Balut named the worst Filipino food by TasteAtlas

Love it or hate it, balut (fertilized duck egg) continues to be in the spotlight. This time, the beloved delicacy, known for its rich and intense flavors, has been named the “worst-rated Filipino food” by TasteAtlas.

TasteAtlas, a global culinary publication, based its rankings on the ratings of 3,813 users from around the world.

Balut ranks No. 1 on the Worst-Rated Filipino Dishes list of TasteAtlas for 2024, with a score of 2.7 out of 5.

Coming in as second worst is the Filipino dessert inipit, with a 2.9 rating.

Balut remains a polarizing food internationally. Described by TasteAtlas as a “popular but unusual Filipino delicacy,” the hard-boiled, fertilized and incubated duck egg is consumed straight from its shell and best paired with vinegar, salt, chili or garlic. It is served everywhere, from street stalls to upscale restaurants. 

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“It is considered an aphrodisiac that is commonly paired with a cold beer on the side,” TasteAtlas states on its website.

This beloved Filipino street food has often shocked even the most adventurous foodies with its distinct and bold flavors and texture. 

It continues to be the object of culinary fascination,  capturing the attention of celebrities, including Hollywood actor and singer Zac Efron, who shared a video of his balut-eating adventure on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” 

Last year, the Filipino street food was once again in the spotlight when rapper Doja Cat released a song titled “Balut.” 

However, Filipino netizens called her out after she inaccurately described the Filipino delicacy as a “a bird that’s being eaten alive.” 

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While balut got the worst rating on the TasteAtlas list, sinigang – a popular tamarind-infused soup – emerged as a top favorite.

It earned a 4.5 out of 5 rating, with the publication describing it as “a unique soup that is a true representative of Filipino cuisine.”

Also landing on the TasteAtlas Best Filipino Food list are chicken inasal (grilled marinated chicken) and lechon (roasted whole pig).

Publishing rankings across diverse food categories, including Filipino cuisine, TasteAtlas continues to highlight the rich culinary traditions of different cultures around the world.