When it comes to Filipino desserts, nothing can quite compare to the level of “iconic” that halo-halo is. Everyone knows it, everyone loves it, and it is also one of those local foods we automatically suggest to tourists visiting the country if they want to have a straightforward taste of Filipino culture. This dessert is synonymous with our identity as a country, regardless if it is freezing or scorching outside. Craving for a tall glass of it now? Visit any of these places for the best halo-halo in the metro.
1. Razon’s of Guagua
Address: Unit 46 Banawe St., Sta Mesa Heights, Quezon City (and other branches)
You cannot mention the word halo-halo without thinking of Razon of Guagua’s version of the icy treat. A Kapampangan favorite, the shaved ice dessert quickly took over the metro when it opened its first few branches here because of its unique take on the sweet. Unlike your usual colorful glass of halo-halo, Razon’s version is more subdued, switching a smorgasbord of ingredients with only three—saging na saba, macapuno, and the ultimate catch of all, their leche flan. Ironically, the simplicity of each glass is what makes it extra special. Because there are not many ingredients fighting for taste and flavor in each glass, you get the perfect blend that is never overwhelming to the palate.
2. Milky Way Café
Address: 900 Antonio Arnaiz Ave, Makati, 1200 Metro Manila
The halo-halo of Milky Way Café, just like its brand, is an institution. The family-owned restaurant has retained a strong foothold in the market even if it launched way back in the 60s, and part of this legacy is their iced treat. Unlike Razon’s which leverages its popularity from how simple it is, Milky Way steals the show with its 20 ingredients, all of which are homemade. Top it all off with their infamous ube ice cream (Fun fact: Milky Way started as an ice cream factory so they know what they are doing) and you have a dessert you’ll find yourself craving for again and again.
3. Kabigting’s Halo-Halo
Address: 56-A Lilac Street SSS Village, Concepcion Dos, Marikina City (and other branches)
Kabigting’s version of halo-halo encapsulates its business motto of being “The Pride of Arayat.” A success story in every sense, their shaved dessert is the kind that is so good, its publicity ballooned only thanks to word of mouth. There are no frills or whistles on a glass of this local favorite. Similar to Razon’s, they keep their mix simple and few. It only has three ingredients—mashed sugared kidney beans, cream corn, and carabao’s milk pastillas. Though a lot different from the usual medley of ingredients found in similar cups, Kabigting’s trifecta works so well with all its creamy, thick flavor and consistency.
4. Manam
Address: Ground Floor, Net Park, 4th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City (and other branches)
If there is one thing we love about Manam’s Namnam halo-halo (other than its taste, of course) it is the large, goblet-like glass it is served on which allows for easy scooping. And dig, you will, thanks to the restaurant’s stellar ingredients. You get the usual suspects like macapuno, nata de coco, fruit jellies, etc., but the goblet itself is also smeared with ube jam on its sides (our favorite!) which makes everything all the more better. Special shout out also to its crunchy pinipig which provides the perfect contrast to the chewy ingredients in the mix.
5. The Aristocrat Restaurant
Address: 146 Jupiter Street corner Saturn Street, Bel-Air Village, Makati City (and other branches)
Aristocrat is famous for many iconic dishes from its menu, but one of its long-standing favorites is its halo-halo. The biggest pull of their version is how generous they are with the toppings—you can definitely expect to get more chew than slurp from this with its mix of red jellies, saging na saba, langka, sweet beans, macapuno, the works. What’s suprising (and dare we say, even magical) about it, however, is how every glass is never overwhelming, even with an overflowing helping of ice cream on top of it. It’s the perfect palate cleanser, especially after finishing a plate of Aristocrat’s equally famous barbecues.
6. Café Via Mare
Address: Toyota Asian Cultural Centre, Magsaysay Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City (and other branches)
Cafe Via Mare specializes in all things good and delicious about Filipino cuisine so it doesn’t come as a surprise at all that their version of halo-halo ranks as one of the best in the metro. Their shaved ice dessert looks as pretty as it tastes good. We particularly love how smooth and easy to chow their jellies are and the contrast that the whole mix offers with its good servings of chewy kaong and crispy corn flakes. Every order comes with a hefty scoop of ube ice cream, too!
7. Chowking
Address: various branches
Sue us if you want, but we stand by our opinion that Chowking’s Supersangkap halo-halo is a must-try if you’re a fan of this local dessert favorite. You can expect to get good servings of each of your favorite ingredients here, plus its ube ice cream is not half bad! Probably its best selling point is its price though. For only P55, you can enjoy a tall cup of this good ol’ dessert—and you can even have it anytime you want since it’s so easy to find a Chowking around!
8. Icebergs
Address: Metrowalk Complex, Ortigas, Pasig City (and other branches)
Icebergs is a true innovator in the field. Yes, there’s no doubt that its Super Halo-Halo is one of the best in town with its finely shaved ice and ingredients that you can customize (you can have chocolate halo-halo if you want!), but did you know that it was the first one to ever serve halo-halo ingredients on top of the shaved ice? Apparently, traditional halo-halo has them at the bottom of the glass, but Icebergs changed the game by flipping it upside down! You have to prepare yourself for the barrage of ingredients on their halo-halo goblets too because this place is definitely not joking around when it added the word “Super” to this menu favorite.
9. Kuya J
Address: Shaw Boulevard Corner Ideal Street, Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City (and other branches)
Kuya J’s Halo-Halo Espesyal is perfect for those who can’t quite decide whether they want a halo-halo or a serving of ice cream. Unlike the usual shaved ice dessert which comes with finely crushed ice, Kuya J’s version uses a soft, smooth, and almost cotton-candy like ice that gives ore like an ice cream-like mouthfeel. Mixed with milk and with the usual ingredients of halo-halo on top of it, you don’t ever have to worry about ending up with a watered-down version of this local dessert because the flavor or each ingredient mixes well with its soft ice consistency. P.S. You NEED to try their ube halo-halo!
10. Crisostomo Restaurant
Address: Second Floor, Resorts World Manila, Newport City, Pasay City (and other branches)
Crisostomo Restaurant has made a name for itself by elevating local food, so it’s not surprising that they injected their very own twist to their version of the halo-halo. Rather than sticking to the usual, the restaurant adds a special twist to its play of flavors and texture by adding interesting players like banana chips and shaved cheese. The latte is definitely a welcome surprise and makes one reminisce of our favorite ube cheese ice cream that we all love and crave for during our childhood years. Plus, all their ingredients are homemade so you know there’s real love behind every cup of their halo-halo.
