The Philippines isn’t just about breathtaking beaches and colorful festivals it’s also a food adventure waiting to happen. Sure, you’ve probably heard of adobo, sinigang, or lechon, but if you’re up for something truly different, the country has a lineup of exotic eats that will challenge your taste buds in the best way. If you’re feeling brave (and hungry), here are five must-try exotic foods in the Philippines.
1. Balut – The Street Food Legend
Ask any Filipino about exotic food, and balut will always be first on the list. It’s a fertilized duck egg, usually 14–21 days old, boiled and eaten right from the shell. Sounds intimidating? Maybe but it’s actually tasty, with a rich broth, creamy yolk, and tender duck embryo. Sprinkle a little salt or vinegar, and you’ll understand why it’s a favorite late-night snack. Think of it as the ultimate dare-turned-delicacy.
3. Adobong Kamaru (Mole Crickets) – A Crispy Surprise
In Pampanga, the country’s culinary capital, you’ll find adobong kamaru. These are mole crickets cooked in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic, then fried to perfection. Crunchy on the outside, soft inside, and surprisingly addictive. It’s often served as pulutan (beer chow), making it the perfect partner for a cold drink.
4. Pinikpikan – A Cordillera Tradition
Pinikpikan isn’t just food—it’s culture. Originating from the Cordillera region, this chicken soup is prepared in a ritualistic way, believed to make the meat more flavorful. Cooked with ginger and sometimes smoked pork, it’s a hearty, comforting dish with a deep cultural story behind it. If you want to experience food and tradition in one bite, this is it.
5. Tuslob-Buwa (Pig’s Brain Dip) – Cebu’s Street Food Adventure
This one’s for the adventurous foodie. Tuslob-buwa, which means “dip in bubbles,” is a popular Cebu street food where pig’s brain is cooked with onions, garlic, and soy sauce until it becomes a bubbling sauce. You grab puso (rice wrapped in palm leaves) and dip it straight into the pan. It’s messy, fun, and definitely an unforgettable food experience.
Final Bite
Trying exotic food in the Philippines is more than just eating—it’s about joining in on local traditions, challenging yourself, and collecting awesome travel stories along the way. Whether you’re sipping balut broth at midnight or dipping rice into tuslob-buwa with locals, you’ll discover that Filipino food is all about flavor, fun, and adventure.
