As they say, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Well, in the Philippines, one way to indulge in the culture is to eat Filipino food. If you’re planning a visit or thinking of trying out a new cuisine, don’t pass up the chance to try out Filipino staple dishes.
Balut – You may have seen this delicacy on shows like Survivor and Fear Factor, but in the Philippines Balut is nothing to cringe about. Balut is a boiled duck embryo that is eaten like one would eat a regular boiled egg. It’s so common that you’d probably encounter a street vendor selling some at every corner. Kids, grandparents, girls, guys, teens and everyone else in between eats balut in the Philippines.
Lechon – Though not unique to the Philippines, Lechon is a must have at every big gathering. It’s a roasted sucking pig that is enjoyed by Filipinos the world over.
Halo-halo – Because the Philippines is a tropical country, desserts like halo-halo are very popular. Literally meaning “a mix” or “mix”, its ingredients vary from bowl to bowl. Basically, it’s a crushed ice dessert topped with beans, fruit, evaporated milk, jack fruit, tapioca, and anything else you can think of.
Sorbetes / Dirty Ice Cream – Another cold favorite is Sorbetes. Don’t worry, it isn’t really dirty. It only gained that moniker because this ice cream is sold right on the street. What makes it different from regular ice cream is the fact that it is made from coconut milk. Kids of all ages love this treat and would run out whenever they hear the bells of the vendor.