There is one thing you should take advantage of on your itinerary every time you travel to a local place or another country: tasting their unique delicacies. It could be their street food, exotic food, or just regular local food, which should be noticed. Food delicacies vary from one place to another, and that is what makes your travel experience extra extraordinary.
Bohol, or “God’s Little Paradise,” is located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. Known to be a major tourist destination, Bohol is famous for its extraordinary white-sand beaches and Chocolate Hills. But apart from enjoying this scenery, Bohol’s calamay and peanut kisses have become a part of the typical “pasalubong” checklist.
Did you know that there are more delicacies that Bohol can offer? Here are some foods you must try when visiting Bohol:
Takla
Takla, also known as snapping shrimp, is a shrimp known for having the loudest sounds underwater, with one claw growing bigger than the other. In Calape, Bohol, Takla is served as a local delicacy, commonly stir-fried or eaten as a “pulutan.”
To catch this shrimp, the fisherfolk of Calape by patting on a snapping turtle’s burrow. Once the snapping shrimp are stunned by the sound it creates, the fishermen pick the shrimp and put it in a bucket. Today, catching takla is an industry in Bohol alongside other livelihood efforts.
Calamay
The well-known calamay is a sticky sweet delicacy made of brown sugar, milk, and glutinous rice. Calamay is a famous delicacy in the Philippines, and several provinces have their version of calamay. However, Calamay Bohol is a unique delicacy you should try when visiting the province.
Jagna, Bohol, is considered the “Calamay Country” in Bohol. Unlike the calamay you can buy in other places, chunks of peanuts are added to the calamay mixture before being stirred for two hours for the best consistency.
Chicha-worm
Chicha-worms (a play between chicharon and worms) are deep-fried, cultured super worms that have been fed only organic fruits and vegetables. They are flavored with salt, sugar, or spice. Some locals may use it as a snack, but for some, it will be a dare to a losing game. You can buy chicha worms at tourist spots in Bohol.
Chicha-worms might not be delectable for some as it is an exotic treat. However, this delicacy is super rich in protein and, according to locals, tastes like chicken skin. This is a treat if you have the guts for the extreme.
Peanut Kisses
These are cookies made from peanuts and egg whites that look like Bohol’s famous Chocolate Hills. This snack comes from a long history in the Pasalubong and Bohol tourism industries. It caused a stir among local delicacies and was eventually exported to some national areas of the Philippines.
Inspired by the famous Hershey’s Kisses, Peanut Kisses are made triangular and brownish in color – resembling the famous Chocolate Hills. You can buy this renowned delicacy in grocery stores and souvenir shops in Tagbilaran City.
Broas in Baclayon
Locals claim that Baclayon’s broas or lady fingers are much tastier and creamier than those found elsewhere. They are freshly baked and typically used in making tiramisu, mango float, and many other pastries due to how they absorb the fillings, making them spongy and smooth.
The origin of this delicacy dates back to the Spanish colonial period. During this time, Spanish missionaries taught Boholanos how to make cookies and pastries using egg yolks as an ingredient.
Hillcolate
Chocolates are made from cacao, and Bohol is known for its abundance of this product. On the other hand, the Chocolate Hills is a famous tourist attraction. These two distinct tourist attractions gave birth to Hillcolate – premium chocolates shaped like the famous Chocolate Hills in Bohol.
Hillcolates are made from cacao, sugar, cocoa butter, lecithin, and cocoa liquor. Hillcolates are characterized by their dark, bittersweet flavor that remains thick and chewy in your mouth after a while because milk is not used in this recipe. You can get hillcolates in plain dark, crispies, and truffle filled.
Ube kinampay
Every year, farmers from all over Bohol share their harvest, which has evolved into a yearly event known as the “Ube Festival.” One of the famous kinds is “Ube kinampay.” It is also the time of year when local vendors sell wares such as jams, cakes, candy, and other sweets and dairy products.
Carabao milk in Ubay
This agricultural cultured milk from Ubay has been endorsed in the tourism industry to raise awareness about the importance of carabaos and alternative milk supplies in society. The plant endorsed three flavors: mango, vanilla, and chocolate. They have also endorsed it for cakes, ice cream, and cookies.
Mud Crab of Loay
Bohol is surrounded by ocean water and pathways of rivers and falls. Seafood is abundant due to these fisheries, and it is sometimes a supplier to local hotels and provinces. Some of what I’d like to share would be the Loay mud crab. This kind of crab lives in the muddy areas of the river. It tastes best when stir-fried with chili and buko mud crab (Nilubihang alimango).
Alupe
Alupi in Ilongo is made of cassava mixed with milk and sugar. You can buy it or make it yourself, but it is best known in the town of Bilar. It is eaten as a snack or dessert after a full meal.
Your next home in Bohol
These are just some of the many must-try foods from Bohol, a sure way to make tourists feel like revisiting Bohol. If you are looking for a house and lot in Bohol, you can have a home with a panoramic view of Banat Hill in Camella Bohol.
Camella Bohol is a Mediterranean-inspired community in Tagbilaran City. This community, situated near the city’s establishments, has exclusive amenities and 24/7 security that is considered the best in the province of Bohol. Homeowners investing in a house and lot in Bohol would have a wise investment and value for money in Camella Bohol.
Come home to Camella Bohol today and experience life like no other.
