Bean curd sweetened with vanilla and tiny bobas

Which food, when you eat it, instantly transports you to childhood?

We call it taho.

It’s made of soya beans

and being sold early mornings and late afternoons,

by a man carrying two aluminum buckets on his shoulder.

Perhaps due to my Chinese genes,

I always negotiated for more vanilla,

or boba, or both—

and the manongs (big brothers)

would always yield to my wishes,

simply because

I was a good customer.

I would ask money from my dad,

and whatever amount he gives me,

I split it into two.

And because I have a generous father,

I always buy in large quantities for me and him.

My dad’s portion was less vanilla and regular boba.

And when I bring it to him,

I would say, “‘Tay (Dad), here’s your taho.”

I would add, “‘Tay you owe me, don’t forget.”

And he would always chuckle.