Hatching a Great Time at the Balut sa Puti Festival

Balut is a curious dish. While Balut has its roots

 in Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisine, the food is most

commonly associated with the Philippines. The municipality

of Pateros in particular is known for laying some of the freshest,

 most delicious Baluts in the country. No surprise, then, that the self-

professed Balut capital of the Philippines goes all-out when celebrating its

famous

product.

The Balut sa Puti (literally, "Balut wrapped in white",

a term that connotes freshness) Festival is held at the end of

March to coincide with Pateros' Foundation Day. As with many regional

celebrations, Balut sa Puti Festival celebrates local produce, while introducing

contemporary sights and sounds. 
 

One of the most eagerly awaited events is

 the Balut-cooking contest. Balut is most commonly

 served boiled. But many creative chefs have taken Balut

to new heights. The chef's imagination is the only limit. Some

common entries include Balut adobo (vinegar and pepper stew) and soups.

A festival such as this would

 not be complete without music, and

Pateros plays host to some prominent bands,

 singers, and celebrities during the event. Street dancing

 is part of the festivities. So is a contest for more traditional dances

 called the Pandangguhan.

Tourists may know of Balut from gross-

out reality shows. But the truth is, Balut is a

local comfort food, one that is associated with nights

 out with good friends and close family. The fact that Balut

is considered an aphrodisiac is a definite bonus. A few Pinoy Gourmet

 chefs have even taken to incorporating Balut to the fine dining experience. Pateros'

 Balut sa Puti Festival is proof that what we may perceive to be bizarre can actually be a

 source of one heck of a good time.

Visitors to the Philippines will notice that towns usually root their

celebrations in their town's most prominent produce. Pateros' Balut

festival is no exception to this tradition. As with all local festivals, this

 celebration is not lacking in local colors, sounds, and flavor, and is

best enjoyed

 with ice-

cold SMB.

Balut Eating Contest