{"id":2794,"date":"2025-01-15T08:25:09","date_gmt":"2025-01-15T01:25:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/joyjourneys.com.vn\/?p=2794"},"modified":"2025-01-15T14:23:04","modified_gmt":"2025-01-15T07:23:04","slug":"balut-vietnam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joyjourneys.com.vn\/article\/balut-vietnam\/","title":{"rendered":"Balut Vietnam: An Amazing Street Food"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>In Vietnam, \u2018balut\u2019 or \u201ctrung vit lon\u201d is a popular street food choice, celebrated for its unique flavor as well as cultural significance. This highly nutritious dish can be prepared in various delicious ways, and the way it is enjoyed often carries a symbolic meaning, such as warding off bad luck.<\/p>\n<p>Discover the story behind balut Vietnam with <a href=\"https:\/\/joyjourneys.com.vn\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Joy Journeys<\/strong><\/a> and prepare for an unforgettable culinary adventure in Vietnam!<\/p>\n<p>For more information about our food tours, visit: <a href=\"https:\/\/joyjourneys.com.vn\/tours\/food-tour-saigon-motorbike\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>joyjourneys.com.vn\/tours\/food-tour-saigon-motorbike\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_white no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#What_is_Balut\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">1<\/span> What is Balut?<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#The_Fertilized_Duck_Egg\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.1<\/span> The Fertilized Duck Egg<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Stages_of_Development\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.2<\/span> Stages of Development<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Nutritional_Value\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.3<\/span> Nutritional Value<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_to_eat_balut\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">2<\/span> How to eat balut?<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Step-by-Step_Guide\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">2.1<\/span> Step-by-Step Guide<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Common_Accompaniments\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">2.2<\/span> Common Accompaniments<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Etiquette_and_Customs\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">2.3<\/span> Etiquette and Customs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Where_to_Find_Balut_in_Vietnam\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">3<\/span> Where to Find Balut in Vietnam?<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Street_Food_Stalls\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">3.1<\/span> Street Food Stalls<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Local_Markets\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">3.2<\/span> Local Markets<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Restaurants\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">3.3<\/span> Restaurants<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Overcoming_the_Fear_Factor\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">4<\/span> Overcoming the Fear Factor<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Addressing_Concerns\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">4.1<\/span> Addressing Concerns<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Tips_for_First-Timers\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">4.2<\/span> Tips for First-Timers<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Embracing_the_Adventure\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">4.3<\/span> Embracing the Adventure<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Conclusion\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">5<\/span> Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"What_is_Balut\"><strong>What is Balut?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span id=\"The_Fertilized_Duck_Egg\"><strong>The Fertilized Duck Egg<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Balut is a popular dish in Eastern countries, particularly in China, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Known as balut Vietnam, this delicacy is made from fertilized duck eggs, typically incubated for 17-21 days.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8651\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8651\" style=\"width: 564px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/joyjourneys.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/balut-vietnam.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8651\" src=\"https:\/\/joyjourneys.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/balut-vietnam.jpeg\" alt=\"balut in vietnam\" width=\"564\" height=\"423\" srcset=\"https:\/\/joyjourneys.cdn.vccloud.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/balut-vietnam.jpeg 564w, https:\/\/joyjourneys.cdn.vccloud.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/balut-vietnam-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/joyjourneys.cdn.vccloud.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/balut-vietnam-510x383.jpeg 510w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 564px) 100vw, 564px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8651\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Balut: A unique delicacy crafted from 17\u201321 day incubated duck eggs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Stages_of_Development\"><strong>Stages of Development<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Most people prefer newer, younger eggs because they are softer and easier to eat. Older eggs tend to be harder, have a stronger odor, and may even explode when boiled. The ideal eggs are around 20 days old, featuring soft egg whites and tender embryos.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Balut | Top 1 Extreme Food In Vietnam\" width=\"1020\" height=\"574\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qas67FTyGxE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Nutritional_Value\"><strong>Nutritional Value<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A large fertilized duck egg weighs approximately 100 grams and provides about 180 calories, along with essential nutrients like protein (13,6 g), lipids (12,4 g), and calcium (82mg). Many in Eastern cultures believe that consuming fertilized duck eggs can boost nutrition, improve skin and hair health, and promote overall well-being.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"How_to_eat_balut\"><strong>How to eat balut?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span id=\"Step-by-Step_Guide\"><strong>Step-by-Step Guide<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>To enjoy balut, place the egg on a small cup, with the smaller end facing down and the larger end facing up, as the larger end contains an air gap. Use a small spoon to create a hole at the top of the egg and then scoop out the contents. While eating, you can enhance the flavor by adding a little salt and pepper or pairing it with Vietnamese coriander.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8652\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8652\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/joyjourneys.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/how-to-eat-balut.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8652\" src=\"https:\/\/joyjourneys.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/how-to-eat-balut.jpeg\" alt=\"how to eat balut\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/joyjourneys.cdn.vccloud.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/how-to-eat-balut.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/joyjourneys.cdn.vccloud.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/how-to-eat-balut-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/joyjourneys.cdn.vccloud.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/how-to-eat-balut-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/joyjourneys.cdn.vccloud.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/how-to-eat-balut-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/joyjourneys.cdn.vccloud.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/how-to-eat-balut-510x510.jpeg 510w, https:\/\/joyjourneys.cdn.vccloud.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/how-to-eat-balut-100x100.jpeg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8652\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Balut with Vietnamese coriander, salt, pepper, and chili \u2013 a perfect flavor fusion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>An increasingly popular variation is balut with tamarind sauce, where the eggs are served in a bowl or on a plate, drizzled with tangy tamarind sauce, and topped with peanuts and spices.