halo-halo | The Eclectic Eccentric

I have one obsession this summer… HALO- HALO!

halo-halo from max’s

halohalo from chowking

‘Halo’ is a Tagalog word that means mix. And one can easily see why this favorite Filipino summer dessert was named as such ^^ Usually served in a bowl or in a tall glass, halo-halo consists of a mixture of shaved ice, evaporated milk, ube (purple yam) and leche flan. It contains a colorful blend of preserved fruits (nata de coco, sugar palm fruit, macapuno) and fresh fruits (bananas, jackfruit), and sweet beans (kidney beans, garbanzos, red beans). It also has gulaman, tapioca, and of course, a scoop or two (or three) of ice cream on top. It is sprinkled with fragrant pinipig (crushed young rice) and sugar, sometimes even shredded cheese.

Halo-halo is widely available in most restaurants here in the Philippines, even in fast food chains. Summers here are sweltering so they’re everywhere. Matter of fact, you can even get a cheaper version of Halo-halo from street vendors that use different ingredients such as thin slices of ripe mango and gulaman on shaved ice. It’s also pretty easy to make halo-halo at home. ^^ All you have to do is purchase some milk, ice cream and jars of dried fruits, sweet beans, etc from the grocery store. That way, you‘re able to control the portions.

When I was a kid, I’d make my own halo-halo filled with lotsa kaong, macapuno, and nata de coco – all my favorites – so I kinda end up having a snowy white halo-halo instead of the typically colorful one ^^

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Tagged Q ~ Quench the Thirst