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..:')

Barbecue Galore!

I always crave for anything barbecued. There's just something about this kind of cooking that energizes me..especially those that are sold on the streets! After work, I drop by often in any barbecue station along the way to reward myself after a hard day's work. 

Barbecues are a constant reminder for me that life can be simple but happy. It has simple yet inviting taste and feel to it.

Other nationalities consider Philippines' barbecues sold on the streets as exotic since Pinoys' are selling those that are not usually eaten and served by foreigners on their tables. In the Philippines, barbecuing is a common fixture on the streets. There are areas in certain cities that has barbecue vendors all over and are usually considered go-to places for the tourists both local and foreign. Aside from the guaranteed "busog na busog" (full stomach) experience, bbq are sold cheaply here. 

You can eat barbecue alone and still feel full or eat it as a viand, or serve it as pulutan in drinking sessions. It will never disappoint. Well, you will be disappointed if the sauce is not good tasting..

Below are some Pinoy Barbecue stations that are easily accessible to everyone, from tambay-sa-kanto to students to office workers, from kids to oldies.

Below are considered exotic food..ONLY IN THE PHILIPPINES..

Bituka ng Manok or Chicken intestine

Usually priced between P2.50 to P5.00

A street bbq station is not complete without this! The easiest choice!

Tenga ng Baboy or Ear of a pig

  

Priced between P10.00 to P25.00

Famous to buddies in drinking sessions!

Chicken Heart!!!

 

Priced between P15.00 to P20.00

This is what it looks like if still raw..

                                           Atay ng Manok or Chicken liver

Soaking in sauce! Priced between P10.00 - P20.00

Raw chicken liver.

                                                      Chicken Head

My favorite! The brain tastes just uh! Costs between P5.00 - P15.00 depending on the # of heads on the stick.

 
                                               Adidas or Chicken feet

Priced between P5.00 - P10.00

If you are not that adventurous and doesn't want to try the "exotic" ones, famous barbecues served in the Philippines that are considered friendly are shown below:

                                                  Barbecueng Pusit

Priced between P20.00 to P35.00 depending on the size. Sometimes, stuffed with spices inside.

                                                       Pork Barbecue

Priced between P5.00 - P15.00

Best eaten with rice

The secret to a good barbecue experience is the sauce. There are sauces that tastes ordinary but there are some that is really good that you can't stop dipping over and over again though the food has already been soaked on it. There are some who uses catchup, mixture of vinegar,soy sauce or soy sauce with calamansi or lime juice. They come in original or spicy flavors.

There are many variety of barbecue in the Philippines..you just have to stroll on the sidewalk, roam around, and you will definitely find barbecue vendors..Do not worry about the sweating vendors though..it's part of the mystique! :)

I am craving now..I'll go get my barbecue reward for this day..

Ciao!

Pinoy-famous Adobo

If there is one thing that Pinoys are famous of in terms of food, it's our love for ADOBO! Some claim that this dish was introduced to us by our Spanish colonizers hundreds of years ago but No. According to Wikipedia, the cooking method for adobo is indigenous to the Philippines. When the Spanish discovered this dish through our Filipino ancestors, they just gave it a name. Adobo in Spanish means seasoning or marinade.
 

Over time, adobo dish has evolved. From simple chicken meat or pork as main ingredient, it is now introduced as a flavor of different snack packs.

  

Pork Adobo

Chicken Adobo

Chicken leg adobo or "adidas" adobo is one of my favorites! This is best when partnered with rice or with soda. Sometimes, "tambays" choose this as "pulutan" in drinking sessions.  I find it enjoyable munching on it while watching TV or reading my book. My sister is the best cook when it comes to adidas adobo.

Chicken Leg Adobo

 Pork Adobo with mushroom is an improved adobo dish. You can basically add anything in adobo aside from mushroom. When I cook adobo, I sometimes add eggplant or potatos.

Pork Adobo with Mushroom

For fish lovers, don't worry! Gaining popularity now is the fish adobo. I particularly like Tilapia and Bangus (Milkfish). I guarantee you, you won't be disappointed!

Adobong Bangus

Adobong Tilapia

 For seafood lovers, making seafood adobo is one of the best way to experience that seafood!

Adobong Pusit (whole)

Adobong pusit (chopped)

Finally, for vegetarian!

Adobong Kangkong

Adobong Kangkong with tofu

Some snack packs sold in the Philippines come in adobo flavors as well..

Clearly, Adobo has become Philippines' unofficial national dish. So when you visit Philippines, make sure to have a taste of this delicious food!

Welcome!

I am a glutton. I just love food. Any Food! I don't have any allergies to any food and it is a great blessing to be able to eat anything delicious! 

But despite this huge love for anything edible, I am not that adventurous. I tend to play safe and eat only those that I am familiar with and those that "looks" yummy and delicious. But I intend to change that..so, I thought of creating a food blog that will not only show what kind of food I love to consume, but also, foods that I would love to try and taste and those that I bravely tried and will try for the sake of food adventure!

This blog will contain food ranging from the simplest and ordinary to exotic food that is made available around (good luck to me!).

I am so excited, I hope you are too!

Please watch out for my posts in this blogspot and prepare for mouthwatering delights! 

and...Gain weight with me! :')