Have you made Tanghulu before? 😯🍓

Have you made Tanghulu before? 😯🍓 is a easy Filipino recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Angelo Marasigan on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 30 min

Cost: $5.50 total, $1.38 per serving

Ingredients

  • 10 pieces Strawberries (washed and patted completely dry)
  • 20 pieces Grapes (washed and patted completely dry; seedless preferred)
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar (white granulated sugar)
  • 0.5 cup Water (room temperature)
  • 2 cups Ice Cubes (for ice bath; use fresh ice)

Instructions

  1. Wash and Dry Fruit

    Rinse the strawberries and grapes under cold water, then pat them completely dry with paper towels so the sugar can adhere properly.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Thread Fruit onto Skewers

    Insert a strawberry onto the tip of a wooden skewer, followed by a grape, and continue alternating until the skewer is full. Repeat for all fruit.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Prepare Sugar Syrup

    Combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 0.5 cup of water in a saucepan. Turn the heat to high and bring to a rolling boil, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Boiling

  4. Make Ice Bath

    Fill a mixing bowl with ice cubes and add enough cold water to create a slushy ice bath.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Glaze Fruit and Chill

    Using tongs, dip each fruit‑skewer into the hot sugar syrup for 2–3 seconds, then immediately transfer it to the ice bath. Let it sit for a few seconds to harden the glaze.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Serve

    Remove the skewers from the ice bath, place them on a plate, and serve immediately or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
0g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
0g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Last updated: May 26, 2026

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Have you made Tanghulu before? 😯🍓

Recipe by Angelo Marasigan

Tong Hulu is a classic Filipino street‑food dessert featuring fresh strawberries and grapes glazed with a quick sugar syrup and set in an ice bath, resulting in a shiny, sweet coating perfect for parties or a simple treat.

EasyFilipinoServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
20m
Prep
5m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
35m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.50
Total cost
$1.38
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Fruit must be completely dry before dipping.
  • Sugar syrup must reach a full boil.
  • Immediate transfer to ice bath to set the glaze.

Safety Warnings

  • The sugar syrup reaches boiling temperatures; handle with care to avoid burns.
  • Use tongs or a heat‑proof utensil when dipping fruit to keep hands away from the hot syrup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Tong Hulu in Filipino cuisine?

A

Tong Hulu is a traditional Filipino street‑food dessert that dates back to the early 1900s, originally sold by vendors near schools and markets. It showcases the Filipino love for sweet, glossy treats made with simple fruit and sugar, often enjoyed as a snack during festivals and family gatherings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Tong Hulu in the Philippines?

A

In the Visayas, vendors often use mangoes or pineapple instead of strawberries, while in Luzon you’ll find variations with banana slices and even cheese‑coated fruit. Some regions add a hint of pandan essence to the syrup for a fragrant twist.

cultural
Q

How is Tong Hulu traditionally served during Filipino celebrations?

A

Tong Hulu is typically served on small bamboo trays or paper plates, allowing guests to pick up each skewer with their fingers. It’s a popular treat at birthdays, town fiestas, and school events because it’s easy to eat while standing or moving around.

cultural
Q

What occasions or festivals is Tong Hulu commonly associated with in the Philippines?

A

Tong Hulu is a staple at barangay (neighborhood) fiestas, Christmas night markets, and school fairs. Its bright colors and quick preparation make it ideal for large gatherings where vendors need to serve many people quickly.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are used in traditional Tong Hulu versus modern substitutes?

A

Traditional Tong Hulu uses fresh local strawberries or grapes, white granulated sugar, and plain water. Modern versions may substitute brown sugar for a deeper flavor, add lemon juice for tartness, or use frozen fruit for year‑round availability.

cultural
Q

What other Filipino desserts pair well with Tong Hulu?

A

Tong Hulu pairs nicely with other bite‑size sweets like puto (steamed rice cakes), bibingka (coconut rice cake), and halo‑halo (shaved ice dessert). The fresh fruit contrast balances richer, milk‑based treats.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Tong Hulu?

A

Common errors include not drying the fruit thoroughly, which prevents the sugar from sticking, and letting the syrup boil too long, causing it to harden before coating. Also, skipping the ice bath will result in a sticky, uneven glaze.

technical
Q

Why does this Tong Hulu recipe use a hot sugar syrup and ice bath instead of just coating the fruit?

A

The hot syrup creates a thin, glossy layer that instantly sets when plunged into the ice bath, giving the fruit a crisp, candy‑like shell. Skipping the ice bath would leave the glaze soft and prone to dripping.

technical
Q

How do I know when the sugar syrup is ready for coating the fruit?

A

The syrup is ready when it reaches a rolling boil and the sugar is completely dissolved, producing a clear, slightly thick liquid. At this point, a small drop dropped into cold water should form a firm but pliable bead.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Angelo Marasigan specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Angelo Marasigan focuses on Filipino home cooking, showcasing easy-to‑make street‑food classics, family recipes, and quick snack ideas that highlight traditional flavors with modern twists.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Angelo Marasigan's approach to Filipino dessert cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Angelo Marasigan emphasizes minimal equipment, fast preparation, and using ingredients that are readily available in typical Filipino households, whereas many other channels may rely on specialty tools or elaborate plating techniques.

channel

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