It’s summer season, and surely you can feel the heat everywhere. Metro Manila and near provinces are keep experiencing the higher heat index compared before, so you might be considering to treat yourself with the famous filipino desert? Whether you’re sweating under the scorching sun of summer or bundling up in the chilly “ber” months, finding a way to cool off and feel refreshed is always a priority. Cold desserts abound, but when it comes to timeless refreshment, nothing quite compares to the beloved classic, Halo-Halo.
Halo-halo, a favorite food in the Philippines, has an interesting history that starts in Japan. Its name means “mix-mix” in Tagalog. Halo-halo is a dessert with many different textures and flavors that people love all over the islands.
Recently, the highest heat index forecast in the Philippines was estimated to be 46 degrees Celsius. That’s too much for the heat, isn’t it? So why not check out these places that serve icy, sweet Filipino delicacies?
Crisostomo
Crisostomo serves up the best of Filipino cuisine and shines a spotlight on the country’s food. Crisostomo, named after the main character in Jose Rizal’s famous novel, Noli Me Tangere, the restaurant is the brainchild of celebrity chef, Florabel Co-Yatco. One of their specialties is the beloved dessert, Halo-Halo. Their Halo-Halo features banana chips and cheese, adding a crunchy and salty touch that balances out the sweetness perfectly. It’s served with a cup of evaporated milk and a cup of condensed milk. Crisostomo has several branches across Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
Icebergs
Icebergs has lots of places in the city, so it’s a great spot for yummy desserts. Along with their famous banana splits, Icebergs is also well-known for their sizzling sisig and crispy tacos. Their Halo-Halos are really big and super tasty, which is great when it’s hot outside or when you’re hanging out with friends. And if you’re feeling brave, see if you can eat a whole Super Halo-Halo by yourself in one go! Aside from Halo-Halo, Icebergs also serves parfaits that are also worth trying.
Illustrado
Ilustrado, a Filipino-Spanish restaurant offering fine dining, has been serving customers since 1989 within the historic walled city of Intramuros. Its architecture reflects Hispanic influences with traditional interiors, creating a charming old-world atmosphere. Renowned for its top-notch Filipino, Spanish, and international dishes, Ilustrado is a culinary gem worth experiencing. Their Halo-Halo, served with leche flan and ice cream, will surely give you a taste of what Filipino dessert is all about.
Kabigting’s Halo-Halo
Kabigting’s Halo-Halo stands out with its simple yet delicious combination of shaved ice, milk, mashed sweetened white beans, corn kernels, and pastillas made from carabao’s milk. Despite its minimal ingredients, this halo-halo packs a flavorful punch. Notably, the pastillas adds a rich and creamy texture that enhances the overall experience. Kabigting’s Halo-Halo has branches around Fairview and Congressional – Munoz, Quezon City.
Little Quiapo
Little Quiapo has some delightful surprises waiting for your taste buds! Since 1949, this restaurant has been delighting customers with the finest Palabok and Halo-Halo in town. With the summer heat bearing down on us, indulging in a refreshing halo-halo is the perfect choice, and their regular size is generous enough to share between two. And of course, you can’t miss out on trying their Palabok! But don’t just take our word for it, go ahead and taste for yourself! You can find them in Diliman, Quezon City, and along Aguirre Ave in Paranaque.
As the summer heat rises, nothing beats cooling off with a refreshing Halo-Halo. From classic to creative variations, this beloved Filipino dessert offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re enjoying it at Crisostomo, Icebergs, Ilustrado, Kabigting’s, or Little Quiapo, Halo-Halo promises a delicious escape from the sweltering weather.
A must try halo halo at OMBU KUSINA 👍🏻