Are you up for eating chicken ovary with fertilized eggs inside?

Bantayan Island in the northernmost part of Cebu is a popular tourist destination most known for its long stretch of gleaming white sand beaches, caves, and lagoons. Tourists often flock to the island during summer and Holy Week break not only to enjoy the sun and sand but also its exotic food. 

One must-try food on the island is Taguangkan, which is grilled chicken ovary with fertilized eggs inside. 

Bantayan Negosyo Center business counselor Chrisdy Saagundo said this delicacy has long been a staple of the skewed food choices on the island. It is the most sought after food among the visitors on the island. 

This unique barbecue can only be found in the three towns on Bantayan Island. 

Anatomy of a Taguangkan

Taguangkan is said to be derived from the words 'tagu' and ‘angkan,' which collectively refer to the womb or the ovary.

Saagundo explained that Taguangkan is a skewered ovary of a cull chicken with an undeveloped egg inside it. It is then grilled just like any barbecue on a stick.

"Mao ni ang hinay na mangitlog nga manok, ila lang ibaligya ang mga manok kay dili naman kaayo ingon ana ka-productive," she said. 

(These come from chickens that are slow to lay eggs. Their owners end up selling them off because they’re not productive.)

The chicken ovary is grilled with the large intestine wrapped and twisted around the stick. Its taste is like unsalted boiled eggs and the skin is chewy.

Nanay Maribel Mangubat, 68, one of the longest barbecue vendors in Bantayan, said the cull chickens are not necessarily chickens who are not laying eggs. 

She explained that the cull chicken should be at least 70 percent able to produce. Otherwise, they would not be able to get a good ovary from the chicken.

Egg basket of Visayas

Located 141.5 kilometers away from the capital city of Cebu, Bantayan island is also known as the “egg basket” of Visayas. The island produces between 1.9 to 2 million eggs per day, supplying eggs to mainland Cebu and the neighboring provinces. 

Visitors will quickly notice the number of poultry farms around the island. As valued as the eggs are, poultry owners have also found a way to get value out of chickens that are considered unproductive.  

The Taguangkan is one example of the unspoken rule among Filipinos that no part is left behind when it comes to food. As long as it is not poisonous, Filipinos will find a way to make use and eat all the parts of a chicken. 

Bestseller 

Nanay Maribel’s barbecue business, Maribel Bbq Stall, has been her source of income since she was 25 years old. Her parents were also barbecue vendors and she continued the family business until now. 

“Sa among mga ginikanan kaniadto mao nama'y nasunod, mao ilang negosyo,” said Nanay Maribel. 

(This has been the business of my parents, and we just continued it.)

In their list to grill and sell, Taguangkan has always been on their menu, unless there are no culled chickens available. It is also the first to easily get sold out. 

Though it is often served as a viand, Nanay Maribel recommends eating Taguangkan on its own, like a snack. 

Taguangkan is sold in the barbecue stalls not just in the municipality of Bantayan, but also in the two other towns in Bantayan Island, Santa Fe and Madridejos. (JJT/PIA7)