Is Balut The Most Exotic Food Ever?

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We have been featuring street food but have forgotten the good old balut. Let’s put it this way, we saved the best for last. Truth be told, this particular street food cannot be ignored. It’s about time we talk about balut now. 😀

What Exactly Is Balut?

Every Filipino knows what balut is. These days, balut has become pretty famous abroad as well. Of course, it comes with some mixed emotions from folks who are not too familiar with this particular Filipino delicacy. 😃

Balut is a fertilized duck egg. It’s all wrapped up in a shell and hence, is the reason why it’s called balut. 

Balut is a fertilized duck egg. It’s all wrapped up in a shell and hence, is the reason why it’s called balut. If you’re looking for one single word to describe balut in English, well, there isn’t any. Balut is balut. 😃

Cracking the shell of the balut.
The balut picture shows the yolk and the fetus. These are two of the significant parts of a balut. The egg white, also known as the rock (thanks to its texture), is the third major part of a balut.
Balut in an egg holder.
The balut picture shows the white part of it, which is called the rock. It has a rubbery texture.

Balut Is Also Known In Other Asian Countries

The Philippines is pretty famous for balut. However, it’s worth knowing that it’s also known in other Asian countries such as China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

There’s a good reason why the balut has become a well-known Filipino delicacy. Here’s why.

Did you know that the Father of Poultry is a Filipino scientist who goes by the name of Francisco Fronda? His remarkable contribution to poultry improved both the Cantonese chicken and duck breeds.

Did you know that the Father of Poultry is a Filipino scientist who goes by the name of Francisco Fronda? His remarkable contribution to poultry improved both the Cantonese chicken and duck breeds.

His extensive research on poultry is known worldwide. This is probably the reason why this particular delicacy is associated with the Philippines. 😀

Despite the fact that other Asian countries also have something like balut, the whole world attributes its uniqueness to the Philippines. Thanks to Dr. Fronda who dedicated his life to improving poultry, not just in the country but in the whole world as well.

What Are The Balut Benefits?

For years, people have been aware of the mysterious and wonderful balut benefits.

Yes, there are balut benefits, despite its colorful reputation

Of course, this doesn’t mean you should be eating 30 pieces of balut in one sitting. 😀 But believe me, it’s pretty easy to eat more than just one balut in one sitting. 😄

Once you get the hang of eating balut, one is never going to be enough.

Once you get the hang of eating balut, one is never going to be enough.

According to Philnews.ph, one serving of balut contains protein, iron, calcium, and of course, calories! 😉

Probably the most famous of all the balut benefits is that it’s an aphrodisiac. Some even claim that it helps cure a hangover.

Probably the most famous of all the balut benefits is that it’s an aphrodisiac. Some even claim that it helps cure a hangover.

One thing is for sure, a balut is an instant meal. You can easily get a balut from a vendor who is walking the streets at night.

There’s a good reason why the balut vendor sells at night. Since balut is known as an aphrodisiac, it’s easier to sell it at night.

There’s a good reason why the balut vendor sells at night. Since balut is known as an aphrodisiac, it’s easier to sell it at night.

How To Enjoy Eating Balut Egg

You can learn to eat this particular Filipino delicacy. 😀 There’s even a big chance that you might enjoy it.

Although some folks are appalled at the sight of the fetus, it’s really just a matter of getting used to it. What makes it extra appalling is the texture once you bite into the fetus. Truth be told, there isn’t any kind of weird taste that comes with it. 

Although some folks are appalled at the sight of the fetus, it’s really just a matter of getting used to it. What makes it extra appalling is the texture once you bite into the fetus. Truth be told, there isn’t any kind of weird taste that comes with it.

It’s just the thought of eating a fetus that’s appalling but the taste is wonderful.

It’s just the thought of eating a fetus that’s appalling but the taste is wonderful.

Simple Steps To Eating It

If you haven’t eaten a balut yet, it’s best you just start sipping on the soup that comes with it. Crack a small hole into the balut and sip the liquid out of the shell. You’ll find that it tastes very good.

Two pieces of balut. in egg holders. One is peeled and one isn't.
The broth from the balut is very tasty. There’s nothing weird about it

You can decide to slowly crack the shell once you have passed drinking the broth.  If you do decide to go on, go for the yolk. The yolk tastes good as well. 

You can decide to slowly crack the shell once you have passed drinking the broth. If you do decide to go on, go for the yolk. The yolk tastes good as well.

There’s no need to rush to the fetus. You don’t have to eat it right away. If you don’t want to eat it, you don’t have to.😀

But you can start eating the rest of it to enjoy balut benefits. BTW, balut goes very well with some rock salt and vinegar. 👍👍👍

Have You Heard Of Balut Island?

Did you know that there’s a place called Balut Island? It’s located in the Mindanao region, specifically in the province of Davao Occidental.

Also called Malulong, the island boasts of a volcano that looks like a half-opened balut when you fly over it.  Hence, it’s the reason why it’s called Balut Island.

Also called Malulong, the island boasts of a volcano that looks like a half-opened balut when you fly over it.  Hence, it’s the reason why it’s called Balut Island.

In case you visit the Philippines, don’t just try the balut, visit the island as well. 😍

It’s safe to say that balut is somewhat exotic but it’s definitely not disgusting.

I grew up eating balut and I love it. ❤️

Balut is part of my Filipino heritage and I will forever be proud of it.

Do you eat a balut? How do you eat it? Have you tasted something more exotic than balut? Feel free to share with us your thoughts. We would love to hear from you.

8 thoughts on “Is Balut The Most Exotic Food Ever?

  1. I like to soak my balut in vinegar. After I sip the liquid out of the shell, I take out the whole balut to soak in vinegar. I have no issues about seeing the little chick. 🙂 For me, it tastes good. If there are any benefits to eating it, then good for me. 🙂

    Reply
  2. I had to look up Balut Volcano and you’re so right about it. It does look like a half-opened balut. I love visiting your website. My mom is a Filipina but we’ve only visited the Philippines once. At the rate things are going, it’ll take a long time for us to come back. I get to learn a lot about the local food here. When I ask my mom about certain Filipino foods, she wonders how I learn about it. I’m very curious about balut and it would nice to give it a try.

    Reply
  3. Dr. Francisco Fronda was one of the first national scientists. He was recognized for his immense contribution to poultry. One of his major contributions was the enhancement of duck meats. After successfully formulating feeds for the ducks, the ducks were later on referred to as “Fronducks.” Yes, he was and is still is known worldwide for this. He has also written lots of books that are still being used to this day.

    Reply
    1. Hello, Henry. Thank you for sharing such valuable information. You associated Dr. Fronda with balut better than I did. 🙂 But I am very familiar with Dr. Fronda. Thanks for your visit. 🙂

      Reply
  4. I’m very fond of Filipino cuisine. Although I’m not too crazy about balut (yes, I’ve tried it already), I don’t find it disgusting at all. There are a lot of Filipino dishes that I love like adobo and kare kare. I hope to see these dishes here soon. Thanks.

    Reply

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