Combining different tastes and textures is a huge thing in Filipino cuisine. In the ice cream, the sweetness of the ice cream and corn is complemented (and arguably enhanced) by the saltiness of the cheese. The corn also provides a little crunch. I think it’s that same combo in elote that makes it so good.

One of my favorite snacks from my childhood that I still enjoy to this day is green mango with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste). The green mango is crunchy and sour while the bagoong is salty with a good dose of umami.