The Exotic Balut

We Filipinos are not only known for our hospitality, we are also known as the Balut Capital of Southeast Asia (this is also common in Laos, Cambodia, China & Vietnam). Foreigners consider this delicacy exotic much like critters, sheep balls, scorpions, snakes and other insects.

I can try to eat these but I might vomit. I can eat the hoppers though.

Balut is a a developing duck embryo that is boiled and eaten in the shell. It is commonly sold as streetfood in the Philippines.

For Pinoys, balut is an aphrodisiac. Perfect if sprinkled with salt and vinegar. Perfect if paired with a soda or beer!

This is really delicious!

Just like barbeque, Baluts can easily be found on the streets. Balut vendors are lurking in almost every corner. Riding a bike or simply walking, selling Balut placed in a styro-made chest or basket, the Baluts wrapped in a clean cloth to preserve the heat so we, the balut-eaters can get the maximum taste of the food. 

You can never mistake a Balut vendor as passer-by only because while pedaling or walking, the vendor is also shouting "Balott!!Baloot!". Sometimes, teenagers or children as young as ten years old are selling this on the streets. My father and brother also sold balut when we were younger. The profit isn't that much but is enough to add to our family's income. You do not need a lot of capital to be able to sell this product for as long as you have a supplier and a strong market base (which is composed normally of tambays, tungeros, students, mag babarkada, and dayo).

What I love about balot is - it is a food that allows me to totally indulge. I don't like to eat the chick inside but if I close my eyes, I can swallow it whole. It doesn't taste bad. My favorite is it's "sabaw" or broth and the yellow yolk. After eating two eggs, I am completely full and satisfied. Balut is best eaten at night and/or when the weather is cold..

yumm yummm..if you have not eaten it yet, try it..It should be in your list of a-must try food before you die..:')