UNUSUAL FOOD IN THE PHILIPPINES
WARNING: This is not for the faint of heart, or of stomach rather.
The Philippines is known for its superb beaches, and us Filipino for world-class hospitality and amazingly warm smiles. Various stunning dishes also takes the spotlight, like Adobo, Sinigang, Laing, and many more from all-over the country, with each province having its own specialty.
A foreigner visiting the Philippines will be offered many different dishes, as we do love to share, and food is a language of love for many. More often than not, visitors will likely be offered more than the 'usual' food, too. These may include, but not be limited to, BATS, RATS, PIG'S BLOOD, BUGS AND WORMS.
Read on to know more of some unusual bites you may want to try, or be prepared for, when visiting the country.
BALUT
WHAT is it?
Balut is a fertilized duck egg, boiled or steamed after a 2-3 week incubation.
WHERE to get?
Balut is sold everywhere. Wherever you are, just ask the locals where you may get Balut from, or wait for a roaming vendor's shout of 'Baluuuuuuuuuuuuuut!'. Some local 711 are selling them too. Pateros City in National Capital Region is known to be the 'Balut Capital', although I haven't tried theirs and cannot make a comparisson.
HOW is it served?
Eaten straight from the shell, just crack it open on one of the egg-tips. You can drink the liquid from the inside, then eat the yellow yolk part and of course, the semi-developed duck embryo, with salt or spiced vinegar. It does actually taste good, just try not to stare while eating, or pick apart the egg.
DINUGUAN
WHAT is it?
Dinuguan is pork blood stew, where meat is sauteed in garlic, onion and ginger. Vinegar and pepper are also ingredients, but what makes this unique is that as described, pig's blood is thrown in the mixture.
WHERE to get?
Fairly easy to track, lots of restaurants and fast-food chains serve dinuguan. I specially like the one from Goldilock's and Tsokolat, ironically both of these are bakeshops with some outlets doubling as restaurants.
HOW is it served?
In a bowl, a generous portion is usually served with Puto (steamed bread) or rice. It is quite yummy, you may want to watch a youtube video of people trying it for the first time.
Home-cooked dinuguan.
These next five are all grilled street-food with very fitting names. For me, the best place to enjoy these is Isaw House located in Taytay, Rizal.
BETAMAX
WHAT is it?
Appropriately names since you have small-rectangular shaped pieces on a stick, Betamax is pre-cooked chicken blood that is further cooked on a grill.
ADIDAS
WHAT is it?
Adidas is basically grilled chicken feet, usually pre-cooked adobo- style. Need you ask why it is names as such?
HELMET
WHAT is it?
Helmet, grilled chicken head, is a must-try. Wittily named, the tasty brain is the highlight. You are encouraged to eat all parts, including the eyes, and just throw the bones out.
)WETPACKS
WHAT is it?
Wetpacks is rich, fatty, grilled chicken tails.
ISAW
WHAT is it?
Isaw is small intestine of either pig or chicken. Grilled, adobo or sisig, it is very delicious, but tediously prepared as you have to clean it properly. I was having it this afternoon hence the inspiration for this.
WHERE to get?
Betamax., Adidas, Helmet, Wetpacks and Isaw can all be easily sourced, as most communities will have a pop-up stall selling these. There also food carts now in malls where you can buy popular street food, one example is Isaw House. You can find more from Zomato site https://www.zomato.com/manila/restaurants/dish-isaw
HOW is it served?,
Served on a stick, you can dip it in spiced vinegar or barbeque sauce.
DAGANG BUKID
WHAT is it?
Dagang-bukid is FARM RAT, either fried or adobo cooked. Usually these rats eat sugarcane. Prior to frying, it is left to dry in the sun for a day.
WHERE to get?
If you are in Metro Manila, there is probably zero chance for you to try this. In farming provinces though, like Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Aurora, Bacolod, among others.
HOW is it served?
Adobo or fried, the rat is usually cooked whole, eaten either with rice or stand-alone. The meat is tasty (or so my aunt described) because these rats usually stick on sugarcane-diet. Just don't think about what you are eating and you're good to go, they say.
PANIKI
WHAT is it?
Paniki, or BAT either fried or adobo cooked. Usually these rats eat sugarcane. Prior to frying, it is left to dry in the sun for a day.
WHERE to get?
If you are in Metro Manila, there is probably zero chance for you to try this. In farming provinces though, like Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Aurora, Bacolod, among others.
HOW is it served?
Adobo or fried, the rat is usually cooked whole, eaten either with rice or stand-alone. Soft hairs are removed, then cooked in different species such as coconut milk, herbs, and pepper. The meat is tasty (or so my aunt described) because these rats usually stick on sugarcane-diet. Just don't think about what you are eating and you're good to go, they say.
TAMILOK
WHAT is it?
Tamilok or wood worms are actually mollusks that can be found on rotten woods and trees.
WHERE to get?
Popular in Mindanao provinces such as Davao, Agusan, and Surigao.
HOW is it served?
It is either eaten raw, or fried and adobo style. If adventurus enough to eat raw, wash it thouroughly, add a dash of lemon and feel the tingle when popping them in your mouth!
SALAGUBANG
WHAT is it?
Salagubang or June Bettle are also popular in farming areas. I have had the pleasure of trying adobong salagubang when I was about 6 years old. My mom actually made me try it and it was delish. Delicious, meaty and perfect as an appetizer.
WHERE to get?
Popular farming provinces, like Pampanga and Nueva Ecija
HOW is it served?
Dry or wet adobo, served in a bowl and just dig in to munch!
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)
TIPAKLONG
WHAT is it?
Tipaklong or grasshoppers are popular source of protein for some farming areas.
WHERE to get?
