Halo-halo literally means, "mix-mix" and it is just what is it called - a mixture of sweetened fruits and beans, sprinkled with pinipig (crisp flattened rice flakes), sugar and milk, topped by crushed ice and if ordered special also topped with ice cream.
You know its summertime in the Philippines when halo-halo stand start sprouting by the roadside and by the small variety stores, all making their own concoctions of such this refreshing dessert. Anybody can make their own Halo-Halo by selecting and mixing ingredients to make this dessert. Halo-Halo is uniquely and unforgettably Filipino dessert.
It is a cold dessert that is typically made with shaved ice, sweetened condensed milk, various sweet beans, jellies, fruits, and sometimes topped with ice cream. The ingredients are usually layered in a tall glass and mixed together before eating. Here are some examples of ingredients that can be included in a halo-halo:
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Shaved ice: Halo-halo is built on top of a base of finely shaved ice that provides a refreshing and cooling element to the dessert.
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Sweetened condensed milk: This ingredient adds sweetness and creaminess to the dessert.
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Sweet beans: Mung beans, red beans, and kidney beans are common ingredients that add texture and sweetness.
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Fruit: Diced or sliced tropical fruits like jackfruit, mango, and pineapple are often added for sweetness and tanginess.
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Jellies: Different types of jellies such as nata de coco, agar-agar, and gulaman can be added for their chewy texture and flavor.
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Toppings: Halo-halo can be topped with ice cream, leche flan, or sometimes crushed nuts for added richness and texture.
Similar desserts to halo-halo include:
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Kakigori: Kakigori is a Japanese shaved ice dessert that is similar to halo-halo. It is also made with shaved ice and topped with a variety of syrups, fruits, and condensed milk.
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Bingsu: Bingsu is a Korean dessert that is made with shaved ice and topped with sweetened condensed milk, fruits, and other toppings like red bean paste or cereal.
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Es teler: Es teler is an Indonesian dessert that is made with shaved ice, sweetened co