Are you an adventurous eater looking for exotic food to try? Then the Philippines is a perfect destination! The nation’s diverse cultural and culinary traditions have created some truly unique dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
From balut (a hard-boiled duck egg) and kinilaw (raw fish marinated in vinegar and spices) to betamax (chicken blood cubes) and adidas (chicken feet), the Philippines offers a wide range of flavors that will satisfy any palate. So if you’re looking for something new and exciting, be sure to check out this list of the 15 most exotic foods to try in the Philippines!
1. Balut
Balut is a Filipino delicacy that will definitely surprise the taste buds of any food explorer. It’s an egg dish, usually served hot, and made with a 16-day-old duck embryo. Most of the time, Balut is savored with salt, vinegar, and chili peppers to give it extra flavor.
The texture of the dish highly depends on how long it was cooked, but what remains consistent is the “adventurous experience” for people who try it for the first time. Although there might be some hesitation, one should not miss out on this unique yet delicious dish when traveling to the Philippines.
- Where to try it: Balut can be found in the streets of Metro Manila and other major cities.
- Price: Balut is typically sold for around ₱20 to ₱50 per piece.
2. Dinuguan
Dinuguan is a traditional Filipino delicacy that will surprise and delight even the most adventurous of diners. This savory treat is made from pork, offal, garlic, chili, and vinegar – all simmered in pig’s blood. It can be served with a side of sausage or vegetables like eggplant for added flavor.
For those brave enough to try it, Dinuguan is an experience unlike any other! Not only does it boast rich and complex flavors, but its unusual ingredients add an exotic twist to any dinner table. With its bold colors, intense aromas, and delicious taste, this savory dish is sure to leave an impression on everyone who tries it.
- Where to try it: Dinuguan can be found in Filipino restaurants as well as food stalls in the streets.
- Price: Dinuguan typically costs around ₱100 to ₱200 per serving.
3. Sisig
Sisig is a delicious Filipino dish originating from the region of Pampanga. It features an exciting combination of pork, chicken, or beef with citrus juice, chili peppers, and onions. Traditionally served in sizzling hot pans, sisig has recently exploded in popularity around the world as people enjoy its unique flavor profile.
What truly makes sisig stand out against food from other regions is its versatility; it can be enjoyed as a main meal all to itself or alongside rice and other dishes for a delicious dining experience.
Escaping into the exotic flavors and aromas of this popular Filipino dish will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on anyone who gives it a try!
- Where to try it: Sisig is widely available in Filipino restaurants throughout the country.
- Price: Sisig usually costs around ₱150 to ₱200 per serving.
4. Kinilaw
Kinilaw, a Philippines cuisine dish, is a must-try for adventurous food enthusiasts. It is essentially fresh seafood such as fish and shellfish marinated in citrus juice with added spices, for an intense flavor explosion.
The key to its deliciously unique taste is to use the freshest ingredients and serve Kinilaw within a few hours of preparation for optimum freshness. Although a daring culinary experience, it is one that will leave your taste buds tingling and wanting more!
Marinating various types of shellfish this way brings out the natural sweetness of the seafood which is why it’s been so popular throughout centuries. If you’re looking for an extraordinary food experience, try Kinilaw and take your palate on an adventure into the rich culture of traditional Filipino cuisine.
- Where to try it: Kinilaw can be found in many Filipino restaurants and is a staple at beachside eateries. You can also find it served as part of a local street food menu, offering an exciting way to explore the flavors of the Philippines.
- Price: Kinilaw is usually affordable and ranges from Php 100 to 200.
5. Isaw
Isaw is a local delicacy and popular street food to try in the Philippines, savored by countless locals and tourists traveling through the country. This unique dish is made with grilled chicken or pig innards – usually intestines or hearts – skewered onto bamboo sticks over an open flame.
The end result is surprisingly flavorful due to marinating or battering the meat in garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, and other ingredients before it’s cooked — if desired, a container of special dipping sauces like banana ketchup can be added for extra flavor.
Isaw may sound intimidating, but for adventurous eaters who are up for a challenge, this is definitely one of the most exotic dishes worth trying on a visit to the Philippines!
