Our
Story
We started Hodo Soy Beanery with the simple goal of making great tofu
and yuba. We were inspired by what we couldn't find: fresh tofu, made
with care, in all of its variety. In 2004, we started selling our
organic tofu at a local farmers' market. Over the years, Hodo has added
market locations and chefs have brought us into their restaurants and
onto their menus. In 2009, Hodo opened The Beanery, our new home in Oakland.
Our
Tofu
Most Americans haven't experienced soy at its best. We love it when people
sample our products and say: "I didn't know tofu could taste this
good!" At Hodo, we believe that there are three things that are essential
to making a better tofu.
• "Bean to Block”.
Soybeans impart the delicate flavors and texture that make for a great
tofu and yuba. Hodo uses beans hand-selected by Hodo's Tofu Master. We
never use soy extracts or isolates.
• "Made
Fresh to Eat Fresh”. Like good bread or fresh cheese, tofu is at
its peak when eaten fresh. While this means an early morning start for
the Tofu Master, we aim to have all of our products delivered to customers
within 12 hours of preparation.
• Innovation. For many Hodo customers,
conversion came with the realization that soy is much more than soymilk
and blocks of plain tofu. Yuba, noodles, custard. Black soybeans and other
exotic bean varieties. Ready-to-eat dishes like the Soy Omelette and Kung
Pao Tofu Salad. We aim to make something for every taste, culinary use,
and cuisine.
Can a tofu company not be a bit idealistic? At Hodo, in addition to being exceptionally passionate about making great tofu, we also strive to be a great company. Two philosophies sum up the Hodo ideal:
• "Tofu Ambassadors". It's true – we want to make tofu cool. We know that there are some common misconceptions about tofu: that it is bland, that it is only for vegetarians, or that it is "just health food". As Tofu Ambassadors, we want to show how uniquely delicious and accessible tofu can be.
• "Good Bean". Hodo means "good bean" in Chinese. The idea started with our belief that soybeans can be a "good" food for people, especially when you use beans that are farmed responsibly. We extend the Good Bean ideal to all aspects of the business. If Hodo can be a good citizen in the world, then, we believe, good things will come our way. We've found this to be true: customers become investors, employees go the extra mile for the company, and suppliers become real partners.
