Food Review: The famous Digman Halo-Halo


If you're from the South, I'm sure you've heard of Digman, a humble baranggay in Bacoor Cavite made famous by Halo-Halo. Halo-Halo means "mix-mix" because you literally have to mix a dozen of different ingredients with milk and shaved ice topped with leche flan, ube halaya and ice cream. When I was young, my family often troops to Digman when we crave for indulgent desserts and Pinoy merienda. So visiting Digman again takes me back to my happy childhood. It's sweet nostalgia! 

There are several stores in Digman but I've only been to the two more famous refreshment parlors, which incidentally, also claims to be the original. The Original Digman Halo-Halo and Home Made Siopao (which boasts of a patent ha!) and the Talk of Town Original Famous Digman Halo-Halo Special. Don't expect too mucn from these places though, because they are simple old houses turned to stores and still have that laid back, canteen feel. I guess that's part of the novelty. I revisited Digman recently and here's hoping you'll either walk down the memory lane with me, or, discover something new. 

The Original Digman Halo-Halo and Home Made Siopao offers Pinoy merienda like pansit, sweet spaghetti, home made siopao and of course, Halo-Halo and its cousin, Mais con Yelo. A regular Halo-Halo is only Php 55, pansit and spaghetti is Php 40 and their home made siopao is only Php 22. A hundred bucks will go a long way! The owner also welcomes the visitors and makes friendly chit chats.



Like a true warrior, I went ahead and also tried the contender. The Talk of Town Original Famous Digman Halo-Halo Special (that's a mouthful!) is just across the street. They offer similar menu of Pinoy merienda but their Halo-Halo is a little cheaper at Php 45. It's also interesting to see framed news clippings and photos of their celebrity visitors including politicians. Don't forget to order their Pork BBQ which they consign from the vendor beside their store. It's tender and very tasty! 




I personally favor the Original Digman Halo-Halo and Home Made Siopao based on the taste of their lead star, the Halo-Halo. It's sweet but not sickening, ingredients are tasty and well-cooked and they use Alpine, which IMO is the best milk for Halo-Halo. I think they stick to their original recipe through the years. On the other hand, the Talk of Town Digman Original Halo-Halo remains to be a tough competition. Their Halo-Halo tastes okay, but I didn't particularly like two things - too much and artificial vanilla taste and cheaper, sweeter evaporated creamer. Yup, I can recognize the taste. Milk makes a lot of difference. But don't just take my word for it. Go try both and tell me what you like better. 

So if you plan to visit Digman anytime soon, here are some practical tips: 

1. Baranggay Digman is located very near the Bacoor Town Plaza and church. It's along Rubio and Gawaran Streets, you won't miss it. Go and check google map. :) 

2. To be sure, order bottled water, or bring your own. 

3. It's a very casual place where barkadas, students and families eat. Dress casually. 

4. Be adventurous with food. 

Enjoy your food trip! :)

Much Love, 
Dang

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