Popular farming provinces, some markets even offer the grasshopper for sale.
HOW is it served?
First steamed in boiling, then the wings are removed, tipaklong can be served boiled, adobo or fried
ABALIN
WHAT is it?
Fried Beetle Grub has a pleasant taste and is very chewy. If you had tried eating chicken tendons, the taste is similar to this.
WHERE to get?
Popular farming provinces
HOW is it served?
Abalin is fried, seasoned with a dash of vinegar adding pepper and salt.
KAMARO
WHAT is it?
Kamaro is a cricket pest in farmlands. It is both crunchy and chewy at the same time. I have had the pleasure of bringing a pot of this and sharing it with my reluctant co-workers!
WHERE to get?
Popular farming provinces like Pampanga, where Kamaro is very popular.
HOW is it served?
Kamaro is either stir-fried, sauteed in onion and garlic or is simply cooked adobo-style. Served as an apetizer.
Very exotic and definitely not for the faint of heart. Some of my colleagues used to rave about Balut but i'm too chicken to try haha.
Maybe next time i'm in Manila haha.
I remember the 1st time i tried balot..i was putting it in my mouth with eyes close lolsss
But definitely not anymore! @mariayves0912
no matter how big the chick is, i will still manage to eat it..haha..
And a couple at that! So far wa pa naman na-high blood sa dami ng kinaen.
yah, i can eat 5 maximum.🤗
i'm too chicken to try it lol!
Go go go try it next time you're here and post about it. Make sure to tag me when you do hehe.
Be the python that you are and eat that chicken whole! Lol
this is a great blog post...the fertilized egg one tho..does that mean the body is soft? what about the feathers? hmm..no judgement at all each cultures way of eating is so interesting..and beautiful..I love learning about it
Depending on how fertilized the egg is, the duck could be extremely soft, including its bones. The one on the photo, I think you'd have to throw some bones out when eaten.
And...the feathers...are...eaten...too! Sounds and looks weird but the feathers are too soft as well you won't even notice what they are!
@thebookofuma thank you for taking the interest on this :) :) :)
Ohhh these deliciously ewwwwyyyy treats. Love them! Balut and Kamaro.. wipee!!
Deliciously ewwwyyyyy. You didn't get to try salagubang? Your lola made me hahaha.
Ohh no i didnt :P hahaha. I am quite glad I didnt. :))
You're missing a lot. Not tok late to catch up! Lol
Look at all the food!
But for most, my reaction would be like:
Hahaha what have you NOT tried from the list @deveerei?
A lot! I haven't even tried eating the duckling from a balut, I only eat the non-living(undead!) parts.
Ahm.. day-old chick is out of the question then?
Haha. Haven't tried that too. I'm not too adventurous when it comes do exotic food.
wow tamilok. nutritious but...
A delicious bite in every 'but!'
There are a few here I will have to ask the wife about :D
Especially the "DAGANG BUKID" I will have to try :P
When I was in the Philipines to meet my wifes family , I always joked about wanting a "Rat Burger" seems like I can have a chance next time :D
Yay! @dcymatrix make sure to find one on sugarcane and rice diet!
On one hand, I imagine Mickey Mouse silently crying reading my post.
Sugar cane & rice diet, made a mental note of that! Thank you for a great article btw :)
I think Mickey Mouse ain't gonna feel anything, I think I saw him on one of the plates! :P
R.I.P Mickey in the Tummy :'(
Damn! Eating balut is my worst nightmare :D I saw it in documentaries and they also had to eat this in Survivor food challenge couple times. Anyway, nice article, I followed!
Thanks @lepton! IF ever you have a sudden bout of bravery to conquer your nightmare, make sure to have a deliciously spiced vinegar handy.
My recipe for this:
1/8 Cup vinegar (CANE is the best for me)
Some onions, garlic and chilis- throw in as much as you want!
1 Tsp sugar
Pinch of salt and pepper
You don't have to consume all this with one balut though =^_^=
Read again, I thought you initially said ISAW it in documentaries...
So is it crunchy? Do you feel bones in it? Also those feathers doesn't look very nice...
There is a crunchier version, day-old chick.
For balut though,
Depending on how fertilized the egg is, the duck could be extremely soft, including its bones. The one on the photo, I think you'd have to throw some bones out when eaten.
And...the feathers...are...eaten...too! Sounds and looks weird but the feathers are too soft as well you won't even notice what they are!
I love this post! These foods all look and sound so good! Why does the TAMILOK tingle?
The tingly sensation from the dash of lemon, or maybe the thought of eating a raw worm. Yum!
LOL I have eaten many raw and moving things :-) Octopus is one of my favorites in Korea.
Raw I've had, but not moving. I'd be too slow to catch 'em should they escape lol.
It is hard with the metal chopsticks, you need good grip strength so that it doesn't crawl away lol.
i love eating freaky things , but the Balut i am not so sure about haha . I have seen people eat it tho.
Just close your eyes when you do lol. I saw one episode of the Amazing Race USA and balut-eating is one of their challenges.
I understand the struggle, specially if the embryo is as developed as the above image.
That is fascinating, I always like to see delicacies from around the world. If I ever get a chance to visit the Philippines I'd certainly have to try some of these. For some reason I think kamaro would end up becoming a favourite of mine.
Oh, and in that picture of the chicken showing the anatomy of Pinoy street food, is the word "balun" pointing at the lungs? And does it mean balloon?
@the-dagda Kamaro is a good choice. Actually, that is "balun-balunan" or Gizzard. Practically every part of the chicken is consumed here, only exception maybe are the nails and feathers!
Ah, I see, I thought balun and balunan were two different ways to say the same thing.
A bit of a tongue-twister too. Balunbalunan balunbalunan balunbalunan (repeat 100 times).