On a Budget
Where to buy cheap tofu in South Africa
Image Source: @chloekimgrootboom
A staple in Chinese and Thai cuisine, Tofu is a versatile source of protein that not many new South African vegans know how to work with. It’s great that tofu is available in all leading retailers, but if you’re looking for your cheapest source of tofu – Asain supermarkets are the way to go!
Eating plant-based on a budget
ProVeg South Africa is dedicated to improving the accessibility of a plant-based diet in our country. In collaboration between Plant-Based on a Budget & Food Lovers Market, we have created a 1 person 1 week vegan meal plan for under R50 per day!
After launching the meal plan, we started a Vegan On A Budget series on our digital platforms to help you thrive on a plant-based diet while maintaining your tight budget. Find some special tips on our Instagram.
Tofu is an awesome protein packed ingredient
Tofu is prepared by curdling soya milk, pressing it into a block and cooling it. It is high in protein, containing all essential amino acids as well as important minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
When opened, tofu must be rinsed, covered with water and kept in a refrigerated container. The water should be changed often to keep the it fresh. It can also be cut into desired sizes before freezing.
Tofu is considered a source of plant protein, which should always take up a quarter of a well balanced plate. You can eat it raw, throw it in smoothies, fry it up, bake it, cook it in curries, pies, and take it just about as far as your creativity goes!
We suggest that everyone tries a simple tofu scrambles recipe as a protein packed egg-free breakfast option.
Where you can get cheap tofu in South Africa
Tofu is available in all leading retailers in our country. Compare prices from Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Spar, Wellness Warehouse and Food Lovers Market here. Unfortunately, due to the limited demand, it may not be available in every store. If you can’t find tofu on the shelves of your favorite retailer, reach out to us or the store manager to place a request.
The cheapest place to get your tofu is at an Asian supermarket. We were not able to collect costs from every single supermarket, but most stores are in a similar range to that which is included below.
“As a general rule of thumb, virtually ANY Asian supermarket sells silken/soft tofu (or “bean curd”) for anything from R5 a block. The important thing is that you know to ask for/know the difference between FIRM and SOFT tofu (as they both fulfil different culinary functions)”
Find an asian supermarket near you in South Africa
Claremont, Western Cape
Mainland China Food Market
12 Grove Avenue, Claremont 7708.
Prices:
Extra Firm 300g – R45
Fresh Blocks 130g – R7
Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Veganic
Shop 10, TWIN OAKS, 56 Bird St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7600
Prices:
Fresh – R7 per piece
Silken 300g – R30
Deep Fried 350g – R55
Extra firm 300g – R38
Fried 100g – R15
Fried 300g – R41
Milnerton, Western Cape
Cape Grand China
14 Racecourse Rd, Milnerton, Cape Town, 7441.
Bergvliet, Western Cape
Mr Foo Chinese & Thai Take Out
Harry Goemans Garden Centre, 151 Main Rd
Prices
1 block for R8
Sea Point, Western Cape
New Asian Spice Supermarket
186 Main Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8000
Prices:
4 Soft blocks for each R6 (total R24)
Firm (300g) for R43.50
Hong Da Asian Supermarket
100 Main Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8005
Prices:
Firm (300g), plain or smoked for R48
Durban North, KZN
Sun Sun Chinese Market
63 Adelaide Tambo Dr, Durban North, Durban, 4051
Carreira, Randburg, Gauteng
Yeung & Yau Chinese Supermarket
250 Pine Ave, Ferndale, Randburg, 2194
“Insanely good prices, about R20 for 6 blocks.” – ProVeg SA Johannesburg Volunteers
Gauteng
Market Kokoro
Rivonia Rivonia Junction Centre, Cnr Rivonia Rd & Mutual Rd, Sandton
Fourways Unit 6, The Straight Shopping Centre, Corner The Straight & Forest Road, Pineslopes, The Straight Ave, Sandton
Pretoria Brooklyn Centre, Cnr Lynwood & Jan Shoba str, Brooklyn
Please note: This information was collected during March 2021.
