Words and Photos by Lorraine GironÂ
The unbearable heat of summer is upon us once again. You are probably thinking right now what cold and sweet treat you want to indulge in to cool yourself down. Luckily, there are so many options readily offered in the Metro now! Ice Cream? Halo-Halo? Patbingsu? You name it, Manila has it for you!
However, if you are feeling adventurous, here are some of our recommended desserts with a unique twist that would definitely satisfy your cravings.
5. Giant Scramble + CookiesÂ
Classic Half-Giant P149 | Giant Scramble P249
Ice Scramble or Iskrambol is a classic Filipino street food that definitely brings out our childhood memories. But who knew that this simple ice-shaved treat could be made ten times better? Fortunately, My Cookie Lab has just done that!
And, aside from the bigger and better presentation, this giant scramble is made more flavorful with homemade cookies!
For those looking for more unique scramble flavors, they offer Green Tea Matcha, Ube, Coffee Madness, Cookies and Cream, and their newest flavor, Red Velvet! And what’s better is that they also offer a DIY scramble for delivery!
My Cookie Lab
75-E Nicanor Roxas St. Brgy. Sto. Domingo Quezon City
Open from Monday to Sunday, 12 PM-10PM
Facebook: @mycookielab
Instagram: @mycookielab
4. Kuromitsu KakigoriÂ
First time hearing the term  Kakigori? Basically, it is the Japanese’s version of our Halo-Halo! It is a shaved ice dessert topped with syrup and sweetener, usually condensed milk. But what makes it unique compared to our Halo-Halo and Korean Patbingsu? Kakigori makes use of minimal ingredients and processes, but still makes it a flavorful, refreshing, and healthy dessert. At Ikigai Kakigori Cafe, there are no preservatives used and everything is made in-house. Kakigori is the perfect dessert after a heavy meal because it would not leave you feeling bloated.
Kuromitsu (Solo P200 | For Sharing P260)Â
Meet the Kuromitsu. While it is an unfamiliar flavor to us Filipinos and is often mistaken as “mocha” or “taho”, it is actually a classic Japanese flavor. It consists of Milk Ice, Brown Sugar Syrup, Adzuki, Shiratama and Houjicha Ice Cream. In case you are unfamiliar with the ingredients, Adzuki is a red mung bean while Shiratama is a type of mochi that uses glutinous rice flour made from Shiratamako or Mochiko. Houjicha, on the other hand, is roasted green tea ice cream. They serve the Kakigori with an extra syrup on the side for controlled sweetness.
Milk Ice is finely shaved which makes the texture and flavors consistently complement each other. For those who love brown sugar flavor, the syrup is actually not too sweet and it brings out the flavor of the Kakigori. The Shiratama is very chewy and gooey as well. You’ll know that it is different from the commercial mochi you can buy in the grocery. The Houjicha’s nutty flavor is a contrast to the sweetness of the syrup.
Ikigai Kakigori CafeÂ
POS Building, Scout Mandriñan corner Tomas Morato Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City
(02) 372-1341 / 0999-470-4749
Open from 11AM–10PM daily
Facebook: ikigaicafe | Instagram: ikigaikakigoricafe
3. Kuro Goma KakigoriÂ
Kuro Goma (Solo P210 | For Sharing P270)
Filipinos may be familiar with the use of Black Sesame as an ingredient in our meals, sauces, and condiments, but how about Black Sesame for dessert? It may raise some eyebrows, but it is actually a popular flavor in Japanese cuisine! Kuro Goma or Black Sesame consists of milk ice, Black Sesame syrup, Panna Cotta, Adzuki and Black Sesame ice cream. Ikigai Kakigori Cafe has made a way to make it a delicious flavor suited for Filipinos’ palate.
Ikigai Kakigori CafeÂ
POS Building, Scout Mandriñan corner Tomas Morato Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City
(02) 372-1341 / 0999-470-4749
Open from 11AM–10PM daily
Facebook: ikigaicafe | Instagram: ikigaikakigoricafe
2. The Mid-Summer FestivalÂ
The Mid Summer Festival (P268)
The Mid Summer Festival consists of Mango Ice Cream, Yuzu Kanten, Mango Pomelo, Chocolate Pearls and Vanilla Ice Cream. (But instead of Mango Ice Cream, Strawberry Ice Cream was used when we ordered for my sister) This is not your usual ice cream, but it is something that kids would really love as well! I love how not just the Ice Cream stood out, but also the Mango Pomelo and other components of the dessert.
1. Purple In LoveÂ
Purple In Love (P258)Â
There is not much grape-flavored desserts offered in the Metro, so as a grape lover, I approve this! Purple In Love is actually The Dessert Kitchen’s Award-Winning dessert. The Dessert Kitchen is an international brand which originated from Hong Kong. Purple in Love consists of Grape Shaved Ice topped with Kyoho Grape Seaweed balls, Mini Rice Balls, Grapes and Taro Mochi Ice Cream. The Kyoho Grape Seaweed balls as well as the Taro Mochi Ice Cream are my favorite parts of this dessert! I love the crunchy and popping candy texture of it. Despite the unconventional mix of ingredients, they complement well together. The Dessert Kitchen also offers other interesting desserts, which will surely make me come back for more.
The Dessert Kitchen
G/F, Midtown Wing, Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita, Manila
Open from Monday to Sunday, 10am to 9pm
Facebook: @thedessertkitchenph
Know of any more unique desserts you found around Metro Manila? Tell us in the comments!
