The Delicious and Aphrodisiac Balut

This one is not for the weak of heart, rather, weak stomach. But we could also say that those with hearts of stone could will their stomach to survive this Filipino delicacy, the balut. Now, before we proceed, the last photo is graphic. Don’t complain you were not warned.

Balut is fertilized duck embryo that is boiled and eaten straight from the shell (unfertilized duck eggs are called “Penoy”, almost always sold side by side with balut). The weaklings prefer the few days old chick, but the balut connoisseur absolutely loves the fully developed chick.

Balut has become an iconic food of the Philippines, pretty much up there beside Pinoy adobo, even if it’s listed among the Top Disgusting Foods. It has been featured in the Bizarre Foods show of Andrew Zimmerman and the reality TV show Fear Factor. Even Anthony Bourdain (No Reservation) said he won’t try it, but subsequently gave in. Here’s the video:

Balut is not sosyal or high-end, although many members of the upper class do enjoy balut . . . ok, probably. I wonder if this has any correlation to the fact that Pateros, who prides itself as the balut capital of the Philippines, is the only remaining municipality (as opposed to city) in Metro Manila. Just a thought, with all due respect to our brothers and sisters in Pateros.

Anyway, balut may convert itself into an upper tier cuisine if someone, say, Chef Boy Logro, weaves his magic and sprinkles some ping-ping-ping to give a different twist to it. We actually saw a number of culinary twists to balut, but none stuck to the Pinoy’s taste buds. Balut, as it is, will always remain a proud balut in our hearts and tummies.

Those who are scheduled to face some form of competition or fight consumes balut for energy, as they say this is high in protein. For those who are revving up for a different kind of “fight”, balut is also a good “warm up” food because it’s considered an aphrodisiac.

Now, the next time you have a foreign friend or visitor who thinks that he/she is bad*ss, dare him/her to eat balut. And the test is not just the mere fact of eating balut, because others swallow the balut with minimal chewing. The test is chewing the balut, the hardened egg white and remaining yolk, as well as bones and feathers — with a smile. That’s hardcore! Peace.