HaloHalo

Halo-halo is a Filipino dessert celebrated for its colorful, mixed composition. The name means “mix-mix” in Tagalog, reflecting the dish’s preparation: shaved ice and milk combined with a variety of ingredients, typically served in a tall glass or bowl and finished with a topping such as leche flan or a scoop of ice cream.

Origins and overview: The dish emerged in the Philippines in the early 20th century through street vendors and casual eateries. The term halo-halo refers to the act of mixing the diverse ingredients before eating. While the shaved ice base recalls regional frozen treats with external influences, halo-halo is distinctly Filipino in its use of local fruits, sweets, and preserved ingredients.

Ingredients and variations: A typical halo-halo includes shaved ice and evaporated milk, plus a mix of inclusions such as sweet potato (camote), purple yam (ube), jackfruit (langka), banana, taro, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, nata de coco, kaong (sugar palm fruit), macapuno, and various jellies. Leche flan or a scoop of ube ice cream is often added on top. Regional and vendor variations exist, allowing for a wide range of textures and flavors.

Preparation and serving: The ingredients are combined by the eater, with milk poured over the ice and mixed just before consumption. Halo-halo is commonly enjoyed as a refreshing treat in hot weather and is widely available from street stalls, cafeterias, and dessert shops across the Philippines.