Taho: Filipino Silken Tofu with Sago Pearls and Syrup
Taho is a classic sweet treat in the Philippines made with silken tofu, sago or tapioca pearls, and a simple brown sugar syrup. Served warm, it’s popular as a comforting breakfast or merienda (snack) any time of the day!
Taho is a classic sweet snack in the Philippines made with silken tofu, sago or tapioca pearls, and a simple brown sugar syrup. Served warm, it’s popular as a comforting breakfast or for merienda (snack) any time of the day!
I was six years old when I had my first encounter with Taho. I was on vacation in the Philippines, alone in my grandmother’s bedroom, peering out the window, spying the children my age walking to school. I remember observing their lovely sailor-style uniforms, and thinking to myself how much smarter they looked than my school’s green plaid jumpers. The girls walked in pairs down the street, freshly washed from the morning rain, and I remember my cousin joining me and we decided to play a quick trick.
A boy was walking behind the girls, half a block away. Taking care to duck behind our second-floor windows, we gave a little whistle. We peeked over the ledge, and sure enough, the girls turned around and glared at the boy, poor thing. He was shocked and defenseless!
We did it again.
Oh, that poor boy!
But then we heard a man’s voice. Taho!!!! He cried. He had two metal covered buckets balancing on a wooden pole on his shoulders. I had never seen anything like it! Curious, I perched forward on the windowsill and watched as someone walked up to him with some pesos. The Taho man lowered his buckets to the ground and ladled something white and silky into a cup. From the other bucket, another scoop, this time a dark liquid.
The customer took his cup and sipped it. And even before I tasted Taho, I was mesmerized. I knew I had to try it.
What is Taho?
Taho is a beloved snack in the Philippines, almost like a drinkable custard made with warm silken tofu, sago pearls, and arnibal, a simple brown sugar syrup. Sago pearls are similar to tapioca pearls, and like the boba you find in bubble tea. To the indoctrinated, it sounds like a crazy combination of ingredients, but believe me when I tell you, it is as delicious as I imagined, when I first spied taho from my grandmother’s bedroom window. Served warm, it’s sweet and comforting, the silken tofu much like a custard, with the satisfying chew from sago or tapioca pearls. When I first made homemade taho, I would use warm maple syrup as a quick substitute from the arnibal, and between you and me, that’s a fine way to go about it, too.
Taho can also be found in China, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam, and I’ve seen different versions in the Asian markets here, stateside. In the Philippines, though, it’s one of the first street foods I fell in love with, and part of it is from the cry of the vendors singing, “Tahoooooo!” in the early morning. But it really is absolutely delicious. It’s a treat popular at breakfast, or for merienda (snack). I personally love eating it warm, but it can also be enjoyed chilled for a cool treat.
Looking for More Merienda?
Looking for more merienda treats? I’m joining my fellow Filipina bloggers for a virtual merienda to celebrate Filipino Amerian History Month!
Buko Pie – Rezel Kealoha
Baked Turon – Lemons and Anchovies
Ginataang Bilo-Bilo – The Little Epicurean
Banana Cue – Six Snippets
More Filipino Merienda Snacks from the Archives
Bibinka: Filipino Coconut-Rice Cake
Ginataang Mais: Filipino Coconut Rice Pudding with Corn
Ginataang Bilo-Bilo
Rhubarb Empanadas
Taho: Filipino Silken Tofu with Sago (Tapioca) Pearls and Brown Sugar Syrup
Ingredients
- 16 oz silken tofu
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup tapioca or sago pearls see notes
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the tapioca pearls according to your package instructions. This can be done in advance; just be sure to store the prepped pearls with some water or a little brown sugar syrup (next step).
- Combine the brown sugar, water, and vanilla in a small saucepan and place over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stir to dissolve the sugar, and lower heat to a simmer. Continue simmering for about 2-4 minutes and remove from heat. This syrup, or arnibal, can also be made in advance.
- Place silken tofu in a parchment lined steamer. Steam for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave the tofu for about 2-5 minutes.
- To serve, scoop slices of warm silken tofu into a small cup. Top with tapioca or sago pearls. Pour hot brown sugar syrup (arnibal) on top. Serve immediately, while warm.
Hi,
I want to make single serving. How long should I microwave the tofu for and if I use maple syrup as you suggested, how long should I cook that in the microwave, too?
If you’re making a single serving in the microwave with maple syrup, I would simply cook the tofu and the syrup together, using 30 second increments, until it is warmed through. Hope that helps!
Just made this for my breakfast! Added a tiny bit almond extract to the syrup which turned out great!
So glad you enjoyed the taho, Seth!! I’m going to have to try it with the almond extract next time, that sounds delicious!
Delicious and easy. I microwaved my silken tofu for 5 min on parchment paper. Didn’t have the pearls. This will definitely be a staple for me going forward. Always great to find a recipe that’s so quick and rewarding!
I’m so glad you liked it!! I just bought more silken tofu this week so I can make it again myself!
Used tapioca perals rather than sago and came out delicious!
Awesome, thank you, James!!
Salamat po, Ate!!
Walang ano man!
Salamat, Ate.
Please help me how to make taho using calcium sulfate with right measurement please.. i tried 3timea but i always failed. Taho is favorite snacks of my kids at the Thank you so much
Thank you for sharing your recipe. I’ve just made this. Taho brings back childhood memories for me too. I used Lucia tapioca pearls and after 10 minutes of high pressure and 10 minutes of natural release, the middle is still hard. Not sure if I will need to soak the tapioca next time before cooking it. I was scared it might turn to mush after pressure cooking it for 5 minutes. So far though, the tapioca pearls are still whole. Will keep putting it back in my instant pot if it’s still hard. I’m experimenting to 13 minutes with natural release right now.
Thank you again for the recipe!
You’re very welcome, Mercedes! Love those childhood memories! I hope the tapioca pearls turned out ok eventually, I know the Lucia brand can take forever!
Made this yesterday with my boyfriend… then made it again today because he loved it so much. Ty for this great recipe!
You’re so very welcome, Jenny! I’m so glad you both loved the taho — I’ve been looking for tofu in the stores since I’m craving and it’s hard to come by right now. Enjoy it for me! :)
I had a terrible craving for taho this week! Your recipe was easy to follow, thank you! I introduced it to my 11 month old (this is her first time to have taho) and I’m happy to report she loved it!
Kit, I’m so happy this satisfied the craving AND gained a new fan in your daughter!
This is Delicious Salamt Po!
your to cute