There are definitely some Filipino Foods and (I am sure most Filipino’s will already know where this is going) that are not for the squeamish amongst us. I am referring mainly though not exclusively to the ‘BALUT’ or duck egg. Now I can hear the rest of the worlds population saying OK! so what is squeamish about that!?

Well the egg is incubated for 14-20 days to allow a small embryo to form, starting to get the idea! it is then cooked somewhere between soft and hard boiled, then crack the egg open drink the juice, add a little salt and eat and yes the small duck formed inside which you can see gets eaten only the shell is left untouched.

Unfortunately no you can not just pop it in your mouth, as you need to peel away the shell which means looking at a mostly formed tiny little duck before consuming the rest of the egg. There are maybe a few other dishes that might be considered not for the squeamish, but Balut surely takes the star prize, where Filipino foods are concerned.

Here is a link to the article (An excellent read well worth the visit)
http://www.deependdining.com/2005/09/balut-egg-of-darkness-pinoy-pinay.html
Love to hear what you think

Scott

There are many ways to present Filipino Foods and “Binalot” or wrapping in leaves is a favorite, usually for picnic lunches. The banana leaf is the most common and offers a large area and with it’s thin wax layer allows for wrapping even the most sauciest of dishes. Another often used leaf is from the coconut tree which can be woven into various shapes and sizes.

However, Filipino’s don’t stop at leaves there are fresh bamboo cylinders (you have not experienced eating rice till having it cooked in a bamboo cylinder over an open fire!) and then there are crepes and wontons a legacy of the Chinese influence.

Regardless of cooking method these wraps provide their own blend of taste and aromas and more fun is added by the unwrapping of unknown contents and getting the first whiff of delicacies contained inside Wow! Filipino foods at their best.

Here is a link to the article….
http://lasangpinoy.blogspot.com/2007/07/lasang-pinoy-20-binalot-all-wrapped-up.html
Love to hear what you think