Taho
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225926301
2008-07-16T01:27:25Z
Kguirnela
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added infobox, reloc images
{{Infobox Prepared Food
| name = Tahô
| image = [[Image:Taho2.jpg|240px]]
| caption = A [[Philippine peso|Php]] 5.00 cup of ''tahô'' (about [[United States dollar|USD]] 11 cents)
| alternate_name = ''Tahu''
| country = [[Philippines]]
| region =
| creator =
| course = [[Dessert]], [[Snack food|Snack]]
| served = room temperature
| main_ingredient = [[Tofu#Varieties|Silken]] [[Tofu|tofu]]<br>[[Brown sugar]] [[syrup]]<br> [[Sago]] "pearls"
| variations =
| calories = 323<ref>{{cite web | title =Taho: Nutrition Facts | url=http://www.recipezaar.com/298213 | accessdate = 2008-07-16}}</ref>
| other =
}}
[[Image:Sago1.jpg|thumb|240px|right|Raw sago "pearls"]]
[[Image:Magtataho.jpg|thumb|240px|right|A ''magtataho'' peddling his product]]
'''Tahô''' is a [[Philippines|Philippine]] [[snack food]] made of fresh [[Tofu#Varieties|soft/silken]] [[Tofu|tofu]], ''arnibal'' ([[Brown sugar|brown sugar]] [[Syrup|syrup]]), and [[Sago|sago]] "pearls" (similar to [[Tapioca|tapioca]] pearls).<ref>{{cite web | last = | first = | title = How to make Taho | url=http://www.tahoonline.info/howto.html | accessdate = 2007-05-05 }}</ref> This staple comfort food is a signature sweet and can be found all over the country. The [[Indonesia]]n and [[Malaysia]]n equivalent of this dish is ''Tahu''.<ref>{{cite book |last=Davidson |first=Alan |authorlink= |coauthors= |editor= |others= |title=Seafood of South-East Asia |origdate= |origyear= |origmonth= |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=8nhfSFs79fUC&pg=PA214&dq=taho+Philippines&lr=&sig=LKXkZgu4Qv8UyyinD-Vxh8p5DUI |format= |accessdate= |accessyear= |accessmonth= |edition= |series= |date= |year=2003 |month= |publisher=Ten Speed Press |location= |language= |isbn=1580084524 |oclc= |doi= |id= |pages=214 |chapter= |chapterurl= |quote= }}</ref>
==History==
Through early records, it is evident the history of taho traces its origin to [[China]]. Prior to the [[History of the Philippines (1521-1898)|Spanish Occupation]], [[Han Chinese|Chinese]] were common traders with [[Filipino people|Filipinos]] influencing [[Cuisine of the Philippines|Philippine cuisine]]. [[Douhua]] is fairly similar in consistency to the taho base. Like many Filipino dishes of [[Chinese]] origin, it is thought that early Filipinos adopted, sweetened and used it to create this delicacy.
==Processing and preparation==
Most taho vendors prepare their goods before dawn. The main ingredient, fresh soft/silken tofu is processed to a consistency that is very similar to a very fine [[custard]]. Brown sugar is then heated and [[Caramelization|caramelized]] to create a viscous [[amber]]-colored syrup called ''arnibal''. Sago "pearls," purchased from the local market or ''palengkê'', are boiled to a gummy consistency until they are a transluscent white.
== Marketing ==<!-- This section is linked from [[Magtataho]] -->
The ''Magtataho'' (''taho'' vendor) is a common sight in the Philippines whom carry two large [[aluminum]] buckets that hang from each end of yoke. One of the buckets (the larger one) carries the tofu base; the other, smaller bucket holds the ''arnibal'' and sago "pearls".
Taho [[Merchant|vendors]] [[Peddler|peddle]] their product in a trademark manner, calling its name in a full, rising inflection as they walk at a leisurely pace either along the sidewalk or, in rural communities, in the middle of the road. As most ''magtataho'' keep a habitual route, it is not uncommon for vendors to call out ''"Tahoooooô!"'' to attract a customer's attention. Though vendors are most likely to ply their routes early in the morning, it is not uncommon for a ''magtataho'' to be spotted in the late afternoon or the evening as well. This is particularly common in the heart of [[Manila]], most particularly by [[Manila Bay]].
In Baguio, there is also a strawberry variety of ''taho'', strawberry syrup is used instead of ''arnibal'' also available in chocolate and ''buko pandan'' flavor.{{Fact|date=June 2008}}
==Eating==
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Taho.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Gourmet ''taho'']] -->
Most ''magtataho'' carry plastic cups for their product, often in two sizes (though vendors in residential communities tend to use their customers' cups and price their product accordingly). Using a wide, shallow metal ''sandok'' or scoop, they skim the surface of the bean curd and toss out any excess water, subsequently scooping the bean curd itself into a cup. Then, using a long, thin metal ladle, they scoop sago "pearls" and ''arnibal'' into the cup, loosely mixing it in.
Taho is enjoyed either with a spoon or by simply "drinking" it straight from the cup. Though traditionally served warm, cold varieties exist in supermarkets and in food stalls in cafeterias which have the bean curd in a solid, unbroken state. These pre-packed cups tend to contain a firmer tofu which need to be broken up and is sold either with a plastic spoon or a wooden [[popsicle]] stick.
Due to the increase in popularity of taho over the years, its traditional form may also be found in restaurants or at receptions with a native food theme. A nationwide chain, "Uncle Finn's Soya" is also known for setting up kiosks in mall openings or food courts, thus making the sweet treat available all day.
==See also==
* [[Cuisine of the Philippines]]
* [[Tofu]]
* [[Douhua]]
==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Filipino cuisine]]
[[Category:Tofu]]
[[tl:Taho]]