8 Best Halo-Halo in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian
Filipinos always have room for desserts, and one such treat is halo-halo. Hailed as the country’s unofficial dessert, halo-halo is a quintessential Filipino food item that can be found from street food vendors to heirloom restaurants. Containing a myriad of ingredients like leche flan and sweetened beans, this makes the perfect merienda for a hot day or a sweet ending to your meal.
From the sangkap to the quality of the ice - there are quite a lot of options to choose from. So how do you know which one to buy? Well, not to worry, because we have provided a list of our recommended halo-halo for you. We will also break down what to consider when choosing halo-halo in our buying guide fact-checked by nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales!
Quick List - Top Halo-Halo
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
How to Choose a Halo-Halo - Buying Guide
Here are some key points to consider:
- Pick a halo-halo according to its ingredients
- Take into account its lead time.
- Know about your delivery options.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Pick a Halo-Halo According to Its Ingredients
The main point of the halo-halo is its sangkap or the ingredients, which come in a multitude of colors, flavors, and textures. The beauty of halo-halo is that it contains a little bit of everything, which takes your taste buds on a journey. We’ve enumerated below the notable halo-halo sangkap to make it easier for you.
Look for All-Time Favorites Like Ube Halaya and Leche Flan
Halo-halo may have different variations, but the ingredients that remain constant are ube halaya and leche flan. No matter how many or how few a halo-halo’s ingredients are, you’re guaranteed to have either ube or leche flan, sometimes even both! Ube halaya or purple yam needs no introduction, seeing as it is present in dozens of iterations, from cakes to pandesals.
And everyone is familiar with leche flan, made from eggs and condensed milk with a texture resembling that of custard. Both provide an added layer of linamnam to the halo-halo, from the ube’s subtle earthiness to the leche flan’s milky and creamy flavor. And let’s admit it, we even save them for our last bite sometimes!
Don't Forget the Minatamis na Saging and Langka
The bulk of the halo-halo’s ingredients lies in the minatamis, which usually consists of an assortment of fruits and beans cooked in water and sugar until the sugar has caramelized and the fruits have softened.
Commonly used fruits are saba bananas, along with langka or jackfruit, and macapuno. Other minatamis na sangkap include kamote, chickpeas or garbanzos, and mung beans.
Check if It Has Cornflakes or Pinipig for Added Texture
Suppose you’d like a bit of crunch in your dessert, then halo-halo topped with pinipig ought to be the one for you. Pinipig consists of glutinous rice that has been pounded and toasted.
It is sprinkled on top of the halo-halo and adds an interesting texture, breaking the monotony of the mushy sweetened fruits. Though in some cases, cornflakes are used, especially if pinipig is hard to come by.
Mix in Some Gulaman for Chewiness
The great thing about halo-halo is the multitude of textures you get to experience in every spoonful – from the softness of the sweetened fruits to the crunchiness of the pinipig or cornflakes.
Now, if you’d like something chewy, you can never go wrong with gulaman, sago, or even nata de coco. These are all some types of gelatin, and they add a bit of chewiness and color to the halo-halo. Though in terms of taste, they don't provide much flavor.
Try a Halo-Halo With Ice Cream for Extra Oomph
Halo-halo wouldn’t be complete without a serving of ice cream or two if you were feeling extra. This ingredient isn’t mandatory for all halo-halo, but it adds that extra oomph, especially on a hot day.
And in keeping up with the local theme of the dessert, most halo-halo consists of ube ice cream, though sometimes others use keso ice cream as well. This makes your treat creamier and more malinamnam!
Consider the Flavor and Texture of the Ice
No halo-halo is complete without the ice, which is usually crushed, but some stores up their halo-halo game by getting creative with the ice—whether through the ice’s flavor or texture.
That said, you can find a halo-halo that uses ice cream instead of crushed ice. This makes it creamier and just a tad refreshing, the perfect merienda on a hot day. It can also satisfy those who don’t consider their halo-halo complete without ice cream.
On the other hand, if you hate encountering big chunks of ice, you can also stumble upon halo-halo that uses shaved ice, which has a fine texture, almost powdery, even. This allows you to easily scoop through your glass without hacking at it. And there are even some that use flavored ice for more sweetness.
