THE RARE FOOD FROM SEMARANG: TAHOK
If you visit Semarang, don’t forget to taste one of the culinary there named tahok (a drink from silken tofu). At a glance, this drink seems so unique since we usually eat tofu as a side dish.
Being processed simply, tahok is made from ginger and beancurd. The fresh soybean is soaked for one night, then, the peeling process.
After that, it is mashed using a blender and cooked on low heat until frothy and reaches the level of thickness. Then, it was strained using fabric to separate the dregs and the extract. The next process is mixing the soybean extract with jelly powder or tapioca flour. Last, wait for the soybean extract until it is cool and condensed.
The history of tahok in Semarang
Tahok has existed in Semarang since around the 19th century brought by people from China. The original taste is bland, and then, it is modified to adjust to the taste of Semarang people.
The taste of the beancurd is like jelly. The bland taste of the beancurd mixed with sweet and spicy spices makes this drink nice to be consumed during the rainy season or night.
Wedang Tahu Pak Adi
It is one of the favorite place to enjoy tahok in Semarang. It is located near horse statue Undip Tembalang precisely in St. Setiabudi No. 68a, Srondol Kulon, Banyumanik or in front of Swiss House Setiabudi.
Pak Adi is the third generation who still sell tahok in Semarang. Now, only a few seller survive selling this drink. Most of the seller of tahok like Wedang Tahu “Tjoa”, Wedang Tahu Kranggan, and Wedang Tahu Pak Pardi are in the Pecinan area.
Generally, tahok stalls are open in the morning until noon, only Wedang Tahu Pak Adi that open until 10.00 p.m. A small bowl of tahok cost 7.000 rupias, and Pak Adi can sell 40 to 60 bowl per day. Since the stall is small so it is only a few seats available for dine-in.
There is a special experience when enjoying cuisine on the side of the road, such as time seems to be slow when you see the busyness of other people passing by fast-paced. So you can enjoy the moment and relaxed while enjoying a warm tahok.
Once you visit Semarang, take the time to taste tahok before tasting some modern food.
