Oomé: Bringing Tofu into the 21st Century

It is no secret that our beautiful west coast city of Vancouver is a stellar home base for entrepreneurs in the plant-based space! Our fresh markets and grocers are continuously expanding their selection of delicious substitute products for those transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle and teasing our tastebuds with vegan versions of our favourite comfort foods and desserts.

The Original Plant-based Protein?

But what about the one original food that is most associated with plant-based dining? Of course, we are speaking of the incredibly versatile, nutritious and delicious TOFU!

Traditionally created from soybeans, tofu has been employed in Chinese cooking for more than two centuries! The production of tofu first began around 206 to 220 BC allegedly during the Han Dynasty, expanded into Japan in the 8th century AD, and into western diets in the 1960s.

Tofu Finds Its Groove!

Locally, upstart oomé Smoked Tofu has been creating waves in the vegan community with its unique flavours and chic packaging. Founder Miki Talebi has been creating and flaunting flavours like Just Smoke, Maple Soy, and Greek. With oomé, she tapped into a niche market of tofu lovers who, while they love the traditional, are looking to expand their culinary prowess with tofu with flavour so robust it can be eaten raw!

Already Winning Awards!

Even though oomé was just launched this past May, the brand has fourteen stockists and has won an award! It was the recipient of the Silver Award for Outstanding New Product at the  From The Ground Up trade show. A niche exhibition that highlights only the highest quality and most sustainable BC-founded products.

Created From a Place of Love

When Miki’s father was hospitalized after a tragic accident, Miki and her sister took over cooking for family members. Preparing gourmet meals with his favourite proteins in his smoker had long been a favourite pastime.

Upon her father’s passing, Miki could not let go of the idea of using her father’s smoker to make smoked tofu- a product that she and her sister’s children loved, and which she observed had become scarce during the pandemic. She began by developing products in her kitchen, expanded her recipes and perfected the smoking technique using a single block of tofu at a time. The word oomé means plum blossom in Japanese and symbolizes spring and new beginnings. The brand is centred around the idea of both food and family.

The Three Flavours of oomé!

Just Smoke 

The original flavour. This tofu is smokey yet subtle, marinated with Himalayan pink salt and finished in the smoker, simple yet delicious. You can use this as your protein in various recipes, from stews to sauces, a vegan egg scramble, or salad rolls.

Maple Soy 

The maple soy is marinated with avocado oil, Canadian maple syrup, and gluten-free soy seasoning. Use this in rice bowls, stir-fries, and ramen dishes.

Greek 

Use this delicious Greek tofu in sandwiches, salads, and Mediterranean bowls. Marinated in a base of avocado oil, red wine vinegar, balsamic reduction and herbs, it brings an authentic Greek flavour to your dish.

 

Intrigued? Visit oomé at some of their upcoming events this weekend! Find them on July 30th at Commercial Drive’s Flourist Bakery for a sampling event and at PlantX in Squamish on July 31. oomé will also be available at Vegan Supply locations for a special promotional price throughout the month of August.