Take Into Account Its Lead Time
Halo-halo is assembled right before it is shipped out, so it is guaranteed you’ll receive yours freshly prepared. And given the dozens of restaurants selling halo-halo, it is safe to say you can get yours within the same day.
However, you may want to call ahead of time, especially if you are planning on ordering a large volume. This also helps the shop prepare as they might run out of certain ingredients. For this, you may contact the shop and ask about their lead time for advance orders. Sometimes they can even reserve up to a few weeks in advance!
Know About Your Delivery Options
Like ice cream and cake, halo-halo is quite delicate to transport. For one thing, you want to make sure the shaved ice or ice cream does not melt before the dessert gets to you.
You can look into the shop’s delivery policy. Although most of them have their own delivery service, some allow you to book the courier yourself. This ensures the halo-halo isn’t left out too long before it is picked up. This is also especially true if the shop has to fulfill a huge influx of orders.
Another option is to book through food delivery apps. Restaurants can prepare the food just as the rider arrives. Or, if you live nearby, you can easily pick it up yourself to ensure the halo-halo’s quality isn't compromised.
10 Best Halo-Halo to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Milky Way Café Milky Way Halo Halo | | Homemade Goodness and Nostalgia in Every Bite | |
2 | Razon's of Guagua Halo-Halo | | Creamy Halo-Halo Made of Minimal Ingredients | |
3 | Kabigting's Halo-Halo | | Uses Carabao’s Milk Pastillas for Added Linamnam | |
4 | Ben's Halo-Halo Ice Cream Spicy Winter Halo Halo | | Experience a Medley of Chili and Ice | |
5 | Icebergs Halo-Halo｜With 1 Scoop of Ice Cream | | Perfect for Sharing With the Family | |
6 | Aling Banang's Halo-Halo Ice Cream | | A Velvety Treat for Ube Lovers | |
7 | The Aristocrat Restaurant Halo-Halo Special | | Get More Sangkap Than Ice | |
8 | Kuya J Restaurant Kuya J Ube Halo-Halo Espesyal | | Delicately Shaved Ice That Melts in Your Mouth |
Homemade Goodness and Nostalgia in Every Bite
Originally founded in 1962 as a dairy bar, the Milky Way Café is known for serving home-cooked Filipino dishes. They still follow the same cooking process and include the same ingredients, which is why their restaurant stood the test of time. If their loyal customers are anything to go by, just ask your lolos and lolas.
Their halo-halo is a much-raved about treat as it has been noted to have that perfect ratio of ingredients. And it is worth noting that all of their ingredients are made in-house - from the macapuno to their leche flan, as well as their ube ice cream and hand-shaved ice. This elevates your halo-halo experience to a whole other level.
Plus, they put special care and dedication into ensuring that you get the best quality in each bite. Their halo-halo has been so in-demand that you can even get a DIY halo-halo kit that you can make at home, perfect for sharing with the whole family!
Creamy Halo-Halo Made of Minimal Ingredients
When it comes to Kapampangan food, Razon’s is one of the most recognized. And so is their halo-halo. Its delicate appearance, unlike the colorful halo-halo we usually see, proves that you don’t need a ton of ingredients to have great halo-halo. Although unassuming at first glance, it doesn’t make their creamy any less delicious.
It only contains a few ingredients, such as macapuno, saba bananas, and leche flan. But this combination yields a rather malinamnam flavor, which is heightened by their creamy milk and finely-shaved ice. They also recently came up with the KLM, and it stays true to their creed of minimal ingredients as it only consists of keso, langka, and mais.
Uses Carabao’s Milk Pastillas for Added Linamnam
Dubbed as “the pride of Arayat,” Kabigting’s certainly pulled off an interesting concept with their halo-halo. It may only contain 3 ingredients, but what it lacks in variety, it makes up for in flavor. Each cup contains carabao’s milk pastillas. This will no doubt up the linamnam factor and make for a creamier treat.
Plus, it contrasts nicely with the saltiness of the corn kernels and mashed beans. In terms of texture, it has been described to be rather velvety as the ice is finely shaved. Want to score this treat? Order via GrabFood or Foodpanda, and make sure to order their Kapampangan delicacies while you’re at it too!
