I love to eat
taho, especially in the mornings. (What is
taho? It will be explained below.) I started eating it when I was in college. One day, a good friend of mine stopped a vendor and bought a cup. I found it a bit strange so I did not try it. But after seeing so many vendors near my school, I decided to buy a 5-peso cup and try it for myself. I loved it! Not only is it yummy, but it's nutritious and makes a great mini-snack. I now buy the P10 cup and sometimes it's still not enough. I took some photos of a taho vendor this morning, who frequents our street and yells his "ta-hooooo!" trademark. He was a bit shy but permitted me to take the photos. =D
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Taho is just one of many soya products that have been dubbed as health food. Soya diet foods include silky, soft and hard tofu, beancurd skin, soybean paste, and soy ice cream, to name a few. High in protein, low in fat and absolutely low cost, soya products are staples of the Asian diet for ages. Now, the rest of the world’s catching up on the yummy delights and health benefits of soya.
Taho is a Philippine delicacy made of fresh soft/silken Tofu, Arnibal (brown sugar syrup), and Sago "pearls" (which are similar to Tapioca pearls). This staple comfort food is a signature sweet; and can be found all over the Philippines.
Taho vendors process their goods early in the morning, usually before dawn. The main ingredient, the fresh soft/silken Tofu, has a consistency that is very similar to a very fine custard or a Panna Cotta, although it is much softer. The brown sugar is heated and caramelized. The Sago "pearls" can be purchased in local markets, or palengke.
Vendors are a common sight in the Philippines. They are normally male and carry a contraption that consists of two large aluminum buckets specifically designed for taho carriage, and a long narrow wooden plank, where these two buckets hang on each end. The vendors herald "TAHO!" while walking at a considerable pace along the sidewalk. Hopeful customers also scream "TAHO!" to get the roaming vendor's attention. The vendor then drops his load while the customer watches. The vendor gets a cup (the customer either picks a small 5 peso cup or a larger 10 peso (some even bring their own containers), scoops up the taho (the bean curd) in one special bucket and then adds the sago and arnibal. It is enjoyed warm and is eaten with a spoon.
The history of taho is not yet fully understood, but early records suggest that the delicacy is from China, adapted by Filipinos from tow hway prior to Spanish Occupation. The Chinese were one of the most active traders with Filipinos during that era.
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our local taho vendor - present every morning, rain or shine, Mondays to Saturdays
Here, he scoops beancurd into the cups. He knows exactly how much to put in.
I asked the vendor (whom we respectfully call
Manong) to give me 2 P5 cups. Although he has some plastic cups with him, I provided the cups for sanitary reasons.
Here, he is adding the sago/pearls to the beancurd.
Lastly, he adds the arnibal, the syrup, which I love. I sometimes ask him to add a little bit more. (I know, I know, too much sugar is bad...)
My taho in my cup. =D
