MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – In a culinary landscape where diversity often takes center stage, Halo Halo, a popular Filipino dessert, stands out as Madison’s sole Filipino food option within a 90-mile radius.
For owner Bess Miller, Halo Halo represents more than just a dessert; it embodies the fusion of cultures that she and her team embrace. “It represents us because of our mixed version of nationality,” explains Miller, delving into the Tagalog language’s meaning of “mixed.” This sentiment is reflected in the diverse offerings of the food truck, which features a blend of Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, and Filipino cuisine.
Despite initial apprehension, Miller was determined to introduce her cultural cuisine to Wisconsin. “At first, I was scared because it’s like…not a lot of people understand our food. I try my best to introduce and explain to people what kind of Filipino food we are serving,” she shares.
However, Miller’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. As word spreads about Halo Halo’s offerings, patrons are quick to praise the food’s quality. “It’s really good,” is a common refrain from satisfied customers.
The significance of Halo Halo’s presence in Madison is underscored by its status as the only Filipino food option within a 90-mile radius. The next nearest option can be found in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. “This kind of cuisine…it’s hard to find. It’s not common,” notes Miller.
For Miller, serving traditional Filipino fare is more than just a business venture; it’s a means of spreading joy and cultural appreciation. “To me mostly what I am thinking when I am serving food is to make people feel happy when they are eating,” she says.
While many food cart operations in Wisconsin are seasonal, Halo Halo has adapted to the colder months by offering catering services. “It’s very cold so we do some catering,” Miller explains.
As a women-owned and operated business, Halo Halo is not only leaving a taste of the Philippines in the Badger State but also paving the way for future growth. “If you saw us before we had a tiny cart. I am hoping maybe two more years from now we will have multiple food carts,” says Miller, expressing optimism for the future.
