4 min read · Jan 20, 2019
Imagine hot, white rice served on the table with adobo that’s brown and rich, or kare-kare with a relish or sauce like bagoong, or sinigang and a cup of its hot, sour broth to slurp.
Sounds very appetizing right? Well those are the usual Filipino dishes the foreigner visitors know. These foods are served to many Filipinos every day to fill up their empty stomach.
How about when you hear worms, crickets, beetles, or co*ckroaches as meal? Many of you would think it’s gross, knowing that those insects or bugs have been in those nasty places. But for some people, it’s a tasty dish.
The origin of exotic food here in Philippines started arising on World War. Because of the Filipinos’ situation those times, they eat whatever they thought can be edible. They eat spiders, worms, insects and even leaves for them to survive.
If you’re planning to travel around the Philippines this summer, here are some exotic food you should try to spice up your upcoming vacation:
• Kinilaw na Tamilok
These are fresh woodworms extracted from the wood. They soak it in either vinegar or calamansi juice with bits of ginger, and minced garlic. It has an oyster-like taste because it is actually not a worm but a mollusk. Tamilok is often found in the provinces Palawan and Aklan.
• Betute Tugak
If you love to eat chicken then this dish is for you because these frogs actually tastes like chicken. This exotic dish is a Kapampangan specialty. The frogs cooked are from those that roam around farms during the rainy season. First they remove the skin, season it with salt and pepper and stuff it with sautéed ground pork.
• Salawaki
Just like the tamilok, these sea urchins can also be eaten raw and fresh. Salawaki are also popular aphrodisiacs. These sea creatures look spiny outside with yellow or orange insides and can be found near the sea. And if you plan to go to these places: Bohol, Bolinao, and La Union, better give it a try.
• Balut
If you hear someone screaming “Baloooooot!” especially at night, yes it is the Balut vendor. Balut is a hard-boiled duck egg. It contains not only a yolk but also a semi-developed duck embryo. And that’s the reason why it’s challenging for others to eat it. Balut also has a broth inside. And it is often rave about as “One of the Philippines’ Most Iconic and Exotic Delicacies.” To eat it, simply crack the shell, drink the broth first then you can put a dash of salt and start eating the rest. Balut is very easy to find anywhere in Philippines.
• Soup No. 5
Soup No. 5 sounds and looks like a regular meat soup, but it is actually made of bull or ox genital parts. It is also believed to be an aphrodisiac. Some restaurants in Binondo serve this dish, but it can also be found in other provinces.
In addition, eating exotic foods also give some benefits. According to research, people who eat this kind of food are said to have a good appetite. They also stated that it’s very good for the health because it can heal certain illness such as asthma, scars, rashes and many more.
Exotic foods are interesting and thrilling to eat. Picture yourself eating things you never thought can be edible yet still gives a good taste. Weirdly amazing right? And if you’re in a trip especially with your friends, it’s a fun challenge and experience to try.