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Common_Accompaniments\"><strong>Common Accompaniments<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Balut is often eaten with Vietnamese coriander, pickled radish, salt, pepper, lemon, and chili. In some regions, ginger is also a common pairing.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Etiquette_and_Customs\"><strong>Etiquette and Customs<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Interestingly, balut holds cultural significance in Vietnam, as some believe it can ward off bad luck. This belief stems from the Vietnamese name for the dish, which includes the word \u201cl\u1ed9n,\u201d symbolizing change or reversal. To align with this tradition, people eat an odd number of eggs (1, 3, 5, 7, or 9) and crush the shells afterward. However, when eaten simply to satisfy cravings, an even number of eggs (2, 4, 6, or 8) is preferred.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Where_to_Find_Balut_in_Vietnam\"><strong>Where to Find Balut in Vietnam?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span id=\"Street_Food_Stalls\"><strong>Street Food Stalls<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Balut is commonly sold at street vendors, small food stalls, or street corners. Vendors often set up on sidewalks with rows of plastic tables and chairs, making it easy for visitors to spot baskets of eggs displayed prominently on their stalls.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8653\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8653\" style=\"width: 1280px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/joyjourneys.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/full-baskets-of-balut.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8653\" src=\"https:\/\/joyjourneys.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/full-baskets-of-balut.jpeg\" alt=\"full baskets of balut\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" srcset=\"https:\/\/joyjourneys.cdn.vccloud.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/full-baskets-of-balut.jpeg 1280w, https:\/\/joyjourneys.cdn.vccloud.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/full-baskets-of-balut-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/joyjourneys.cdn.vccloud.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/full-baskets-of-balut-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/joyjourneys.cdn.vccloud.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/full-baskets-of-balut-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/joyjourneys.cdn.vccloud.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/full-baskets-of-balut-510x340.jpeg 510w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8653\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Full baskets of balut eggs are a classic sight at roadside stalls<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Local_Markets\"><strong>Local Markets<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In local markets, you can find unprocessed balut at stalls that sell eggs. Just like the street vendors, these market stalls frequently offer balut as a popular item.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Restaurants\"><strong>Restaurants<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Some restaurants also serve balut, although it can be a somewhat controversial dish. To ensure availability, look for restaurants that specialize in Vietnamese cuisine and consider contacting them in advance to confirm whether they offer balut on their menu.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Overcoming_the_Fear_Factor\"><strong>Overcoming the Fear Factor<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span id=\"Addressing_Concerns\"><strong>Addressing Concerns<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Balut is a familiar dish for Vietnamese people, but not all tourists are eager or brave enough to try it. Its appearance and unique taste can sometimes give first-timers a case of the \u2018goosebumps.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Tips_for_First-Timers\"><strong>Tips for First-Timers<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For those hesitant to try traditional boiled balut, starting with processed variations can be a gentler introduction. Options like stir-fried balut with tamarind or balut hotpot can help tone down the characteristic taste. Alternatively, quail balut eggs, with their smaller size and milder flavor, might be an easier first step for adventurous eaters.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8655\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8655\" style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/joyjourneys.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/quail-balut-eggs.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8655\" src=\"https:\/\/joyjourneys.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/quail-balut-eggs.jpg\" alt=\"quail balut eggs\" width=\"550\" height=\"355\" srcset=\"https:\/\/joyjourneys.cdn.vccloud.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/quail-balut-eggs.jpg 550w, https:\/\/joyjourneys.cdn.vccloud.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/quail-balut-eggs-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/joyjourneys.cdn.vccloud.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/quail-balut-eggs-510x329.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8655\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Quail balut eggs: smaller, milder, and perfect for first-timers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Embracing_the_Adventure\"><strong>Embracing the Adventure<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Vietnamese cuisine offers countless delicious and intriguing dishes, but stepping out of one\u2019s comfort zone is key to fully enjoying these culinary experiences. Moreover, dishes like crab paste vermicelli soup or noodle and tofu with shrimp sauce boast distinctive flavors that are truly worth trying.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Conclusion\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Your journey to explore Vietnam becomes even more exciting when you embrace new and unique flavors. <a href=\"https:\/\/joyjourneys.com.vn\/article\/balut-vietnam\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Balut Vietnam<\/strong><\/a> is one dish worth considering during your visit, offering a distinctive and memorable culinary experience. Don\u2019t miss the chance to make this an unforgettable part of your adventure!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In Vietnam, \u2018balut\u2019 or \u201ctrung vit lon\u201d is a popular street food choice, celebrated for its unique flavor as well as cultural significance. This highly nutritious dish can be prepared in various delicious ways, and the way it is enjoyed often carries a symbolic meaning, such as warding off bad luck. Discover the story behind [&#8230;]\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":8657,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[31,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2794","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-culture-and-history","category-blog"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/joyjourneys.com.vn\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2794","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/joyjourneys.com.vn\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/joyjourneys.com.vn\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joyjourneys.com.vn\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joyjourneys.com.vn\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2794"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/joyjourneys.com.vn\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2794\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8660,"href":"https:\/\/joyjourneys.com.vn\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2794\/revisions\/8660"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joyjourneys.com.vn\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/8657"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/joyjourneys.com.vn\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2794"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joyjourneys.com.vn\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2794"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joyjourneys.com.vn\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2794"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}