Tags: Exotic Food
By Anna Valmero
DAVAO CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR— People here say you have never truly been to Davao until you had your first taste of bagaybay, a dish made out of the protruding testicles of giant tuna fishes.
While most first-timers would go for the equally exotic durian fruit, a second or third visit would be a good time to taste this creamy and juicy treat. So, for this one-of-a-kind food adventure, I found myself head on to Taklobo Restaurant located at the historic Jack’s Ridge Resort, a famous local hangout.
Bagaybay actually means “foreground” in the local dialect but locals would only tell you where the dish came from after you’ve taken your first bite, so you could only act on your natural instincts to try the local delicacy. Do not confuse it with the less controversial bihod (caviar or fish roe of female tuna).
At first look, it looks like a yellow severed member of the male organ but it actually is the “bayag ng tuna” (testicles or balls of giant tuna) that they use for copulation, according to Dr. Anthony Sales, regional director of Department of Science and Technology.
Unlike the popular Soup No. 5, bagaybay is not as rubbery or hard as meat. The texture is similar ox brain served in most Persian restaurants or the everyday taho.
That being said, bagaybay literally melts in the mouth without chewing – a meaty taste with a hint of bitterness like pork liver. When trying it out for the first time, eat the sizzling bagaybay on its own to enjoy its creaminess and unique taste.
On your second try, dip it in soy sauce and toyomansi with siling labuyo for a more adventurous taste. This dish is a popular pulutan among locals and tourists alike, best served hot and downed with ice-cold beer. Or fruit shake, if you’re shunning away alcohol.
Much like other local dishes touted as aphrodisiacs, bagaybay is made from an animal’s sexual organ thus, believed to boost virility – male or female. A fair warning, though: every bite comes with loads of cholesterol.
Still, bagaybay should be worth a try for any self-proclaimed adventurous foodie. Aphrodisiac or not, add it to the long list of exotic food fare in the Philippines.
Get more information on Taklobo Restaurant
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Grilled bagaybay is yummy. It’s one of my favorite foods.