MANILA, Philippines?Mapo is perhaps the most popular spicy Chinese tofu dish in the country. Of Sichuan origin, mapo ?in Chinese means pockmarked old lady, and it comes from a famous legend,? said visiting Sichuan chefs Li Yuzhong and Wang Kang Jun.

The tale refers to a Sichuan chef?s wife who was said to have created the dish in 1862 during the Qing Dynasty and made it famous. It?s interesting to note that the same Chinese character is used for both ?pockmarked? and ?numb.?

?Over time, the dish evolved, but the staple ingredients have always been ground pork or beef, a few ounces of tofu, and an ample amount of ground Sichuan pepper,? add the two chefs.

?Ma Po Dofu is powerfully spicy with both conventional ?heat? spiciness and the characteristic mala (numbing spiciness) flavor which is associated with Sichuan cuisine.?

Chinese cuisine is as interesting and diverse as Chinese culture and history. Sichuan is one of the eight great cuisines of China, renowned for dishes that are spicy, numbing and hot. But to label it as just piquant would be unfair.

?Sichuan food is famous for its many flavors, and almost every dish has its own unique taste. It is a combination of hot, sour, sweet and salty,? both cooks point out. This is due to the wealth of ingredients and seasonings that are endemic to the Southwestern China.

So how is mapo tofu made? The chefs share their authentic recipe below.

If you like hot and spicy Sichuan fare, let the visiting Sichuan chefs to prepare a lauriat of the most elaborate fiery dishes at the ongoing Sichuan Food Festival at Crowne Plaza?s Xin Tian Di, or just sit back and enjoy the delicious comfort of classic dishes such as dandan spicy noodles and their signature steamed scallop with mapo bean curd.

The Sichuan Food Festival at Xin Tian Di runs at 4/F, Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila until the end of August. Call 6355114 or 6337222.

Mapo Tofu

1 pack tofu, firmness should be medium, or if softer tofu is desired, Japanese tofu may be used.
? minced pork
? c green onion
1 tbsp cooking oil
1 tbsp chili bean paste
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp soy sauce
Stock (chicken broth)
Salt to taste

Cut the tofu into ?-inch square cubes and blanch (drop into boiling water) for 2-3 minutes, remove from boiling water and drain.

Chop green onions. Pour oil In a wok or deep skillet, pan fry the minced pork until brown.

Combine the sauces with chili-bean paste. Add chicken stock.

Add the cubed tofu, combine gently and continue to simmer for 5-8 minutes until well blended and tofu is heated.

Lastly, add the chopped green onion and toss. Add salt to taste.

Best eaten with steamed rice

Belle France mayonnaise

Here?s a delicious and affordable grocery find. When people ask me what my favorite mayo is, I can?t really say because I?ve always made my own mayonnaise. I?m very particular about it since it is my favorite condiment.

Recently, I found Belle France mayo at Rustan?s. For some reason, I liked how it looked. And when I tried it, it was worth every cent.

Given the exorbitant cost of practically everything, my thrill these days is finding quality ingredients at affordable prices. To date, this is one of the best bottled mayos I?ve tried. It is also very affordable at P64.75 for 250 ml. A steal!

Afternoon entertainment

Hello chef! I am Miren, an avid reader of Kitchen Rescue. My parents are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary and we?re throwing a surprise party. Do you know of good entertainers and/or entertainment suitable for an afternoon garden gathering? Also do you know, who does bibingka and puto bumbong?

Sure do, and I have quite a bit on my list. It all depends on the type of party you are planning to throw. For a more formal affair, there is Holly Paraiso (tel. 0918-2612709), a harpist. She plays the harp from one to sawa.

If you wish for something livelier, try Akafellas (tel. 0920-9032320), an a capella group consisting of eight men who sing so beautifully. They dish out contemporary songs and a lot of Sinatra.

There?s also an an all-male choir for all occasions, and they sing Mass songs so well (tel. 0910-4483000, 0917-8042035).

If you want sexy tunes for the anniversary of your folks, there is Vince on the Saxophone (tel. 0915-64124007). For a classical ambience, Leggiero Strings (tel. 0919-3169252) and Velvet Mood Strings (tel. 0917-4919282).

For bibingka and puto bumbong, try La Comida (tel. 4260471, 9276984).

How about a rondalla and banda kawayan since you asked for puto bumbong and bibingka? Check out Sindaw (tel. 0926-6941555), KCED Rondalla (0927-5674000) or PUP Banda Kawayan (0917-7569264).

E-mail the author at raspiras@inquirer.com.ph