1. Green Mango and Bagoong
What it is: A sorbet made from green mango topped with warm sweet bagoong
Where to find it: Sebastian’s, with branches at SM Mall of Asia, Podium and Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City
The verdict: The green mango and bagoong of Sebastian's surprised and pleased our sour-loving palette. The green mango ice had just the right sourness, while the bagoong had the salty-sweet kick. Together, they balanced each other out, making the ice concoction a perfect palette cleanser, or the perfect ice to have on a hot day.
2. Wasabi ice cream
What it is: Ice cream flavored with Japanese wasabi
Where to find it: Inagiku restaurant at Makati Shangri-La hotel
The verdict: This is a very interesting combination of hot and cold – the wasabi flavor stimulates the nasal passage and the tongue; at the same time, the ice cream cools your mouth. (Note: Green tea, black sesame and red bean ice cream are also served at Inagiku, and these are also worth a try).
3. Salted egg ice cream
What it is: Ice cream flavored with salted egg or “itlog na pula”
Where to find it: Mabuhay Palace restaurant at Manila Hotel
The verdict: It is sweet and creamy, and would probably pass for a normal dessert in terms of taste (it also contains low-fat milk and black sesame paste). The dessert, however, leaves a sandy texture on the tongue because of the egg yolk.
4. Snack Attack
What it is: Vanilla ice cream topped with all sorts of salted snacks
Where to find it: Sebastian’s
The verdict: The Snack Attack “pizza” is a junk food lover's dream. A generous dollop of vanilla ice cream on a cashew cookie crust topped with a mix of chocolate covered potato chips, peanut butter covered pretzels, honey roasted peanuts and a drizzle of salted caramel. (Sebastian’s also has other “pizzas,” including the popular Leche Flan.)
5. Garlic Sprinkle gelato
What it is: Garlic-flavored gelato served with a garlic cookie
Where to find it: Mad for Garlic restaurant at W Global Center in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
The verdict: The garlic flavor in the gelato was noticeable but not overpowering, which is a good thing. Scoop some gelato on top of the cookie and eat them together for that full garlic flavor.
6. Candied bacon ice cream
What it is: Ice cream infused with cinnamon with bits of smoked bacon
Where to find it: Merry Moo Ice Cream, which has stalls at Mercato Centrale, Cucina Andare, Salcedo Saturday Market, Legazpi Sunday Market, and Podium Mall
The verdict: Ideal for bacon lovers, the light and creamy dessert highlights the smoky and salty flavor of the well-loved cured meat. (Note: Merry Moo has plenty of interesting flavors, such as malted milk, strawberry basil, earl grey and cookie butter)
7. Turon 2.0
What it is: Banana ice cream in small cones
Where to find it: Smokin’ BarBQ in Greenbelt 3, Makati City
The verdict: Smokin’ BarBQ is known for its Turon 2.0 dessert, which had everyone raving. This is actually five small ice creams in cones, consisting of a caramelized homemade cone with a scoop of banana ice cream mixed with banana compote. One blogger pronounced it as one of the top dessert finds for the year – and we agree.
8. Taho gelato
What it is: Soy gelato topped with coco sugar syrup and sago
Where to find it: Bono’s Artisanal Gelato in SM Makati
The verdict: Pretty much tasting like the real thing, Bono’s Taho Gelato is also ideal for those who are lactose-intolerant and even those who are watching their weight.
9. Tsokolate tablea ice cream
What it is: Ice cream flavored with Batangas’ tsokolate tablea or chocolate tablets, topped with rice crispies.
Where to find it: This flavor is part of Magnolia’s “Best of the Philippines” collection, and is available in groceries, supermarkets and convenience stores
The verdict: The ice cream tastes more like regular chocolate than Batangas’ tablea, but eating it is still a good way to cool down. (Note: Other flavors in the Best of the Philippines collection, such as ube keso, macapuno langka and coffee mangosteen may be worth a try)
10. Chili Tamarind gelato
What it is: Gelato flavored with chili and tamarind
Where to find it: Bono Artisanal Gelato
The verdict: If you like those chili tamarind candies from Thailand, you'll love this oh-so-refreshing gelato with just the right amount of kick to perk you up on a dreary rainy day.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
