The Philippines is a country that takes pride in its diverse cuisine, featuring a mix of sweet, salty, and sour flavors. But aside from the well-known adobo, sinigang, and lechon, the country also has a few unusual dishes that may leave foreigners scratching their heads. Here are 15 weird Filipino foods that might pique your curiosity:
- Balut – A fertilized duck egg that is boiled and eaten as a snack, balut is a staple street food in the Philippines. The egg is usually eaten with salt or vinegar and is believed to be an aphrodisiac.
- Dinuguan – Also known as “chocolate meat,” dinuguan is a stew made from pig’s blood, vinegar, and chili peppers. Despite its appearance, dinuguan is a flavorful dish that pairs well with rice.
- Chicharon bulaklak – Made from deep-fried pork intestines, chicharon bulaklak is a crunchy and savory snack that is often served as a beer accompaniment.
- Adobong kamaru – This dish is made from field crickets sauteed with garlic, onion, and soy sauce. Adobong kamaru is a popular delicacy in Pampanga, a province north of Manila.
- Soup No.5 – A broth made from the cow’s testicles and penis, Soup No. 5 is said to be a good source of protein and is believed to have aphrodisiac properties.
- Tamilok – Tamilok is a type of woodworm that is commonly found in mangroves. The worm is usually eaten raw or soaked in vinegar and is said to have a taste similar to oysters.
- Etag – Etag is a type of cured meat made from wild boar, beef, or carabao (water buffalo) meat that is salted and smoked for several days. Etag is a popular delicacy in the mountainous regions of the northern Philippines.
- Ant eggs – A delicacy in the northern Philippines, ant eggs are usually sauteed with onions and garlic and served as a side dish.
- Maskara – Maskara is a dish made from pig’s face and is usually boiled and then grilled. The dish is popular in the province of Cebu.
- Tuslob buwa – Tuslob buwa is a dish made from pig’s brain and liver that is sauteed with garlic, onion, and soy sauce. The dish is usually eaten with puso (rice cooked in woven pouches made from coconut leaves).
- Isaw – Isaw is a popular street food made from grilled chicken or pig intestines. The intestines are usually marinated in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, and spices before being grilled.
- Betamax – Betamax is a colloquial term for congealed chicken or pork blood that is usually sliced into rectangles and grilled. The dish is usually served with vinegar and chili sauce.
- Walkman – Walkman is a dish made from pig’s ears that are boiled, sliced, and then fried. The dish is usually served with vinegar and soy sauce.
- Helmet – Helmet is a dish made from chicken heads that are boiled, cleaned, and then fried. The dish is usually served with vinegar and chili sauce.
- Adidas – Adidas is a dish made from chicken feet that are boiled, cleaned, and then fried. The dish is usually served with vinegar and soy sauce.
While some of these dishes may seem strange and unappetizing to foreigners, they are beloved by many Filipinos and are an integral part of the country’s culinary culture. So if you’re feeling adventurous, why not give these weird Filipino foods