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Durian fruit
Famously called the fruit the 'tastes like heaven but tastes
like hell,' Durian disagrees with most western tastebuds for
its rank smell (one that most closely resembles a backed up
toilet!). Its creamy texture wrapped around the large seeds
is considered by many Filipinos along with many Asians, as
a delicacy, and tasted creamy and cooling on the tongue when
chewed. If you can get beyond the smell, you too may enjoy
this Asian delicacy. The fruit is famously banned from planes,
buses and even some hotels all over Asia, and has even been
the cause of some deaths in large cities when ripening spiky
specimens have rolled off highrise apartment blocks before
clonking a passer-by on the head, far below.
Lechon
Originally from the Spanish word for 'pig', Lechon is a very
popular Filipino dish reserved for special occasions. A full
grown pig is prepared and spit roasted while basted the crispy
skin and meat is relished by Filipinos and many restaurants
in Manila serve up this dish for individual servings or for
a wedding party. A whole animal can cost more than $200 US
dollars and some special occasions are not considered special
without it. You can also taste the meat by ordering a plate
of rice.
Birds nest soup
Climbers brave their lives to collect the white and black
birds nests of a swallow that lives in Southeast Asia. El
Nido, or 'the nest' is the centre of this trade that sells
just 100 grams for $100 US dollars. Its said to be an aphrodisiac
and sells well in the Chinese markets of Hong Kong; white
is prized over the other variety, red. The price is not only
high economically as each year some of the climbers die from
falls off the rickety bamboo ladders.
Balut
This food is simply a ducks egg embryo, and is eaten at night.
It too is an aphrodisiac, and as a much cheaper alternative
to birds nest soup the food is popular with filipinos across
the country.
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