Razon’s of Guagua: A new twist to an old fave
Before halo-halo became a canvas for every topping imaginable, there was Razon’s of Guagua, a quiet constant in many Filipino summers. Its halo-halo was so simple it felt like a childhood secret: paper-thin shaved ice, sweetened ripe saging na saba, silky macapuno, and just enough evaporated milk to taste like summer in a glass.
For many of us, it wasn’t just a dessert; it was a gentle ritual shared with family, a cool pause on long road trips to the north, a taste of home that never tried to impress—only to comfort.
A new look, a new menu
Razon’s of Guagua continues to honor that same comforting simplicity while embracing something new. Just before the year ends, the owners decided to revamp the store and menu to appeal to a younger set.
The re-launch, themed “Welcome keng bale!” (Welcome home), celebrates Razon’s enduring legacy as a Filipino favorite known for simplicity, comfort, and authentic flavor.
“We want Gen Z to come to Razon’s for the love of the food and the inviting ambience—not just because their parents brought them along,” says Edwina Razon-Ayson, Razon’s Food Corp. president, during the opening of its SM MOA branch.
The refreshed store features a cleaner, more contemporary design and a new flowing logo inspired by the swirling motion of mixing halo-halo. Shaped like a heart, it symbolizes warmth, family, and Filipino pride—a fitting emblem for the only Razon’s with a heart.
The menu refresh introduces a modern twist while keeping the classics intact. The familiar halo-halo remains at the heart of the offerings, now joined by the Ube Macapuno Halo-Halo—a vibrant, textured, and creamy version that proves “mas masarap ang simple lang.”
The moment your spoon breaks through the finely shaved ice, you get that familiar cool softness—almost like snow collapsing. Then comes the ube: thick, velvety, and gently sweet, coating the tongue with a creamy, earthy warmth that lingers. The macapuno threads through each bite in smooth, chewy strands, releasing a subtle coconut perfume as the ice melts. Together, the flavors swirl into something deeper and more luxurious, yet still beautifully restrained—a halo-halo that tastes like the classic you grew up with, wrapped in a softer, richer embrace.
Alongside the Ube Macapuno Halo-Halo, the refreshed menu also features Lutong Bale ni Razon’s, homecooked meals that transport you back home.
Chef Charles Ayson’s Kalderetang Baka is rich and tender, with slow-cooked beef that melts in your mouth, bathed in a savory tomato-based sauce balanced with a gentle tang and slight sweetness. Each bite carries the warmth of Kapampangan cooking, with subtle hints of garlic, onions, and spices that linger.
The twice-cooked Garlic Fried Chicken Adobo is golden and crispy on the outside, juicy and flavorful inside, while the sisig sizzles with a tangy, savory punch that keeps you coming back for more.
Together, these dishes evoke the simple pleasure of a homecooked meal: familiar, heartwarming, yet elevated for a modern dining experience.
As Edwina reflects, “Even with the changes, our focus has always been—and will always be—serving the very best of Filipino food. Growth may come, but staying true to our soul, to offering the best of the best, is non-negotiable.”
With its refreshed look, new menu, and unwavering commitment to simple, comforting flavors, Razon’s of Guagua proves that tradition and innovation can coexist beautifully.
Whether you’re revisiting the classic halo-halo of your childhood, savoring the rich warmth of Kalderetang Baka, or trying the new Ube Macapuno Halo-Halo for the first time, every bite is a reminder that food doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs to be made with heart. At Razon’s of Guagua, every meal still feels like coming home.
