I thought I had seen it all until I arrived in the Philippines. I was on a mission to try Balut, a legendary street food that has a bit of a reputation for being the most āshockingā snack in Southeast Asia. It is a fertilized duck egg that has been incubated for about 18 days. I found a local stall in Pateros, and what I saw inside that shell was unlike anything I have ever eaten.
A Look Inside
As I peeled back the shell, I couldnāt believe my eyes. This egg was incredibly developed. I could clearly see feathers starting to form on the embryo. My friend and I were both stunned. āIs that feathers?ā I asked, and the answer was a definite yes. It was almost a baby duck.
The locals told me this is the best one to show on camera because of how far along it is. I was a bit nervous, and I even tried to get my friend to help me eat it. āYou can have the feathers,ā I joked, but she wasnāt having it.
Diving In
The experience of eating Balut is intense. First, you have to add a bit of vinegar and salt. I took a bite, and the texture was actually very soft. The broth inside the egg is savory and rich, but you definitely have to get past the visual aspect of the feathers and the tiny beak.
A Final Surprise
I managed to get it down, but the experience didnāt end there. I actually felt a small feather get caught in my throat as I was finishing. It was a wild moment, and we both had a good laugh about it afterward.
Balut might not be for everyone, but it is a massive part of Filipino street food culture. It is an experience I am glad I had, even if I was a little bit shocked by what I found inside.
Would you be brave enough to try a snack with feathers and a beak, or do you prefer your street food a little lessā¦ developed?
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