This Filipino delicacy of fertilized egg is better tasted than seen. Because peering at a tiny pink duck embryo, complete with half-formed beak and wing buds, might just put you off your snack. And that would be unfortunate, because balut is mighty delicious. Imagine scrambled egg mixed with tender chunks of poultry and just a smidge of pleasantly gamey liver. It’s usually served as a street food, boiled in the shell and served with salt, spices, and vinegar. Crack the top of the shell and sip out the liquid broth before tackling the meat and yolk.
Look for balut in the street markets of Manila, where it’s sold by vendors with portable carts.
Look for balut in the street markets of Manila, where it’s sold by vendors with portable carts.