Gourmet - Philippines style

Well - we can add this as number twenty-seven on the list of Philippino (now - I am not sure in this case whether it should be Philippino or Filipino or something else entirely - I will research further and get back to you - or probably not!) delicacies that I intend never to try. I do not care if I am thought incredibly unadventurous. It turns out that a delicacy in Palawan is something called alternatively Bird's Nest Soup or Nido Soup - and it is made from bird vomit.

No - I am not kidding you.

Apparently people climb miles up into mountains and then up to birds' nests to retrieve the product of bird regurgitation and then bring it down. And turn it into soup. It is (as a result of the effort required to obtain the key ingredient) incredibly expensive. And - I am informed, delicious . I don't care - I am still not trying it. The thought alone is enough to put me off my food.

One of the most popular and famous specialties of the Philippines is something called balut. This is a partially formed duck egg - with the foetus clearly definable within - you can make out all of the poor little thing. It is hardboiled (I think?) and then eaten. Seriously - I am feeling a little ill as I type. I could put links to pictures but I really don't want to do that to you (or myself). If you are into the big gross-out, you can go and google balut - I am sure it will come up in all of its graphic glory.

Just reaffirms for me why I have always been vegetarian....