Taho!!!
Only a few days ago, my youngest son mentioned that he missed taho. Taho is a Filipino food made from silken tofu, served in a cup with tapioca pearls and syrup as a sweetener. It is a famous breakfast treat, peddled by taho vendors on the streets. I didn't eat it as a child. Not because it is not good, but simply because I did not give it a try (don't ask me why 🤧).
Coincidentally just after that comment by the Little Man, a friend shared a story of him buying taho somehwre in the city.
"It is just behind El Dorado Cinema," he replied to my comment. And so, after trying it with my girl friends last week when we met, I finally brought my kids here last Friday.
It was Friday, and I was literally running out of energy, being the end of the week. I didn't feel I wanted to prepare breakfast when I woke up. So as I jumped out of bed, I told the kids that I'd bring them somewhere to have taho.
Nook Taho Cafe & Bistro is located in a place very known to Abu Dhabi residents. It is behind El Dorado Cinema between Electra (Zayed the 1st St.) and Hamdan Streets. At night, it is a nightmare finding a parking spot in this area. My friend's patience almost ran out going around the block while we were waiting for our other friend who was buying for us. It was a lot easier that morning that we went. I immediately found a parking spot in front of the shop.
Classic or Flavored?
They had their menu on a board right at the front. They also had samples of the small and large cups for their customers' reference which was good for anyone who do not yet have any idea how big the servings were.
They had a selection of taho with flavors like ube, halo-halo, leche flan, matcha, salt and caramel, strawberry, etc., in addition to the classic.
For now, we stuck with the classic. We each ordered the large cup for AED 18 ($4.90). And whooopps, they only accepted cash payment. Good thing, I was carrying cash that morning which was very rare.
Balance a coin!
While we were waiting for our order, Little Man noticed the big lemon floating in water in a glass jar. There was a sign to balance a coin and win a big taho. Little Man brought a lot of confidence with him that morning...
only to sink along with his coin... LOL.
"Okay, that's my donation," he said in defeat.
Some other goodies.
There was also a shelf with other goodies like banana chips, roasted peanuts, and chili garlic oil, which customers can also buy.
Dining Space
We originally planned to just order and eat at home, but I got curious so I checked out the second floor of the shop. There was actually a pretty dining space (only hot -- the airconditioning wasn't very good).
There were fans anyway, so I thought it would be nice if we sat there for a while and enjoy our taho.
The place was warmly lit with plants in the corners that added highlights to the space. The ceiling was not too high, so the bright lights were great.
Finally, Taho!
Yes, our order finally came. It was not warm, but hot! It was kind of not as I expected since the taho we were used to was just pleasantly warm, and could be eaten in one gulp. Lol.
Anyway, it was still good -- tasted authentic. Like we were transported to the Philippines even for just a moment. The taho was served with 2 small servings of syrup. I personally think that this is a better approach than putting the sweetener up front. At least, each customer can sweeten (or not) their taho based on their preference.
Caution!
I have to remind though that this taho is really hot. They gave plastic straws with it, and would be a bad idea to sip it immediately. Take it from me. LOL.
All in all, it was a good experience. We all loved the taho and we'd definitely be back. Perhaps to try the other flavors?! Although, asking my kids what they prefer, taho or the bobba milk tea, they all replied - bobba!
All photos are owned by the author unless stated otherwise.
