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Home Philippines Philippine Street Foods

Balut

This isn’t your ordinary boiled egg. Balut is a fertilized duck egg with an embryo inside that is almost developed. Yes, you read it right; a little chick is forming inside this egg. If you are thinking that this is just one type of experiment then I suggest that you finish reading this article so that you can snatch the whole idea. It might look weird and possibly could gross you out but you ought to know that Balut is edible.

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By: Vanjo Merano 6 Comments Updated: 8/31/18

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This isn’t your ordinary boiled egg. Balut is a fertilized duck egg with an embryo inside that is almost developed. Yes, you read it right; a little chick is forming inside this egg. If you are thinking that this is just one type of experiment then I suggest that you finish reading this article so that you can snatch the whole idea. It might look weird and possibly could gross you out but you ought to know that Balut is edible.

Balut
photo credit: Shankar S. https://www.flickr.com/photos/shankaronline/9103467843/

It is considered a delicacy in most Southeast Asian countries, even in Hawaii. In the Philippines, Balut is considered an aphrodisiac and believed to have high protein content.

Although different names are given to this egg, in my opinion the term “Balut” is the most popular of all. I am not really sure as to where it originated but when someone talks about an edible fertilized duck egg, most people will immediately think of Balut. I am saying this because this egg was even made popular by different reality shows such as Fear Factor and The Amazing Race Asia 2. It was even featured in Andrew Zimmern’s Bizarre Foods when he did an episode in the Philippines.

photo credit: John Ong https://www.flickr.com/photos/puck777/3010040004/
photo credit: John Ong https://www.flickr.com/photos/puck777/3010040004/

This egg is considered as a street food. It is sold by the “magbabalut”  in almost every street corner of Metro Manila and some provinces as well. In residential areas where vendors are not prohibited, the magbabalut usually wanders the streets at night carrying a big native basket containing the eggs and shouting Balut! Penoy!  Nowadays, Balut are served as appetizers in restaurants and are packaged differently in food carts.

How is Balut prepared?

photo credit: Caryl Joan Estrosas https://www.flickr.com/photos/riceburn07/6213921490/
photo credit: Caryl Joan Estrosas https://www.flickr.com/photos/riceburn07/6213921490/

You might be getting the idea by now but aren’t you curious as to how it is made? I was curious too. This curiosity made me do some research which led me to this article on How to Make Balut.

Vanjo Merano

Vanjo Merano is the creator of PanlasangPinoy.com. His goal is to introduce Filipino Food and Filipino Cuisine to the rest of the world. This blog was the first step that he took.

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Recipe Rating




  1. Robin Job says

    Posted on 10/24/14 at 12:29 am

    Balut is awesome! Cant wait to eat it.when I travel in manila in December.

    Reply
    • Vanjo Merano says

      Posted on 10/24/14 at 8:34 am

      Hi Robin. I am sure that it is…I myself am craving for one right now. Enjoy your travel to the Philippines and try to take it easy on the balut. Have a great day!

      Reply
  2. Filipino UK says

    Posted on 8/25/11 at 3:02 am

    I will be in the Philippines for two months next year. I think Balut will be one of the things I will dare my best friend who will be there with me to eat. In fact, it will be funny for us both to try one!

    Can’t wait to be there!!

    Reply
  3. Melanie Ong says

    Posted on 3/23/11 at 7:17 pm

    Balut is the coolest Filipino street food I’ve ever tasted! It’s my all-time-fav since I was a kid. However, it’s just filled with calories… 😉

    Reply
  4. jessie lindayan says

    Posted on 11/27/09 at 7:33 pm

    balut is my favorate appetizer tnx for panlasang pinoy

    Reply
  5. iza says

    Posted on 10/16/09 at 7:41 pm

    Lts of filipinos love it, but unfortunately I’m not one of them…but seeing the the chick here, really freaked me out lol!!anyways nice website goodluck!

    Reply

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