Halo- halo
A mixed fruit dessert with shaved ice. The word literally means mix - mix. It is popular in the Philippines, especially during the summer. Its a good way to beat the heat. This sweets consist of variety of mix, usually like sweetened beans, macapuno, langka, coconut gel (Nata De coco) and sweetened banana. This tops with shaved ice, condensed milk, pinipig, ice cream or leche flan. You can make it lavish or simple, Ingredients will be all up to you, no right, no wrong.
There are lots of variations of Halo - halo, I think whatever is available in your pantry can be put together as long as their is crushed ice and condensed milk, it is usually serves in tall glass.
The way to eat it, is to stirred the crushed ice so it melts and infuse the flavour all together. It is a sweet and unique dessert, your first bite might be a coconut gel with langka, and the next bite could be ice cream, That why it's called Halo - halo or mix - mix.
Growing up in the Philippines it is our usual merienda (snacks) during summer. In a typical village you can see it mostly being sell in the side of the streets, where in it is only made as you order. I have never seen anyone who doesn't like Halo - halo, even my foreigner husband loves it, he says Its an ultimate treat.
This Filipino sweets is a part of our culture, It is love by every Filipinos near and far. It may have lots of versions in it, but it all equally taste delicious and sweet.
This Halo - halo is made by my brother in law, he works in a Filipino Restaurant and their Halo- halo is just fantastic!
If you come to a Filipino Restaurant, Give a Halo - halo a try, It won't let you down :-)
Kabayan, What is your favourite version of halo - halo? I'll be glad to know.
Thank you for reading.