Let me introduce you to brown sugar boba’s long-lost Filipino cousin: Taho. It’s a warm cup of chewy mini tapioca pearls (sago) and silky smooth tofu swimming in sweet brown sugar syrup. This Filipino Taho recipe is the easiest dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth!
What is Taho?
Taho is a classic Filipino dessert that’s commonly sold by street vendors in the Philippines.
My mom shared memories of growing up in the Philippines. Often times she’d hear vendors walking up and down the streets yelling, “Tahoooo!!”, as they’d carry all their supplies ready for serving.
This easy Filipino dessert is made of fresh creamy tofu that’s almost like custard, chewy sago or tapioca pearls, and sweet brown sugar syrup that brings everything together. It’s often served as a snack or for breakfast.
Enjoy it with quick & easy Adobo Fried Rice (or Adobo Fried Rice Omelet if you're feeling fancy) and Tortang Talong for a full Filipino breakfast!
If you love brown sugar boba, this is definitely worth a try… Especially because it’s SO easy to make!
Components to This Filipino Taho Recipe
Custard-Like Tofu
Tofu in a dessert may sound odd if you’ve never tried it, but TRUST ME, you need to try this at least once in your life!
The silken tofu in this Filipino taho recipe is like a rich creamy custard that blends so well with the rest of the ingredients. And who doesn’t like custard?!
Chewy Pearls of Happiness
You have the smooth creamy texture of tofu and the chewy pearls add another layer of exciting texture!
You can use sago pearls, which are mini tapioca pearls and is what I used because I had it on hand. Alternatively, you can also use tapioca pearls, which are also really good!
If you can’t decide, I won’t tell if you use both 😉
How to Make Taho Syrup
Learning how to make taho syrup, or arnibal, is super simple! It's a delicious brown sugar syrup with a caramel-like flavor - and I’m sure you already have the ingredients!
Making the syrup can be as simple and mixing water and brown sugar together in a pot until it thickens. But to make it extra special, I add a little vanilla extract and just a touch of salt to enhance the flavors.
This syrup is really what brings the whole dessert together in a warm bowl of comfort!
🥗 More Sweet Recipes You'll Love!
Filipino Taho Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package silken tofu
- ½ cup sago pearls
- 4 cups water
- ½ cup boba pearls optional
Instructions
- In a medium-sized pot, bring water to a rolling boil on medium heat. Once the water is boiling, add the sago pearls and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the center of the tapioca pearls are no longer white, stirring frequently. It's important to add the pearls only after the water is boiling so they keep their shape.
- In the meantime, in a steamer, place silken tofu and steam for 10 minutes. If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a large pan or wok then place a wire rack or aluminum foil shaped into a ring in the center. Pace a heat-proof plate with the silken tofu on top of the wire rack or aluminum foil. Carefully, pour enough water into the pan so it’s just below the plate, avoiding getting water onto the plate. Steam for 10 minutes.
- Once the sago pearls are clear, drain and rinse any residue on the pearls with cold water. Set aside.
- If you're you're making the boba pearls, bring a pot of water to a boil then cook pearls according to the package instructions. Drain & set aside.
- In a saucepot, combine brown sugar, water, salt, and vanilla extract. Cook for about 5 minutes or until it turns into a syrup. Turn off heat and cover to keep warm.
- In a cup, assemble your taho by layering the silken tofu, sago pearls, and brown sugar syrup. Repeat to your heart's desire, then serve immediately while warm. Enjoy!
Notes
- Sago Pearls: I tested different brands and highly recommend this brand. It comes out perfectly chewy when cooked properly and doesn't smell like plastic when cooked, unlike some other brands.
Nutrition
Exact calculations may vary. For the most accurate nutritional information, use your preferred nutrition calculator, actual ingredients, and quantities used for the recipe. Please consult with your physician or registered dietitian if more precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
HEY, I'M MIKHA!
...A fellow food lover who believes anyone can whip up a delicious meal - no matter your skill level! These quick & easy Asian recipes will help you transform simple ingredients into a drool-worthy meal for you & the people you love most - without spending all day in the kitchen.
Now come on - Grab a seat & let's eat!
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