Just when I thought I had tried everything from dried fish to dog (ask me later either in a darkly-lit corner of a parking lot or when YOU'RE ever confronted with such third-world delicatassen), my high pedestal was quickly brought down by my short trip to the Philippines. The cuisine of metropolitan Manila proved comparable to Los Angeles with regard to variety and quality. But it was in the provinces, rural in every description of the word, where I learned that I had a lot to try. I felt adventurous - it was in the air. To my dismay, and with no room for reluctance, my stomach gracefully took in every single bite as if to welcome a challenge. Here now, with a barf bag in hand, is a list of what I ate:
- ant's nest (sour, in more ways than one. I probably wouldn't try this again but I take pride in knowing that I had tried it)
- goat (I had this before, apparently I loved it way back then...and still do)
- sheep (not a big fan. Gamey and a little tough)
- diniguan pizza (I've never tasted diniguan before so I decided to mask it with pizza. Turns out to be one of the BEST pizza's I've ever had)
- pinakbet pizza (on a future visit to the islands, people will ask me why I decided to come back this time around. My answer will be: "because of pinakbet pizza!")
- chicharon pizza (sounds heart-clogging doesn't it? it's amazing!)
- Ilocandia pizza (aight)
- tons and tons of blood sausage (amazing! I never knew I had it in me to consume all that sausage...)
- empanada from Batac with achueta (perhaps the BEST empanada I've ever had! I keep finding recipes and videos online for these. They'll never taste the same outside of the islands)
- pig ears (not a fan, a little chewey)
- chicken intestine (wasn't bad at all. I'd go back for seconds)
- stuffed pusit / squid (I've always been a fan of squid. Especially stuffed with tomatoes, herbs and spices. Yum!)
This list will likely be changed from this point on because I'm sure, in a drunken stupor, I'll be informed of other adventurous feasts I had taken part in. ;)
All in all, I had the best meals of my life. I had the best time of my life. I can't wait to go back to try more of the "local" cuisine.
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