 1900s. They started their business in Northwest Portland, catering to the growing Japanese American community in the city. During World War II, the Ota family, along with tens of thousands of other Japanese Americans, were forced to relocate to internment camps. Fortunately, an honorable and sympathetic landlord protected their original location; they were able to resume their business after the war.In 2019, Ota Tofu was bought by the Ogata family, who also have roots in the Japanese American community. The new owner, Scott Ogata (a former baseball player is passionate about continuing the legacy of Ota Tofu, and to share his love for tofu and Japanese culture with the community. He says he wants to introduce more people to the benefits and versatility of tofu, and to show them how it can be used in different dishes and cuisines. He also hopes to support more local farmers and businesses, and to contribute to the sustainability and diversity of Portland's food scene.Ota Tofu is a hidden gem in Portland's vibrant food scene, and a cultural and culinary landmark in the Pacific Northwest. It is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Japanese American community, and to the diversity and richness of Portland's culinary culture. If you are looking for a healthy, tasty, and authentic tofu experience, look no further than Ota Tofu, America's oldest tofu company, it's popularity and rich history prove it to be one of the best!Created with Bing I CoPilotComment if you would like more articles like this one.```.
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February 2024 by Zac Maluhia
Go inside to get fresh tofu made daily. What a treat!! Thank you guys!!
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December 2023 by Teri S.
A wonderful family-owned business. They have the best fried tofu I've ever had (and I've had a lot). Locals bring their containers to be eco-friendly.
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December 2023 by jeffydarko
My wife is from Japan and we live in Seattle. We learned of Ota Tofu when visiting friends in Portland earlier this year, and it is now a stop every time we are in Portland. Ota Tofu is the best we've found since moving from Japan over 25 years ago, and they produce plenty of varieties. The people at the factory store are wonderful to deal with.
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December 2023 by Anneliese
If you haven't gotten their tofu, or eaten fresh tofu, this should be on your list. They have the best tofu I've had outside of Japan and the staff is amazing.
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November 2023 by Jeff B.
My wife is from Japan and we live in Seattle. We learned of Ota Tofu when visiting friends in Portland earlier this year, and it is now a stop every time we are in Portland. Ota Tofu is the best we've found since moving from Japan over 25 years ago, and they produce plenty of varieties. The people at the factory store are wonderful to deal with.
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November 2023 by Alexandra Maymi
Very happy to be able to get tofu in bulk without the excessive packaging! I got 12 blocks for $28. What a deal and locally made. You can get a sneak peak into where the magic happens when you go into the store. Thanks Ota for making a great product at a great price.
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November 2023 by Dory Tang
Super friendly service. I can actually see the workers in the back making all the delicious tofu products. I know they are fresh and local. The cashier (I assume he is the owner) was super nice. I tried their soy milk, pressed tofu and soft tofu. The owner told me to air fry the pressed tofu until the surface bubbles. Then eat it with drizzle of my favorite hot sauce and soy sauce combination. I will definitely go back for more when I am in the area.
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October 2023 by Karen W.
Super friendly service. I can actually see the workers in the back making all the delicious tofu products. I know they are fresh and local. The cashier (I assume he is the owner) was super nice. I tried their soy milk, pressed tofu and soft tofu. The owner told me to air fry the pressed tofu until the surface bubbles. Then eat it with drizzle of my favorite hot sauce and soy sauce combination. I will definitely go back for more when I am in the area.
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October 2023 by Gabija Balvočiūtė
I already considered myself a tofu lover but WOW, did this place grow my appreciation for tofu even more!We got the extra firm kind and simply ate it alongside kimchi we got from Mama Dut in the neighborhood, and it made for such a satisfying meal.
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September 2023 by Sheila Sutardi
If you’re the kind of person who thinks “tofu is tofu, why can’t I just buy a block at my closest Safeway” you should visit Ota and get one of each kind. It will ruin you for other tofu forever. Sure the Safeway tofu works, but the whole time you’re eating it you’d be thinking “I could’ve used Ota tofu for this dish and it would be 10x better.”Thankfully Ota is also sold at New Seasons, H Mart and several other stores, since I can’t make the trip to downtown Portland all the time.Sweetest people working here as well. I just want to give them all my business.
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September 2023 by Eye C
Fresh hot fried tofu is to die for. Everything so fresh and clean
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September 2023 by Elena Le
extremely pleasant experience! i recommend getting literally a block of fresh warm xtra firm tofu and eating it w only soy sauce. superior-
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September 2023 by Erik Cheetah
Delicious tofu, age (fried tofu sheets), low prices. You can see where everything is made right behind the counter. I'll definitely come back next week for more. Cash or check only though!edit: Five years after my first review, I'm still stopping by Ota once a week to stock up! I lost 40lb over the years just from having a healthy + delicious ingredient to use every day. If you get several types of tofu firmness, your cooking options are endless. The quality has stayed high the whole time, and the service is great. I hope I never leave Portland because I'll miss Ota!
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September 2023 by Lakshmi M.
I don't think there are actually enough words for me to say how much I LOVE Ota Tofu. When we first moved to Portland, I definitely noticed Ota Tofu in stores -- but in all honesty, my husband had pointed out Ota on one of our previous visits to the city and I just hadn't had much time to go check it our during that stay. I will say that we live so close to Ota that it has become a tradition and habit in our lives and we definitely have a routine of dropping by and picking up a variety of tofu goods. We always gets a couple of xtra firm blocks, the fried atsu age, and most recently we've been in a soft tofu mood -- aka it's a hot hot summer and we can just to the jiggly goodness with some spices and soy sauce and chomp away. The atsu age lasts a couple of days and the firm maybe a few more days than that -- esp if you swap out into a container with fresh water. There is a teeny parking lot here but street parking is not very hard and you can just walk right in and walk out with the most delicious fresh tofu goodness. I absolutely adore this place and sometimes they'll throw in an extra block if they misheard or think you asked for more. Service is always so sweet regardless of who is up front and it makes the experience even better. Absolutely come by this place and head home with the greatest tofu in the area!