Experience a Medley of Chili and Ice
Prepare yourself for the delightfully contrasting flavors from Ben’s Halo-Halo Ice Cream. Their Spicy Winter halo halo, as it is so aptly named, is topped with chili powder and an entire siling labuyo in a concoction that is sure to set your taste buds on fire!
Another ingredient that sets their halo-halo apart is their use of gelato ice instead of the usual shaved ice, owing to the owner's time in Italy. Reviewers have noted the ice to be light enough for scooping yet creamy and with a texture that melts in your mouth—no need to travel all the way to Cavite because you can now order it online.
Perfect for Sharing With the Family
One of the country’s long-standing, homegrown ice cream parlors, Icebergs has been serving up merienda fare since we were young. They are best known for their banana split and parfaits. Now you can bring back the nostalgia by getting their Halo-Halo!
Their particular rendition is filled to the brim with toppings, perfect for sharing or for solo snacking! Nestled in a glass are gulaman, ube, leche flan, and even cornflakes. It is topped with a scoop of ice cream to finish it off. Overall, this is a rich and creamy dessert that is fit for all.
A Velvety Treat for Ube Lovers
Aling Banang's has been creating this Filipino classic since the 1930s, from its origins as a food stall in the San Juan Public Market. And if you want to try a different take on the halo-halo, then theirs might be your new go-to. Their Halo-Halo Ice Cream uses three scoops of ube ice cream instead of shaved ice, homemade, of course.
It is then topped with grated cheese and cornflakes for added crunch. If you’re in the mood for something more indulgent, then this is it. The halo-halo has also been noted to be really rich and creamy, owing to the use of ice cream, which is a treat that we’re sure kids will especially love!
Get More Sangkap Than Ice
When it comes to home-cooked, family fare, you can’t go wrong with the Aristocrat. Serving up dishes since the 1930s, they are known for offering hearty Filipino dishes. And while their chicken barbecue is their best-seller, they can also whip up a great halo-halo. It has everything you’re looking for in this classic dessert.
From sweetened beans to the leche flan and ice cream, you’ll surely enjoy yourself. It is also rather a sulit option since it has been noted to contain more sangkap than ice. This makes it perfect for those who are looking for a more filling treat. Moreover, it is decadent, smooth, and creamy—ending your meals has never been better!
Delicately Shaved Ice That Melts in Your Mouth
What originally started as a humble hole-in-the-wall stall soon became one of the fastest-growing fast-food restaurants in the country. Kuya J serves up Filipino food that’s guaranteed to remind you of home. And their halo-halo makes an excellent merienda you can share with your family.
When it comes to halo-halo, we usually just use plain ice. But Kuya J kicks it up a notch with their Ube Halo-Halo Espesyal. Its base is made with ube-flavored ice, one that has been shaved so finely, it melts in your mouth. This is ideal if you dread coming across solid pieces of ice, as this one promises smooth sailing throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
How Much Is Halo-Halo?
Halo-halo in the Philippines is relatively inexpensive seeing as it is offered by nearly every food establishment from fast food chains to restaurants. Prices often range from 69 to 225 pesos, depending on where you’ll buy the halo-halo from.
Is Halo-Halo Vegetarian?
Yes. This is because its ingredients consist of sweetened fruits, beans, and coconut jelly. But it is not vegan as it contains evaporated milk.
How Many Calories Are There in a Serving of Halo-Halo?
The amount of calories would depend on the ingredients mixed in the halo-halo. But, generally, a serving of halo-halo with all usual toppings of minatamis, beans, and jellies, would have about 225 to 260 calories per serving or one glass.
More Filipino Food for Your Next Handaan
Halo-halo is just one of the many delicacies Filipinos have. If you’re looking for food ideas for your next gathering, we have got something for you. From mouthwatering lechon served at fiestas to the creamy leche flan and kakain we eat for merienda, you’ll surely never run out of options.
Author: J. Cuizon
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Top 5 Halo-Halo
No. 1: Milky Way Café｜Milky Way Halo Halo
No. 2: Razon's of Guagua｜Halo-Halo
No. 3: Kabigting's｜Halo-Halo
No. 4: Ben's Halo-Halo Ice Cream｜Spicy Winter Halo Halo
No. 5: Icebergs｜Halo-Halo｜With 1 Scoop of Ice Cream
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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