Halo-Halo

Back in 2019 when I returned to the Philippines, my friend Grace took me to Razon’s, a restaurant famous for its’ Halo-Halo (crushed ice dessert with assorted toppings). I was so excited as soon as the server gave me a tall glass of this cold dessert. I remember the milky shaved ice just melts in your mouth with delicious flavors of caramelized bananas, macapuno and leche flan. So simple but it was the best rendition I have ever had. 

For those of you who don’t know, Halo-Halo is a popular Filipino iced dessert. Traditionally, Halo-Halo is composed of a combination of sweet beans, bananas, jackfruit, kaong (palm seeds), nata de coco (coconut gel), macapuno strings, topped with leche flan, ube halaya and tropical ice cream. 

If you need a visual, check out this clip from Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown filmed in Manila, Philippines: Manila Halo Halo | Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown S7E5 - YouTube. For the origin story, read this article by Ronica Valdeavilla: Halo-Halo: Favourite Dessert of The Philippines (theculturetrip.com).

Last October 2020, I created a pie inspired by Halo-Halo. A sweet custard base infused with sweet beans, macapuno strings, sweetened banana, jackfruit, ube halaya, gulaman (agar jelly) and baked in buttery graham cracker crust. 

With spring upon us, we are featuring our Halo-Halo Pie this month of April at the San Ramon Farmer’s Market. Come pick up this refreshing dessert and tell me your favorite Halo-Halo story.

In the comment section below, share your favorite spot for Halo-Halo. 

Razon’s Famous Halo-Halo