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YOUR FAVORITE HALO-HALO PLACES: Aling Banang’s
This summer, we asked Youscoopers to name their favorite halo-halo places. We tallied the responses and five establishments—three with headquarters in Pampanga, one in Cavite, and one in Metro Manila—came out on top.
But we weren't content to leave it at that. GMA's own Tonipet Gaba took on the challenge of trying what each of these places has to offer, and now has delivered his verdict.
Presented in no particular order, here is the fifth of your top five halo-halo places.
Aling Banang’s Pancit, Halo-Halo, Tapsilog, atbp.
306-2 B.Serrano, San Juan
(02) 744 20 26
Halo-Halo Special, P55
Halo-Halo Ice Cream P50
Urbana Silva Santiago, or Aling Banang, started a humble food stall at the San Juan Public Market in the 1930’s—and her halo-halo fast became its sureball summer hit.
From the more or less 13 branches in the Metro, I particularly chose the one in West Crame. The façade almost looked nondescript and the actual dining space was actually small. Yet you could feel its confidence in the menu.
On this sweltering weekday, I elected to order both their Halo-Halo Special (with 3 scoops of ice cream, a slice of leche flan, corn, corn flakes and grated cheese) and Halo-Halo Ice Cream (shaved ice replaced by 3 scoops of ube ice cream).
Each portion was ample enough to satisfy dessert lovers. I was more for the Halo-Halo Special than the one with too much ube ice cream in it. Their halo-halo ice cream was just too rich for me. Though I appreciate their intention and the generous portions of ice cream, one could not help but think of this as sassily confected yet kind of confused in terms of profile. It was fun to look at (I’m sure kids will go crazy over it) but there was just too much ice cream and ube and sweetness and richness happening.
It only made me want to shift quickly to the more traditional variety. Its flavors simply bring you home. Just where you want to be. No exacting review for this one and I was really happy with the price.
Only thing with the Halo-Halo Special is how I personally do not believe in this grated cheese and shaved ice affair. I can forgive the corn flakes but I think cheese was meant to be enjoyed as a standalone or paired with some other viand.
I just had some issues with their kitchen and food prep set up. I found the spot where they made my halo-halo a bit messy and well, not that clean. Though I understand how busy it can get in their kitchen, please do keep in mind that we do mind.
Revisit Tonipet Gaba's halo-halo round-up!
Nathaniel’s Special Halo-Halo: 'For anyone craving the classic version, Nathaniel’s has it...It was foolproof and confident. Distinguishably Capampangan and proudly Pinoy."
Luz The Original Razon’s Halo-Halo: "Hands down my all-time favorite. Nothing beats the original."
Kabigting’s Halo-Halo: "My first spoonful had me wide-eyed and intrigued...it was fascinatingly delicious."
Original Digman Halo-Halo and Homemade Siopao: "This halo-halo sure knows how to bring me back to my childhood. Freshness is indeed key. The simplicity of the flavors also creates a party in your mouth." — BM, GMA News
But we weren't content to leave it at that. GMA's own Tonipet Gaba took on the challenge of trying what each of these places has to offer, and now has delivered his verdict.
Presented in no particular order, here is the fifth of your top five halo-halo places.
Aling Banang’s Pancit, Halo-Halo, Tapsilog, atbp.
306-2 B.Serrano, San Juan
(02) 744 20 26
Halo-Halo Special, P55
Halo-Halo Ice Cream P50
Urbana Silva Santiago, or Aling Banang, started a humble food stall at the San Juan Public Market in the 1930’s—and her halo-halo fast became its sureball summer hit.
From the more or less 13 branches in the Metro, I particularly chose the one in West Crame. The façade almost looked nondescript and the actual dining space was actually small. Yet you could feel its confidence in the menu.
On this sweltering weekday, I elected to order both their Halo-Halo Special (with 3 scoops of ice cream, a slice of leche flan, corn, corn flakes and grated cheese) and Halo-Halo Ice Cream (shaved ice replaced by 3 scoops of ube ice cream).
Each portion was ample enough to satisfy dessert lovers. I was more for the Halo-Halo Special than the one with too much ube ice cream in it. Their halo-halo ice cream was just too rich for me. Though I appreciate their intention and the generous portions of ice cream, one could not help but think of this as sassily confected yet kind of confused in terms of profile. It was fun to look at (I’m sure kids will go crazy over it) but there was just too much ice cream and ube and sweetness and richness happening.
It only made me want to shift quickly to the more traditional variety. Its flavors simply bring you home. Just where you want to be. No exacting review for this one and I was really happy with the price.
Only thing with the Halo-Halo Special is how I personally do not believe in this grated cheese and shaved ice affair. I can forgive the corn flakes but I think cheese was meant to be enjoyed as a standalone or paired with some other viand.
I just had some issues with their kitchen and food prep set up. I found the spot where they made my halo-halo a bit messy and well, not that clean. Though I understand how busy it can get in their kitchen, please do keep in mind that we do mind.
Revisit Tonipet Gaba's halo-halo round-up!
Nathaniel’s Special Halo-Halo: 'For anyone craving the classic version, Nathaniel’s has it...It was foolproof and confident. Distinguishably Capampangan and proudly Pinoy."
Luz The Original Razon’s Halo-Halo: "Hands down my all-time favorite. Nothing beats the original."
Kabigting’s Halo-Halo: "My first spoonful had me wide-eyed and intrigued...it was fascinatingly delicious."
Original Digman Halo-Halo and Homemade Siopao: "This halo-halo sure knows how to bring me back to my childhood. Freshness is indeed key. The simplicity of the flavors also creates a party in your mouth." — BM, GMA News