- Where to try it: Isaw can be found in street food stalls and some Filipino restaurants.
- Price: Isaw usually costs around ₱20 to ₱50 per stick.
6. Betamax
Betamax may be the most exotic dish to try in the Philippines. It’s a savory snack comprised of a hard-boiled egg that has been chopped up and fried with shrimp paste, then served on top of a cube of jello or gelatine.
Donning all sorts of flavors, this go-to treat will take your taste buds on an adventure. The spicy yet smoky flavor tickles your taste buds while leaving behind a delectable aftertaste. Whether you’re ready for it or not, Betamax is an experience to be reckoned with – once you even get over its unique appearance!
- Where to try it: Betamax can be found in street food stalls and some Filipino restaurants.
- Price: Betamax usually costs around ₱20 to ₱50 per stick.
7. Tamilok
Tucked away in the Sulu archipelago of the Philippines is a delicacy known as Tamilok or woodworm. It’s an exotic snack sought after by adventurous diners who dare to try it. Even though most people associate woodworms with bug infestations, these woodworms are healthy and sustainably harvested from deadwood by hand.
After being cleaned, the worms are typically served with vinegar and spices for additional flavor. Some people eat Tamilok unseasoned but many prefer the briny-tangy hit of vinegar to help tame the earthiness of the dish. Tamilok offers an unforgettable dining experience that can only be found in the Philippines.
- Where to try it: Tamilok can be found in local markets, seafood restaurants, and food stalls around the Sulu archipelago. Some establishments offer it as part of a set menu while others require diners to order it by name.
- Price: Tamilok prices vary depending on the season and availability, but it is typically sold for around ₱200 to ₱500 per person.
8. Bopis
One of the most exciting dishes to try in the Philippines is Bopis. This traditional dish brings together a multitude of flavors and textures that play off each other for an unforgettable experience.
Primarily made up of chopped pig’s heart, lungs, and liver, this offal stew commonly includes generous portions of garlic, chili peppers, and spice mixes called “alamang”. These ingredients make it both fragrant and spicy while providing a unique variety of textures; some parts of the stew are soft while other pieces are crispy or chewy.
Although uniquely Filipino in origin, this dish has elements reminiscent of many Mexican favorites like liver tacos or menudo. It is definitely an exotic culinary adventure that foodies must add to their list of places to visit in the Philippines—it’s definitely worth finding!
- Where to try it: Bopis can be found in Filipino restaurants, home-style eateries, and traditional marketplaces.
- Price: Bopis usually cost around ₱150 to ₱200 per serving.
9. Betute tagak
Betute tagak is a unique, yet flavorful Philippine delicacy that you won’t find anywhere else in the world! This dish consists of a deep-fried stuffed frog, often served with garlic and vinegar dipping sauces. Preparing this dish requires skill; frogs must be captured from nearby rivers and lakes where they can be fished by hand or with nets.
Once the frog has been acquired, the insides are then removed, filled with ground pork meat and other seasonings, and finally breaded before being fried. The result is a delightfully crunchy but tender combination of delicious flavors that will have your taste buds jumping for joy.
- Where to try it: Betute Tagak can be found in some Filipino restaurants.
- Price: Betute tagak usually costs around ₱50 to ₱100 per serving.
10. Adobong Kamaru
Adobong Kamaru is a popular dish in the Philippines that is truly worth trying! It is a style of cooking crickets, usually seasoned with garlic, onion, chili peppers, and vinegar. It has acquired quite a reputation amongst locals and travelers alike as an exotic but tasty food that promises a unique culinary experience.
The crunchiness of the insects coupled with the savory flavor of its ingredients can be a surprisingly pleasing combination to one’s palate–it would certainly make for great story fodder even after one leaves the Philippines!
- Where to try it: Adobong Kamaru can be found in Filipino restaurants and some local markets.
- Price: This dish usually costs around ₱100 to ₱200 per serving.
11. Chicharon Bulaklak
If you are looking for exciting and unique flavors when visiting the Philippines, then Chicharon Bulaklak should definitely be a dish on your list! This traditional recipe consists of pig’s caul fat (an organ found in the abdomen) that is deep-fried until it turns crunchy.
