Try a Colorful Halo Halo Bar for a Fun and Shareable Dessert

Halo Halo is a Beloved Filipino Treat

Halo Halo, which translates to “mix-mix” is a cool treat served in the Philippines and might be the perfect Make-Your-Own dessert for your next party. Halo Halo is flexible, too, and while there are essential ingredients, the toppings vary, depending on the cook.

What Are The Origins of Halo Halo?

The story of Halo Halo starts in the late 1800’s, when Japanese traders and settlers brought an influx of Japanese foods. The new immigrants started selling the Japanese treat, Kakigori, which is made by topping shaved ice with either brightly colored, flavored syrups or evaporated milk, then topped with sweetened Aduki beans and tapioca pearls. Shirokuma is a variation that includes Mochi (pounded rice cakes) mandarin oranges, cherries, pineapple, and raisins. Before this time, ice was not readily available, but a new ice factory made chunks of shaveable ice that anyone could buy. Filipinos embraced the new treat and of course, made it their own.

What Are The Origins of Halo Halo?

The story of Halo Halo starts in the late 1800’s, when Japanese traders and settlers brought an influx of Japanese foods. The new immigrants started selling the Japanese treat, Kakigori, which is made by topping shaved ice with either brightly colored, flavored syrups or evaporated milk, then topped with sweetened Aduki beans and tapioca pearls. Shirokuma is a variation that includes Mochi (pounded rice cakes) mandarin oranges, cherries, pineapple, and raisins. Before this time, ice was not readily available, but a new ice factory made chunks of shaveable ice that anyone could buy. Filipinos embraced the new treat and of course, made it their own

What’s In Halo Halo?

Once Filipinos started making their own shaved ice treat, they began creating the Halo Halo from toppings their own part of the world. Instead of Aduki beans, they began using sweetened mung beans and chickpeas. Sweetened condensed milk became the preferred “sauce” and more colors, flavors, and textures went into the dessert. The base is always:

• Shaved ice
• Sweetened mung beans, chickpeas, white beans
• Sweetened sweet corn
• Gelatin or Agar Agar cubes, including nata de coco coconut gel
• Tapioca or Sago pearls
• Cooked purple sweet potatoes (Ube) mashed or made into jelly
• Fresh or canned in syrup ripe jackfruit, mango, banana or pineapple
• Young coconut shreds, fresh or canned
• Crunchy cereal topping like Fruity Pebbles, Captain Crunch, or Pocky sticks
• Ice Cream, purple ube, mango or vanilla
• Flan, homemade or purchased

How to Make Halo Halo

For a traditional presentation, layer your dessert in a large glass, and use a long spoon or sturdy straw to “mix-mix” at serving. Use an ice shaver or a blender to shave or crush the ice finely just before creating your masterpiece. Start with a layer of ice, then spoon in toppings, pour over the evaporated milk, and sprinkle with some of the crunchy cereals.

Make a Halo Halo Bar for Friends and Family

Even if a trip to the Philippines isn’t in the cards this year, you can try a taste of an iconic Filipino treat. Put the toppings in bowls, serve glasses or bowls of shaved ice, and let people pile on toppings. Even if you stick to some of the basic ingredients, you can still enjoy the many flavors in every bite of Halo Halo.