One of the most well known exotic Asian food must be balut from the Philippines. For those who hasn’t heard about this weird and wonderful traditional Pinoy dish, it is simply steamed duck embryo.

balut from manila

In my first trip to the Philippines back in 2009 I didn’t have a chance to try this delicacy, so when I went there again last week for Operation Smile (amazing experience, will write about that in depth soon), we make sure that balut is on top of our to-do list.

Well, here’s a video of the experience:

While balut is sold pretty much anywhere in Manila (and I suppose, most part of Philippines), they are not terribly easy to hunt down. The sellers usually operate out of a bicycle, so it’s best to ask a local where and also when you can get one.

We actually had to stop our bus once while traveling from De La Selle University Hospital back to hotel just to flag down a balut seller for some of these good stuff. A balut goes for about 10-15 peso, and usually comes with some salt, and sometimes vinegar.

check out the whole embryo separated from the egg white
check out the whole embryo separated from the egg white

As for the taste, it was like a cross between hard boiled duck egg and the tip of black chicken wings that is boiled in herbal soup till super soft. The beak can be just a little crunchy, and sometimes the feather does get in the way just a bit.

Quite gross when you think about it mentally, but really, it is delicious! I especially like the juice in balut, which probably is the allantoic fluid, or simply put, duck embryo pee. 😀

Skilled balut eater can also separate out the whole embryo from the egg to scare non-eating spectators, I shall learn to do that next time.

So if you’re in the Philippines, try a balut, or 4 (like I did)

It’s balut time!
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34 thoughts on “It’s balut time!

  • December 5, 2012 at 12:10 pm
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    Good to see that you had your balut experience. I ate two and it does taste like chicken!

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    • December 5, 2012 at 2:34 pm
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      eiling: but good, right? 😀

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      • December 11, 2012 at 6:49 am
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        when big taste like duck, when small taste like chicken? keke…. i shall write that up as my standard 3 school thesis…

        got ang moh take photo or not leh? PETA or Greenpeace there too??

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        • December 11, 2012 at 7:36 am
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          Immature: haha this has nothing to do with PETA, not endangered species maa just duck. I said chicken cos I think that’s what most people can relate to. 😉

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  • December 5, 2012 at 1:01 pm
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    yeah. yeah very tasty.
    mmm! yah! xiao long bao! it’s very nice!
    ay yes put it upside down! put it upside down! AH YES.
    then you suck it ah yes.
    don’t waste the sweet meat.
    slowly. I wanna see you enjoying it.

    oh my god ky do you know how many shades of wrong this sounded like. lol

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    • December 5, 2012 at 2:34 pm
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      FA: it’s wrong only because it’s good! hahahaha.

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      • December 11, 2012 at 6:51 am
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        food porn food porn… mali mali 5 peso 5 peso….

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        • December 11, 2012 at 7:36 am
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          Immature: 10 peso weiii

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  • December 5, 2012 at 2:17 pm
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    I have had these but only after too much drink. Even a lot of Pinoys shudder at the thought.

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    • December 5, 2012 at 2:34 pm
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      Paul: haha ya we wanted a Pinoy to give up his heritage cos he wouldn’t eat one!

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  • December 5, 2012 at 3:32 pm
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    i’ve only had balut once, when i was in cebu for work, but i remember liking it! wish it were available in KL! 😀

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    • December 5, 2012 at 9:56 pm
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      Sean: time to start one, recipe is simple. haha

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  • December 5, 2012 at 4:24 pm
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    Not for me,yuks!Lol, how does it smell?

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    • December 5, 2012 at 9:57 pm
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      Kash: doesn’t smell much, just a bit.. like.. duck? lol

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    • January 1, 2013 at 7:22 am
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      Yiks, it’s not for me, but your other foods on your web looks exciting, wish myself and husband spending longer in KL just to sample all the foods. We’re only on a day trip as the cruise ship is docked at Port Klang.

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      • January 1, 2013 at 2:08 pm
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        cat: there’s always next time!

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  • December 6, 2012 at 1:24 am
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    I came into the comments form expecting a lot of hate.

    Surprisingly docile with me being the 6th commentor.

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    • December 6, 2012 at 10:18 am
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      Tan Yee Hou: cos they weakkkkkkkk :X

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    • December 6, 2012 at 11:27 am
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      Terenceg: Colin is weak! hahaha

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  • December 6, 2012 at 11:42 am
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    ewwwwwww.. poor duckie! )):

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    • December 6, 2012 at 4:58 pm
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      cazushiki: oh well we eat suckling pigs and all too.. so.

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    • December 6, 2012 at 4:59 pm
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      missyblurkit: just close your eyes! 😛

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    • December 6, 2012 at 5:00 pm
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      The Yum List: just need the correct attitude 😛

      Reply
  • December 7, 2012 at 3:03 pm
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    My wish list next year is to Go to philipines and try Balut EGG.
    I always see this on TV never try before.

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    • December 7, 2012 at 3:07 pm
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      Michael Ng: it’s a good wish!

      Reply
  • December 24, 2012 at 2:22 am
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    So glad you liked it! I’m from the Philippines but never had the guts to try it. ;p

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    • December 24, 2012 at 6:51 am
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      RA: come on, you need to try it too! hahah.

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  • January 4, 2013 at 8:41 pm
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    Good thing you try and like it! :)Not all Filipinos don’t have the guts to eat it. haha. You should also try other delicacies here in the Philippines like taho, which is also sold on the street.

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    • January 8, 2013 at 8:57 am
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      Ann: oOo taho, that sounds interesting.

      Reply

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