It is then flavored with salt, garlic, or a special vinegar sauce. With its crispy texture and unforgettable taste, Chicharon Bulaklak is one of the most popular snacks throughout the country. It’s an ideal companion with rice for lunch or dinner and enjoyed as a snack anytime around the clock.
Whether you’re daring enough to try something totally new or simply want to find some delicious comfort food while traveling, chicharon bulaklak should not be missed!
- Where to try it: Chicharon Bulaklak is available in most Filipino restaurants and markets around the country. It can also be found at street food stalls.
- Price: Chicharon Bulaklak generally costs between P50-P150 depending on the size of your order.
12. Adidas (Chicken Feet)
Adidas, or “Chicken Feet,” is one of the most unusual delicacies to try when visiting the Philippines. This popular dish is made from deep-fried chicken feet marinated in a variety of different sauces.
The texture can be tough and chewy but its distinct flavor makes it an intriguing culinary experience. It is often eaten as a snack food and served alongside beer in lively bars and restaurants across the country.
Despite its odd appearance, Adidas has become an essential part of Filipino culture and traditions, so it’s an ideal food choice for adventurous eaters looking to explore the unique flavors of the region.
- Where to try it: Adidas is a staple snack food in most Filipino restaurants and can also be found in markets, roadside stalls, and even on the street.
- Price: Adidas costs around P100-P200 depending on the size of your order.
13. Soup No. 5
Soup No. 5 from the Philippines is a culinary experience like no other. For the adventurous foodie, this delicacy offers an exciting combination of pungent aromas and sweet ingredients that last on the palate. It is made with exotic flavors such as (balaw balaw) – fermented beetles – and flies (hilong-hilong), along with pork, liver, and tomatoes.
Due to its distinct combination of salty, sweet, and sour elements, it can be difficult for newcomers to get used to this dish but those who take the plunge will be rewarded with a truly unique flavor profile. Its mix of spices gives it its deliciousness while its creative combination of ingredients makes it a one-of-a-kind meal!
- Where to try it: Soup No. 5 can be found in Filipino restaurants, street food stalls, and markets around the country.
- Price: Soup No. 5 usually costs around ₱150 to ₱200 per serving.
14. Kwek-Kwek
Kwek-Kwek is a beloved and peculiar dish often found in the Philippines. For the adventurous eater, it is a must-try snack that should not be missed. This savory treat consists of pieces of hard-boiled quail eggs coated in bright orange flour batter and deep-fried until golden brown.
Kwek-Kwek is known for its crunchy exterior, juicy egg center, and a hidden burst of flavor when bitten into – all for an affordable price. It’s no wonder why it has become so popular among both locals and tourists alike!
Be sure to look out for this unique delicacy the next time you’re in the Philippines and prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a culinary adventure like no other.
- Where to try it: Kwek-Kwek can be found in street food stalls and some Filipino restaurants.
- Price: Kwek-Kwek usually costs around ₱20 to ₱50 per piece.
15. Chichaworms
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience during your visit to the Philippines, look no further than trying Chichaworms. Found in Bohol, located in central Visayas, Chichaworms are a culinary delicacy enjoyed by many locals and visitors alike for their amazing flavor and texture.
As their name suggests, they’re actually caterpillars that can be found near sugarcane plants or similar vegetation. While they may not look appetizing at first, they have a crunchy texture with sweet and savory flavors that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
Add them to rice dishes or stir fry them with vegetables – however you choose to prepare them, you won’t regret taking the plunge and experiencing the exquisite taste of this Philippine classic!
- Where to try it: You can find Chichaworms at local markets, restaurants, and specialty food stalls across Bohol.
- Price: The price of Chichaworms can vary depending on where you purchase them, but typically they cost around ₱100 per kilogram.
In Conclusion
The Philippines is a melting pot of rich and diverse flavors that will tantalize any taste buds. From Kinilaw to Betamax, there’s something for everyone when it comes to exploring exotic delicacies in the country.
Whether you’re brave enough to try all the dishes or just want to sample a few, there are plenty of options to choose from. To truly experience the best that the Philippines has to offer, don’t forget to be adventurous and open your mind to all of the unique flavors that this vibrant nation has to offer!
