Now here's Monster Number 96,
Halo Halo:
It's a traditional Filipino dessert that's particularly popular during the hot summer months. It literally means "mixed variety" (not "mixed together"or "mix-mix", as most websites erroneously claim), and as its name suggests, is composed of a variety of ingredients like sweet beans, coconut, fruits, and ice cream, all topped with shaved ice and milk. The concoction is best enjoyed by mixing everything together thoroughly before taking up a spoonful.
There are as many versions of
halo-halo as there are ingredient combinations, but one of the very best is also one of the simplest: that of the Razon's restaurant chain (pictured above). A minimalist version containing only three major ingredients -- sweetened banana chunks, coconut, and custard -- it's probably the best way to introduce yourself to this particular dessert.