IUD:
So-called because it looks a little like an intra-uterine device - yes, the one used for contraception - this exotic street food is actually barbecued chicken intestines.
IUD is arguably the best-selling street food in the Philippines. Recently, though, a more popular name for it has been “isaw.”
Betamax:
This is curdled and dried chicken blood, cut into cubes and barbecued. It's called “betamax” because its shape and color makes it look like small Betamax tapes.
Helmet and Adidas:
Chicken head and chicken feet, respectively. Marinated and grilled or barbecued of course.
Walkman:
Barbecued pigs ears. Yes, the Philippines does love barbecues.
Day-Old:
Finally, something that's not grilled. This is more like fried chicken, but smaller - much smaller. “Day-old” refers to a day-old chick. That is what they fry, dip in vinegar, and munch. Yum!
Balut
Remember the Survivor challenges where the contestants have to eat a hard-boiled duck egg, except the “egg” inside the shell is already a half-formed duckling? That's Balut, a countrywide favorite.
To eat balut, first make a little hole at the rounded end of the shell, and suck out the “soup” that drips out. Then, peel the shell, eat the yolk like a regular hard-boiled egg, and finally, pop the whole chick inside your mouth. Chew - or drink a glass of water.
Dirty Ice Cream
Refers to locally made ice cream, nobody really knows - or cares - if it's dirty or not. The local kids thrive on it, anyway. It's usually available in three exotic flavors: Mango, Cheese and Purple Yam.
