Halo-halo, which literally means “mix,” is a mixture of shaved ice, evaporated milk, beans, caramelized fruits and starches, different colored jelly cubes, pinipig (pounded crushed young rice), sago (tapioca), nata de coco (coconut gel), kaong (sugar palm fruit) and other sweet things.
The icy treat is usually topped with leche flan (custard), halaya (purple yam pudding) or ice cream, or a combination of the three.
In the article "25 best foods for summer" published on CNN Travel, author Elizabeth Leigh described the halo-halo as “a jumble of sweet and colorful ingredients mixed together.”
She also noted how the Filipino dessert got exposure from well-known chef and travel host Anthony Bourdain when he tried it for an episode of “Parts Unknown,” which airs on CNN.
Halo-halo joins a number of snacks, soups and desserts in CNN Travel’s “25 best foods for summer” list, which was not ranked. Durian, which is available in Davao and in Asian countries such as Singapore, was also included in the list.
Here in the Philippines, the summer season started last March, and ended in early June. While halo-halo is most popular during summer, the icy treat is well-loved in the Philippines all-year round.
Click here for ABS-CBNnews.com’s list of ten halo-halo treats in Metro Manila.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
