We were invited to Kuya J Restaurant’s 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.

Kuya J just dropped leveled up halo-halo | Photo: Kuya J Restaurant

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.

Grilled Scallops | Photo: CJ Reyes

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.

Kroketas | Photo: CJ Reyes

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're necessary summer survival. Kuya J is leaning into that truth with four distinct takes on the beloved classic.

Meet the Halo-Halo Espeysal lineup

Classic Halo-Halo Espesyal | Photo: Kuya J Restaurant

Classic Halo-Halo Espesyal, a cool, milky-smooth base topped with leche flan and crunchy cornflakes—simple joys done right.

Ube Halo-Halo Espesyal | Photo: Kuya J Restaurant

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.

Photo: CJ Reyes

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!

Photo: CJ Reyes

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. 

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.