Thai influencers have joined a bizarre TikTok trend of eating fungus grown on tofu.

The hirsute delicacy, also known as 'mao doufu', is a specialty dish believed to have originated in the eastern Chinese province of Anhui.

Cottony tufts of white mycelia are grown on blocks of tofu intentionally left out to ferment for several days. The regional delicacy, though notoriously stinky, is said to have a cheesy taste and has a texture like blue cheese but firmer.

However, Thai doctor Atirut Asasuek warned against hopping mindlessly on the trend, saying the tofu must be made carefully in a clean environment.

He said that while hairy tofu, which originates in China, might not be dangerous to healthy people, it could potentially cause health issues in those with conditions such as diabetes, cancer, patients who have undergone organ transplant, or people using long-term steroid immunosuppressants.