With its rich culinary culture and tropical climate, it’s no wonder that Cebu has earned a reputation as one of the ultimate destinations to satisfy your halo-halo cravings. This delightful dessert, made with shaved ice and an assortment of refreshing ingredients, is the perfect way to stay refreshed in the radiant “Queen City.”
The term “halo-halo” is derived from the Tagalog word “haluhalo,” which translates to “mixed.” While its exact origins are debated, some believe that the dessert was introduced to the Philippines by the Japanese. This association draws a parallel between halo-halo and similar icy treats like Japan’s Kakigori, Korea’s Sulbing, and Thailand’s Nam Kang Sai. These desserts share a common concept of having shaved ice as their base, which makes you think they’re all close relatives.
Booking.comCebu’s halo-halo not only provides a refreshing respite from the scorching summer temperatures but also offers a glimpse into its fascinating culinary culture. Each bowl of halo-halo showcases a unique Cebuano twist, with ingredients ranging from crushed Grahams and fresh mangoes to gulaman (gelatin) and an array of other delectable toppings.
If you find yourself in Cebu, here are five exceptional places to experience the best halo-halo:
1. Sol’s Halo-halo
Sol’s opened its first store in Tisa, along a popular food strip where you can find the famous Siomai sa Tisa stalls. This renowned establishment takes pride in its signature innovative halo-halo recipe, which features milk-infused ice (with no added sugar) they call “milk ice”. The combination of their fluffy, finely shaved ice, fresh fruits, and a medley of toppings create a truly unforgettable halo-halo experience. No wonder they’re recognized as the best halo-halo by SunStar’s Best of Cebu for three consecutive years! This family-owned brand has now expanded to over 70 branches across the Visayas and Mindanao.
Facebook Page: Sol’s Halo-halo
Must-try!
- Mango Tango
- Special Ube Halo-halo
2. Melton’s Halo-halo
Also a Best of Cebu awardee, and a prominent player in Cebu’s halo-halo market, Melton’s made its humble beginnings in Pardo, a vibrant barangay in the southern part of the city. Their halo-halo takes inspiration from the traditional recipe, which features a refreshing bed of finely crushed ice as its base, topped with sweet beans, leche flan, kaong (sweet palm fruit), langka (jackfruit) and a surprising touch of crushed peanuts. With each spoonful, this delectable dessert comes alive, bursting with an array of vibrant colors and delightful flavors that make it an absolute must-try.
Facebook Page: Melton’s Halo-halo
Must-try!
- Super Special Halo-halo
3. Joanna’s Halo-halo
Joanna’s halo-halo is reminiscent of Sol’s in that it uses “milk ice” as its base. The bed of fluffy milk-infused ice is then topped with fifteen thoughtfully selected ingredients. From creamy leche flan to a colorful assortment of fresh fruits and a scoop of ube ice cream. By blending traditional and modern ingredients, this establishment delivers a genuinely distinctive halo-halo experience.
Facebook Page: Joanna’s Halo-halo
Must-try!
- Mango-Buko Pandan Halo-halo
- Original Classic Creamy Halo-halo
4. Ice Castle Café
A true pioneer in the halo-halo scene, Ice Castle has been delighting Cebuanos since they opened in the eighties. They are undoubtedly one of, if not the oldest halo-halo brand in Cebu. With two conveniently located branches in the city, this beloved halo-halo brand has been serving generous portions of the frozen dessert for decades. What distinguishes Ice Castle is their commitment to preserving the classic halo-halo that we all remember. Their version features finely shaved ice generously adorned with delightful toppings such as macapuno, ube halaya (purple yam jam), leche flan, kaong (sweet palm fruit), and gulaman (gelatin). Indulging in Ice Castle’s halo-halo is like taking a nostalgic journey, allowing you to savor the authentic flavors that have captivated Cebuanos for decades.
Facebook Page: Ice Castle Café
Must-try!
- Halo-halo Special
5. Cooler’s Delight
As the latest addition to Cebu’s flourishing halo-halo market, Cooler’s Delight has rapidly gained popularity. With an impressive network of 160 branches nationwide, this brand has captured the hearts of halo-halo enthusiasts far and wide. Their halo-halo starts with a base of creamy shaved ice, topped with a mix of unique and traditional toppings such as sweet corn, gulaman (gelatin), corn flakes, and ube ice cream. It’s a party in your mouth with each bite.
Facebook Page: Cooler’s Delight
Must-try!
- Special Halo-halo
- Mais con Yelo
These five halo-halo destinations contribute to Cebu’s diverse culinary scene, providing locals and tourists alike with an array of options to satisfy their cravings. Whether you’re a devoted fan of this iconic dessert or a first-time explorer, these establishments promise to deliver an extraordinary halo-halo experience that will leave you craving for more.
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