The Asian Larder

Halo-Halo: Filipino Shaved Ice Dessert

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A colourful layered dessert of shaved ice, evaporated milk, sweet beans, jellies and fruit, topped with a scoop of purple yam ice cream.

Tips for the best halo-halo

  • The name literally means “mix mix”, the dessert is meant to be stirred together before eating, not eaten in layers.
  • Prepare the sweet toppings ahead of time so assembly is quick once the ice is ready.

Frequently asked questions

What does halo-halo mean?

It translates to “mix mix” in Tagalog, referring to how the dessert is stirred together before eating.

Can I make halo-halo without ube ice cream?

Yes, vanilla or any ice cream works as a substitute, though ube is the traditional topping.

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Huì

Huì

Huì is a Beijing-born chef working in the UK. She writes The Asian Larder, with tested Asian recipes for British home cooks and honest advice on where to buy every ingredient.
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