Where’s the best place to get halo-halo in Manila? When summer temperatures sizzle, thoughts often turn to cool drinks and refreshments like halo-halo. This famous Filipino dessert is a delightful mix of crushed ice, sweetened fruits, ube, leche flan, and a drizzle of evaporated milk, leading to a burst of flavors and textures in every bite.

While you can find this classic summer cooler in many restaurants around the country, some places are sought out specifically for their halo-halo. Here are some of the best-loved spots for locals and tourists to enjoy halo-halo and beat the heat in the metro.

MilkyWay Cafe

Many foodies swear by the halo-halo of MilkyWay Cafe, a nostalgic eatery along Arnaiz Avenue in Makati that’s been around since 1962. Even if you didn’t grow up with it, you’ll enjoy their classic dessert made with premium ingredients and housemade Ube Ice cream. Their version has a good ratio of fresh ingredients to ice and is filling without feeling too heavy or sweet. MilkyWay Cafe even offers a halo-halo kit so you can make it at home.

2nd Floor, Milkyway Building 900 Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road) corner Paseo de Roxas, Makati City. They also have a branch in PowerPlant Mall in Rockwell.

Little Quiapo

Little Quiapo, a family-friendly eatery established in 1949, has a rich history and their version of halo-halo is a treat beloved by generations. They use fresh and high quality ingredients with distinct layers of red beans, jackfruit, caramelized plantains, ube halaya, pinipig, and leche flan, topped with a large scoop of ube ice cream. This is best paired with their signature palabok for a nice Filipino merienda.

Little Quiapo, 89 Malakas Street, Diliman, Quezon City. They also have a branch in BF Homes, Parañaque.

Kabigting’s

Hailing from Pampanga, Kabigting’s halo-halo, dubbed “The Pride of Arayat” stands out for its unique combination of creaminess and sweetness. The key ingredient is pastillas (a milk candy made from fresh carabao’s milk), which they use along with mashed beans (with an almost jam-like consistency), creamed sweet corn, milk and finely shaved ice, making this version extra creamy and rich.

Kabigting’s has various branches in Pampanga and Metro Manila, including Fairview, Congressional Avenue and Marikina.

Razon’s of Guagua

Another halo-halo from Pampanga, Razon’s is best known for its minimalist approach, focusing on a few key ingredients. Unlike the usual version overloaded with toppings and fruits, Razon’s version only contains saba bananas, macapuno, and leche flan, served with ultra-fine shaved ice. This is ideal for those who want a simple and classic dessert that’s not too overwhelming.

Razon’s has various branches all over Manila. Available on Grab.

Chowking

As one of the cheaper and widely available versions, the halo-halo from fastfood chain Chowking is a staple for anyone who needs a quick fix. Their version comes in various sizes, with the typical order containing kaong, langka, white beans, macapuno shreds, red mongo, ube jam, garbanzos, gulaman and leche flan. You can get a scoop or two of ice cream based on the type of halo-halo you order.