Balut Egg

balut embryo Balut Egg

A balut is a fertilized duck (or chicken) egg with a nearly-developed embryo inside that is boiled and eaten in the shell.

Popularly believed to be an aphrodisiac and considered a high-protein, hearty snack, balut are mostly sold by street vendors in the regions where they are available. It is commonly sold as streetfood in the Philippines. They are common, everyday food in some other countries in Southeast Asia, such as in Laos (where it is called Khai Luk), Cambodia (Pong tea khon in Cambodian), and Vietnam (Trứng vịt lộn or Hột vịt lộn in Vietnamese). They are often served with beer.

The Filipino and Malay word balut (balot) means “wrapped” – depending on pronunciation. Source: wikipedia

As a Filipino born and raised in America I could honestly say that some of my heritage has fallen through the cracks. Though it’s a natural occurrence that I soak up more culture from the country I was raised in than the country my forefathers are from, I always strive to hold on to as much culture that originates from the motherland. I believe holding on to tradition (especially Filipino traditions) keeps my dirty American greed at bay and my humility level higher than Woodstock 1969. When I find myself complaining that I’m too broke to buy the newest, dumbass Apple product, I quickly remind myself of my fellow Filipino brethren who are struggling just to put food on the table. Again, washing that dirty ass American greed off me bloody hands.

Case in point: I ate balut for the first time this weekend.
My honest opinion: I wanted to throw up. I could feel the hair of the embryo and when I bit down I crushed the bird’s baby beak.
In retrospect: I’m glad I did it. Big ups to the motherland! **BUCK, BUCK, BUCK!!!**

SO, ANYBODY EAT ANYTHING INTERESTING FROM THEIR MOTHERLAND????