Yes, you read it right–the once “cringe-worthy” Filipino delicacy has taken a leap from street food staple to the toast of the town, even finding its place in the hippest fine dining spots. We’re about to spill the tea on how this classic delicacy evolved into the coolest thing on every foodie’s plate.
1. The OG Street Snack
Let’s start at balut’s humble beginnings as your lolo’s go-to street snack, waiting for the entire day to hear mamang tindero’s iconic “Baluuuut!” echoing through the neighborhood at night. Ah yes, good times.
Often accompanied by a salt or a dash of vinegar, balut has been a staple for those seeking a quick and flavorful snack. It is really undeniable that balut is firmly embedded in Filipino street food culture.
Balut’s popularity didn’t just fill stomachs, it also filled the pockets for some Pinoy vendors who had made balut and their continuous hustle their bread and butter to make their ends meet.
2. The Fear Factor Era
Fast forward to the Fear Factor era, when balut became the ultimate daredevil snack. Remember watching contestants and celebrities squirm as they faced the challenge? It was the OG viral moment before social media even knew what viral meant. Balut was more than a snack, it was a test of bravery.
3. Balut Mukbang Mania
But wait, there’s more! Balut did not stop at fear-inducing challenges. Social media played a massive role in the evolution of balut. Suddenly, it was not just a street food, it was a street chic.
Food bloggers, influencers, and celebrities from all over the world cracked and took a bite posting their mouth watering mukbangs all the way from Youtube to Tiktok, making it a viral sensation.
Netizens can’t resist the urge to comment, “Bakit sa gabi ko pa ‘to napapanood?!” (Why did I watch this exactly this midnight?!), and “First bite. Thank you Lord! Second bite. See you Lord!” meaning overconsumption of balut can lead to high cholesterol. So, stay safe mukbangers!
4. Balut Makeover
Even our street chic has a makeover. From a classic, traditional balut with a drizzled vinegar and/or sprinkled with salt transitioned into a smokier, beginner friendly, and less ick-ier version. Who would have thought that a chic can make it into dish. No yoke!
Here are some ways to cook your balut:
The Trending Grilled Balut
The preparation of this delicacy includes breaking the upper shell of the egg. The classic way to get the right side of the egg is to use a light source, can be your phone’s flashlight, and shine it against the egg. The side where the light appears hollow or slightly translucent is the correct spot. But this time, you’re not supposed to sip the flavorful broth inside.
The twist is to add on a generous amount of chili sauce, and grilling it covered until the broth transforms into flavorful blend.
Balut Tempura
Because everything fried is better, right? Just dip the balut in a tempura batter and then serve it with either tempura sauce or sesame mayo.
Balut Sisig
You hate the way balut looks? Why don’t you just chop it all off and serve it as your traditional sizzling sisig but make it embryo-ed.
Balut Tokneneng
Make your tokneneng, a traditional larger version of kwek-kwek, or how conyos notoriously name it as neon balls, into sometheng!
Balut a la Pobre
This dish are present in some restaurants in Metro Manila. The balut is simmered in a garlic-infused gravy and topped with fried garlic. Yummers!
5. From Streets to Table Sheets
Top chefs took this street snack and turned it into a Michelin-star experience. Truffle-infused balut? Gourmet balut, anyone? It was no longer just comfort food but it was also a culinary masterpiece.
Abacá, a Filipino restaurant located in San Francisco, California, has recently secured a position on the 2021 list of Best New Restaurants in America by US Esquire. Tiktoker and food content creator @trinhdoesthings featured Abacá’s “Balut 3 ways” on her post.
6. Balut went Pop
It became a talk of the town internationally back in 2023, even the singer and rapper Doja Cat inspired to name her song “Balut.” The song addresses the different aspects of fame, including both the positive and challenging sides, with indications that Doja Cat may be drawing from her personal experiences. She uses balut as a metaphor for “a bird that’s being eaten alive,” as well as for “Twitter stans and the death of Twitter toxicity.”
And there you have it–the evolution of balut. From your lolo’s street snack to the hottest thing in Pinoy cuisine culture. To us, it’s a symbol of resilience, adventure, and a whole lot of flavor. So, if you’re a Gen-Z foodie looking to spice up your plate game, maybe it’s time to give balut a crack!
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