Ingredients
- 2 cups Soft Tofusilken tofu
- 1 1/2 cups Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Tapioca Starch
- 4 cups Water
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2-3 Pandan Leavesoptional
- Caramelized Syrup
- Arnibalsweetened soy sauce
Directions
Taho is a popular Filipino snack that is made of soft tofu (silken tofu), caramel syrup, and tapioca pearls. It is a sweet, creamy, and silky dessert that is commonly sold by street vendors in the Philippines. The dessert is made by cooking the tofu in a sweet syrup made from brown sugar, water, and sometimes pandan leaves. The syrup is then poured over the tofu, and the mixture is topped with sweetened soy sauce, called arnibal, and tapioca pearls.
The origins of Taho can be traced back to the Chinese community in the Philippines, who introduced the dish to the local population. Today, Taho is enjoyed by people of all ages and is considered a staple snack in Filipino culture.
Taho is often sold by street vendors who carry large metal containers filled with the dessert, shouting “Taho!” as they walk through the streets to attract customers. The vendors usually carry two containers, one for the tofu and syrup, and another for the tapioca pearls. The dish is usually served in small plastic cups, and the vendor will pour the hot syrup over the tofu and add the tapioca pearls to the cup.
Taho is not only a delicious snack, but it is also a significant part of Filipino culture. It is a sweet reminder of childhood memories and is often enjoyed as a treat after a long day of work. Whether it’s sold by a street vendor or made at home, Taho is a must-try dessert for anyone visiting the Philippines or looking to try traditional Filipino cuisine.
The difficulty of making Philippine Taho can vary depending on the recipe and personal cooking experience. However, it is generally considered an easy to moderate dish to prepare. Most of the ingredients are readily available in local grocery stores, and the steps are straightforward.
The most time-consuming part of making Taho is preparing the caramel syrup, as it requires constant stirring and monitoring to avoid burning. However, with proper attention and patience, anyone can make a delicious and authentic Taho.
Steps
1 Done | In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar and water. Stir in the pandan leaves (if using) and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes or until the sugar has dissolved. |
2 Done | In a separate bowl, mix the tapioca starch with 1/2 cup of water until smooth. Gradually pour the mixture into the saucepan, stirring continuously. |
3 Done | Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and turns into a translucent syrup, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. |
4 Done | In a separate saucepan, heat the arnibal (sweetened soy sauce) until warm. |
5 Done | Pour the warm syrup over the tofu and serve immediately with a drizzle of the arnibal and caramelized syrup (if using). Enjoy your delicious and traditional Philippine Taho! |
