Taho

Nutrition · per serving

Steps

1. 1

   Bring 500 ml water to a full boil in a small saucepan. Add the small quick-cooking tapioca pearls and stir immediately so they do not clump on the bottom.

   500 ml water40 g small quick-cooking tapioca pearls
2. 2

   Cook the tapioca pearls for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until most pearls turn translucent with only tiny white centers remaining. Turn off the heat, cover, and let them sit for 2 minutes to finish turning clear.

   40 g small quick-cooking tapioca pearls
3. 3

   While the pearls cook, combine the brown sugar and 120 ml water in another small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely, then simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the vanilla extract. The syrup should lightly coat a spoon but still pour easily.

   80 g brown sugar120 ml water5 ml vanilla extract
4. 4

   Warm the silken tofu gently. If using a microwave, spoon it into a heatproof bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes until hot but still delicate. If using the stovetop, set the tofu in a heatproof bowl over barely simmering water for 3-4 minutes. Do not boil or stir aggressively, or it will break too much.

   600 g silken tofu
5. 5

   Drain the cooked tapioca pearls through a fine sieve, then add them directly to the warm arnibal syrup so they stay soft and glossy. Stir gently to coat.

   40 g small quick-cooking tapioca pearls80 g brown sugar120 ml water5 ml vanilla extract
6. 6

   To serve, divide the warm silken tofu between 2 bowls or glasses. Spoon the hot arnibal and tapioca pearls over the top. Serve immediately while the tofu is warm and silky.

   600 g silken tofu40 g small quick-cooking tapioca pearls80 g brown sugar120 ml water5 ml vanilla extract

Origin & History

Taho is a beloved Filipino street snack traditionally sold warm in the morning by vendors calling out through neighborhoods. It is made from fresh soft tofu, sweet arnibal syrup, and sago pearls, reflecting Chinese influences on soybean foods and local Filipino tastes for warm, comforting sweets.