Regina Troy Barrios

Article (news)

Kuya J Restaurant Halo-Halo

We were invited to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kuyajresto/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kuya J Restaurant’s</a> Halo-Halo Espesyal Tasting Session at Venice Grand Canal Mall in McKinley Hill, and let me tell you, it was not your typical Filipino lunch. Set against the Venetian-inspired canals and the heat of a summer afternoon, it was a full-on comfort food feast that led up to a refreshingly sweet reveal: four new, leveled-up versions of their signature halo-halo.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1745417913927Workbench Thumbnail.jpg" style="width:900px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Kuya J just dropped leveled up halo-halo | Photo: Kuya J Restaurant</div>Before diving into the icy dessert goodness, we warmed up with dishes that felt like a nostalgic embrace—except with a twist. Think: Cebu-style Grilled Chicken, juicy and smoky with a savory-sweet glaze; bold, rich Aligue Fried Rice; and piping hot Bulalo Salo with fork-tender meat, sweet corn, and fresh vegetables.If you’re team seafood, the Sizzling Pompano sa Gata delivered a creamy coconut-laced richness, while the Grilled Scallops were buttery, cheesy, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Filipino food can be indulgent, comforting, and yes—surprisingly light.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1745418314890DSC01183.JPG" style="width:900px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Grilled Scallops | Photo: CJ Reyes</div>Also on the table: Fish and Chips, Kuya J-style, where local tawilis meets crispy kamote chips (a fun nod to Tagaytay’s lakeside fare), and golden Lumpia Balls made with seasoned chicken in crunchy wrappers.The Kroketas deserve a moment: creamy mashed potatoes encased in a crisp shell, dipped in a sweet-savory Filipino sauce—a true Spanish-Filipino hybrid that hits the spot.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1745418383508DSC01176.JPG" style="width:900px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Kroketas | Photo: CJ Reyes</div>But the real stars of the day? The halo-halo. And not just any halo-halo. With the heat index in the Philippines rising to record highs and affecting not just how we live but what we crave, these icy Filipino staples are more than just dessert—they&#x27;re necessary summer survival. Kuya J is leaning into that truth with four distinct takes on the beloved classic.<div>Meet the Halo-Halo Espeysal lineup</div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1745418437329Kuya J Halo-Halo Espesyal (lifestyle).jpg" style="width:900px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Classic Halo-Halo Espesyal | Photo: Kuya J Restaurant</div>Classic Halo-Halo Espesyal, a cool, milky-smooth base topped with leche flan and crunchy cornflakes—simple joys done right.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1745418523331Kuya J Cheesy Ube Halo-Halo Espesyal (Lifestyle).jpg" style="width:900px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Ube Halo-Halo Espesyal | Photo: Kuya J Restaurant</div>Ube Halo-Halo Espesyal. Unlike typical halo-halo where ube is just an ice cream topper, this version infuses ube directly into the shaved ice, letting the earthy, nutty flavor of the purple yam shine through every spoonful.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1745418591951DSC01283.JPG" style="width:900px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Photo: CJ Reyes</div>Cheesy Ube Halo-Halo Espeysal. Ube-flavored ice mixed with grated cheddar cheese, creating a sweet-salty contrast that’s indulgent and very Filipino.Duo Halo-Halo Espesyal. A clever blend of Kuya J’s classic milky ice and ube ice, layered with essential toppings for those who want the best of both worlds—creamy leche flan and deep ube goodness.Each variant is as colorful as it is cooling, a vibrant ode to Filipino flavors reimagined for a new generation. At just Php89 for solo and Php135 for regular, they’re easy summer indulgences that offer real relief when the temperatures spike.Whether you’re craving a twist on tradition or just looking for a good reason to chill, this new halo-halo lineup delivers. And if this tasting session proves anything, it’s that Filipino comfort food is evolving in really surprising and delicious ways!<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1745418657811DSC01141.JPG" style="width:900px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Photo: CJ Reyes</div>Kuya J started as a humble eatery in Cebu and has since grown into one of the country’s most popular casual dining chains, known for its elevated takes on Filipino comfort food. <div>You can try their new Halo-Halo Espeysal flavors at any Kuya J branch nationwide or visit their stalls in select food courts and malls—including this season’s must-stop: their charming stall at Venice Grand Canal Mall, where the atmosphere is as chill as the dessert.</div>

Kuya J Levels Up the Halo-Halo Game with Four Cool New Flavors

Kuya J Levels Up the Halo-Halo Game with Four Cool New Flavors

Kuya J Restaurant Drops New Halo-Halo Flavors To Chill You Out In This Scorching Heat

People

Fashion

Beauty

Wellness

Travel

Culture

Living

Food

Weddings

Food

Kuya J Restaurant Drops New Halo-Halo Flavors To Chill You Out In This Scorching Heat

CJ Reyes

Published Apr 21, 2025 10:55 PM PHT

|

Updated Apr 23, 2025 10:55 PM PHT

Read More:

kuya j restaurant

halo halo flavors 2025

best halo halo in Manila

ube cheese halo halo

filipino comfort food

summer desserts philippines

dessert trends philippines

heatwave food manila

foodbymetro

Metro.Style is your go-to destination for all things chic and stylish—featuring the latest in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, celebrity news, and inspiring stories. It's your curated guide to living your best life.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.