Halo-halo is a popular Filipino dish that is true to its meaning, which is “everything”. I had a chance to try out this melange at Anantara Eastern Mangroves, which has introduced a dedicated halo-halo station at its new Tuesday night The Asian Affair buffet.
Basically this is a do-it-yourself affair: I layered pineapple chunks, mung beans, papaya, dragon fruit, red jello cubes, green-coloured cendol, which are basically gummy green bits that look like German spaetzle, but are made of rice flour. Slushy ice bits - created by a special machine right there at the table - and coconut milk go on top.
The combination is crazy, refreshing, bean-y, weird - yet not at all terrible. If I had to do it again, I’d trim down the action in that bowl by skipping the jello and cendol. But I gather that’s the beauty of halo-halo: you make it just how you like it.
• The Asian Affair is on Tuesdays, from 7-11pm, at Anantara Eastern Mangroves. Dh235 per person with house beverages, Dh195 with soft drinks. Phone 02 656 1000 or email emdining@anantara.com for more information.
amcqueen@thenational.ae
