Mix it up

In Tagalog, halo-halo means “mix-mix.” Indeed, the Filipino dessert—layers of crushed ice, sweetened beans, neon jellies, tapioca pearls and evaporated milk—benefits from a vigorous stir before consumption. Don’t be tempted to first eat the violet-colored ube ice cream, jackfruit ice cream or smooth cube of flan that rests on top—that all gets mixed in, too. The blending of seemingly disparate ingredients signifies the melting pot of cultures—Chinese, Malay, Indian, American—that influence the Philippines. But don’t think too hard. Just try the $5.35 version at Elk Grove’s best Filipino spot. 9174 Franklin Boulevard, Suite C, in Elk Grove; (916) 395-3905.