Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern Season 1 Episode 1 Philippines

Andrew Zimmern is a chef, author, and TV host who travels around the world showcasing the strangest and most unusual foods that the world has to offer. In season 1 episode 1, Andrew travels to the Philippines to explore the eclectic and diverse cuisine that the country has to offer.

Andrew begins his journey in the bustling city of Manila, where he samples a street food delicacy known as balut. Balut is a fertilized duck egg that is boiled and then eaten whole with a dash of salt and vinegar. Andrew admits that this dish might not be for everyone, but he finds the combination of textures and flavors to be surprisingly tasty.

Next, Andrew heads to the province of Pampanga, which is known for its unique cuisine that blends Spanish, Asian, and American influences. Here, he tries sisig, a dish made from parts of the pig's head and liver that are boiled, grilled, and then served on a sizzling hotplate. Andrew is impressed by the complex combination of spices and textures in this dish and even calls it one of the best pork dishes he's ever tasted.

Moving on from Pampanga, Andrew travels to the province of Bulacan, where he samples another unusual Filipino delicacy - adobong kamaru. This dish is made from field crickets that are fried with garlic, onions, and vinegar. Despite his initial reservations, Andrew finds that the crickets taste like a cross between shrimp and popcorn and admits that he could easily eat a whole plateful.

Continuing on his journey, Andrew heads to the island of Palawan, where he tries tamilok. Tamilok is a type of woodworm that is eaten raw and alive, often served with a squeeze of calamansi juice. Andrew admits that this dish is not for the faint of heart, but he is impressed by the briny, oyster-like flavor of the tamilok.

Finally, Andrew ends his journey in the province of Samar, where he samples kinilaw. Kinilaw is a type of ceviche made with fresh seafood and marinated in a mix of vinegar, chili, and spices. Andrew is impressed by the freshness of the ingredients and the unique blend of flavors in the dish.

Throughout his journey, Andrew is also introduced to various traditional Filipino customs and practices, such as the art of bamboo cooking, where food is cooked inside a bamboo tube over an open fire. He also learns about the role of food in Filipino culture and how it is often used as a way of bringing people together and fostering a sense of community.

In conclusion, season 1 episode 1 of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern offers a fascinating and insightful look into the diverse and exciting world of Filipino cuisine. Andrew's willingness to try new and unusual foods, as well as his genuine enthusiasm for the people and culture of the Philippines, makes this episode a must-watch for anyone with an interest in food or travel.