Hey there! If you’re anything like me, you believe that one of the best ways to truly understand a culture is through its food. As Deborah Cater once said, “You have to taste a culture to understand it,” and nowhere is this more true than in the Philippines. Today, I’m excited to take you on a delightful journey through some of the most scrumptious Filipino desserts that you absolutely must try this year. Let’s dive in!
1. Halo-Halo: A Filipino Summer Classic
Ah, halo-halo—my absolute favorite Filipino dessert, especially during those scorching summer days. In Filipino, “halo” means mix, and that’s exactly what you do with this dessert—stir it up until every bite is a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
What is Halo-Halo?
Imagine a bowl filled with shaved ice, sweetened bananas, sweet potatoes, taro, jackfruit, corn kernels, and coconut. Top it off with tapioca pearls, leche flan, and a scoop of purple yam ice cream. Yes, it’s as heavenly as it sounds!
Where to Try Halo-Halo?
You can find halo-halo almost everywhere in the Philippines. For a classic experience, head to Icebergs or Aristocrat Restaurants. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Bambang Halo-Halo with 24k gold shavings and other luxurious toppings—it’s an experience fit for royalty!
2. Suman: A Taste of Tradition
Next up, we have suman—a simple yet unforgettable dessert that holds a special place in my heart. Made from glutinous rice and wrapped in banana leaves, suman is a Filipino delicacy that’s perfect any time of the day.
What is Suman?
Suman is steamed and cooked in coconut milk, giving it a rich, creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. It’s chewy texture and subtle sweetness make it hard to resist.
Where to Try Suman?
For the best suman, I recommend Merle’s Native Delicacies or Tata Tito Suman in Legaspi Village, Makati. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll find yourself craving it at all hours.
3. Ginataang Bilo-Bilo: A Coconut Lover’s Dream
Ginataang bilo-bilo is a sweet coconut-based dessert soup that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Made with glutinous rice balls, coconut cream, sugar, sago pearls, and ripe jackfruit, this dessert is a true taste of Filipino hospitality.
What is Ginataang Bilo-Bilo?
This dessert combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with the chewy texture of glutinous rice balls. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl—perfect for chilly evenings or as a midday snack.
How to Enjoy Ginataang Bilo-Bilo?
You can order ginataang bilo-bilo via Grab or Food Panda, or try making it at home with a simple recipe found online. It’s a great way to bring a taste of the Philippines into your own kitchen.
4. Bibingka: Christmas in Every Bite
Bibingka is a Filipino rice cake that’s synonymous with Christmas in the Philippines. Cooked inside bamboo tubes, this dessert is traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season.
What is Bibingka?
The rice cake is topped with butter, freshly grated coconut, and muscovado sugar, giving it a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors. It’s a must-try if you want to experience a taste of Filipino Christmas traditions.
Where to Try Bibingka?
You can find bibingka being sold by street vendors during the Christmas season, or try it at local restaurants like Little Quiapo or Peninsula Lobby in Makati.
5. Mais con Yelo: Sweet Corn Perfection
Mais con yelo is a refreshingly simple Filipino dessert that’s perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day. Made with shaved ice, sweet corn, milk, and sometimes ice cream, it’s a favorite among people of all ages.
What is Mais con Yelo?
The sweet corn adds a delightful crunch to the creamy sweetness of the milk, making it a treat for your taste buds. It’s easy to make at home with just a few ingredients and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
How to Make Mais con Yelo?
All you need is canned corn, shaved ice, milk, and a bit of sugar. Mix it all together, and voila! You’ve got a refreshing dessert that’s sure to be a hit at your next summer barbecue.
6. Leche Flan: Creamy Indulgence
Leche flan is a creamy caramel custard that’s a staple at Filipino celebrations. Its origins date back to Spanish colonization, and it has since become a beloved dessert across the Philippines.
What is Leche Flan?
Made with egg yolks and condensed milk, leche flan is steamed to perfection, giving it a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist. It’s often served as a topping for other desserts or enjoyed on its own.
Where to Try Leche Flan?
For the best leche flan, check out restaurants like Little Quiapo, Cafe Via Mare, or Abe. You can also order it online via Grab or Food Panda for a sweet treat delivered right to your doorstep.
7. Sapin-Sapin: A Colorful Delight
Sapin-sapin is a layered glutinous rice dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With layers of yellow (jackfruit), white (coconut), and purple (purple yam), it’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
What is Sapin-Sapin?
This dessert is topped with latik, a coconut milk residue that adds a creamy finish to each bite. It’s a popular choice for special occasions and is sure to impress your guests with its vibrant colors and flavors.
Where to Try Sapin-Sapin?
For the best sapin-sapin, I recommend Original Dolores, Restaurante Pia Y Damaso, or Suzie’s Cuisine. These places serve up some of the most delicious and beautifully presented sapin-sapin you’ll ever taste.
8. Buko Pandan: Cool and Creamy
Buko pandan is a cold and refreshing dessert made with jelly cubes, young coconut, sweetened cream, and tapioca pearls. It’s a popular choice during Filipino gatherings, especially during Christmas Eve.
What is Buko Pandan?
The dessert is sweet and creamy with the light crunchiness of shredded coconut and the chewy burst of nata de coco, a translucent coconut gel. It’s easy to make at home and is sure to be a hit with your family.
Where to Try Buko Pandan?
You can find buko pandan at many Filipino restaurants like Max’s Restaurant, Pandan Asian Cafe, or Nathaniel’s Bake Shop. You can even find tubs of buko pandan in grocery stores for a hassle-free dessert option.
Conclusion
There you have it—eight delicious Filipino desserts that you absolutely must try this year! Whether you’re exploring the streets of Manila or making these treats in your own kitchen, each dessert offers a unique glimpse into Filipino culture and tradition. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a spoon and dig in!
If you have a favorite Filipino dessert or any questions, feel free to share them in the comments below. And don’t forget to subscribe for more insights into Filipino culture and travel tips. Happy eating!
