During the summer, we always can’t help but run to the nearest store or restaurant to get our fix of ice cream sundaes or the ever-favorite halo-halo. But sometimes, we tend to get curious and try other treats that can satisfy the craving. Fortunately, there are many other restaurants that you can visit (and stay in if they have strong air-conditioning) that serve sweet cool desserts that veer away from our usual halo-halo. So, if you’re up for something new in the summer, you can try these five treats we’ve listed below.
#1 Café Seolhwa’s Pat Bing Su (P190/single, P260/large)
Café Seolhwa is reminiscent of Korea’s winter season, not only because of the winter mural on its walls (as well as the other decors like giant snow shoes and a snowman) but also because of its specialty: the bing su. Bing su is a Korean shaved ice dessert served with sweet toppings like fruits and beans with syrup glazing. It comes in nine flavors like mango, strawberry, chocolate, and green tea among others. For a classic taste, opt for the Pat Bing Su which has sweet red beans, grain powder, and rice cake jujube chips.
Café Seolhwa, The Forum, 7th Avenue Corner Federacion Drive, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. (02) 246-9069 ext: 755. Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
#2 St. Marc Café’s Classic Fuji (P230)
St. Marc Café takes its dessert game seriously. It offers extravagant takes on cone desserts and other cold treats like parfaits and soft serve ice cream. Each one assures a party in your mouth, as well as give you visual appeal which makes it perfect to post on Instagram. Bread is also one of their specialties and to get the best of both worlds, try the Classic Fuji―a piece of buttered Danish bread served a la mode with soft serve vanilla ice cream, Azuki beans, Kuromitsu, and matcha powder.
St. Marc Café, G/F, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Mega Mall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City. (02) 531-8062. Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information and list of locations, visit their Facebook page.
#3 Farmacy’s Brioche Bomboloni (P225)
Ever dreamed of stepping in a retro 1920’s-style diner as if you’re a character in Archie comics? Farmacy brings you the experience complete with that ambiance and an impressive roster of frosty delights. This ice cream shop and soda fountain veers away from processed ingredients and creates their mixes daily, making sure it offers healthier selections than others. It has classic sundae and float concoctions but for a different treat, try the Brioche Bomboloni. Brioche is a pastry ball with a golden and flaky crust. Farmacy acquires its stock from Wildflour, which is its sister restaurant known for their notable pastries. This dessert is served with your choice of any available ice cream flavor.
Farmacy, G/F, Netlima Building, 4th Avenue Corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. (02) 887-3622. Open from 11 a.m. to 12 m.n. from Sundays to Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
#4 The Lost Bread’s The Carnival (P99)
In the mood for something thick and frothy? Head over to the The Lost Bread and get your hands in one of its cake shakes (yes, you read that right). The appearance alone can fuel curiosity among fodies and the restaurant lives up to the hype by fulfilling every sweet tooth’s fantasy with its grandiose flavors. It does not scrimp on servings as well despite the affordable price. These over-the-top shakes come in six mixes, three of which are available for all ages, while the other three are only sold to adults due to their alcoholic content. For a sugar revelry and tap-worthy treat, The Carnival is the perfect choice. It is a cotton candy-flavored shake with caramel popcorn toppings and a literal cotton candy fixed atop.
The Lost Bread, Food Park, 91 Maginhawa Street, Teachers Village, Quezon City. (02) 246-9069 ext: 233. Open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. from Sundays to Thursdays, 5 p.m. to 12 m.n. on Fridays and Saturdays, and closed on Mondays. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
#5 Milkbox’s Tres Leches Waffle Sundae (P245 for two scoops)
Those who live in the south can rave about this dessert parlor in their area. Milkbox specializes in wonuts (waffle donuts), its self-dubbed “cwazy shakes,” and waffle sundaes. No savory item can be found in the menu as it only concentrates on sweet indulgences. The Tres Leches Waffle Sundae is a stunner among customers. A pair of freshly-made waffles are drenched in a milk bath and served a la mode with any choice of ice cream flavors. Waffle sundaes are also offered in Espresso Belgian and Dark Chocolate variants.
Milkbox, LG/F, New Wing, Alabang Town Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. (0999) 884-0624. Open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit their Facebook page.