New Delhi (Staff Correspondent): An unusual and shocking food has once again remained a topic of discussion on social media. This time this discussion is about Tamilok, the traditional cuisine of the Philippines, which is commonly known as woodworms i.e. wood eatering insects. Alexander Welder, a German travel influencer, recently shared a video on Instagram in which he is seen eating this strange creature. Tamilok is not really a worm but a shell -less saltwater mollusk, which makes a hole in rotten mangrove wood. Its shape and length show it like an insect, causing many people to confuse. Locals consider it a symbol of nutrition -rich dish and cultural pride.
Alexander’s video showed that Tamilok is traditionally eaten raw, living and immersed in vinegar and warm water. Then it is swallowed directly. Regarding the taste, the welder said, “It gives a little taste like oyster, but its texture is far thin and soft. It contains soil -like taste and slightly dirty offertent .”
Where do you get Tamilok?
Tamilok is mainly found in the southern parts of the Palavan Island of the Philippines. Many restaurants serve it in places like Puerto Pinsessa. However, it often has to be achieved directly from local residents as this dish is quite regional.
People’s reactions: “Wow … but not!”
People’s reactions on Instagram were quite mixed by watching this video:
“I will try it 100%.”
“I am from the Philippines but will never eat Tamilok.”
“I think I can eat a lot, but not it.”
“Who first thought of eating it? And then how did the rest of the people celebrate?”
“It is called Tembiluk in Indonesia.”
“It is also eaten in Brazil, where it is called ‘Turu’.”
Some users also emphasized that Tamilok is not limited to the Philippines only. People eat similar organisms in Indonesia, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia and parts of Peru.
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Strange dishes become viral on social media
Tamilok is not the only example. Recently another viral video featured hairy tofu, covered with white fungus (mold). Such abnormal food experiences often put social media users in surprise, curiosity and discussion.
Food like Tamilok forces us to think that the dish that is considered common and respectable in a culture can be bizarre or unacceptable to someone else. While some people consider it to be a courageous food, others find it outside their limits. But one thing is clear – the attraction of these unusual dishes and stories related to them remain interesting and popular on social media.
