Ebun Barag: Not Your Usual Egg Hunt

My mom and aunt decided to go on an egg hunt last weekend, and both were determined to bring back some unusual and truly exotic eggs. They were after Ebun Barag, monitor lizard eggs, and according to them, this was the season. I decided to come along and join them in their adventure, and off we go...and after an hour and half's drive, we arrive at San Fernando, Pampanga.

A quick stop at my Aunt's ancestral home, and we resume the search for the seasonal eggs. I've never tried Ebun Barag before, but I thought this would be an interesting road trip. Both my mom and aunt reminisced about their childhood and the pleasures of Ebun Barag, and encouraged me to give it a try, at least once. But just thinking about it gave me goosebumps, anything reptilian just gives me the creeps. I mean, seriously, I think even Andrew Zimmern  just might blink on this. But then again, maybe not. 

And finally, we've reached my aunt's supplier of Ebun Barag. Tightly packed in newspapers, a pack was slowly unwrapped, and there it was. So how does one enjoy this bizarre culinary treat? Rice and fish sauce. But first, the eggs have to be prepared right. Start by boiling the eggs for at least 20 minutes, and then place under running water for around 10 minutes. Once the shells harden, it's ready. And with freshly cooked hot rice, simply squeeze the egg on the rice and and add some fish sauce.

And how did it taste? I wouldn't know, I chickened out at the last minute. Maybe after a couple of beers...maybe not even after a couple of beers, just totally wimped out on this one.

Like any road trip, the journey for me is the real adventure, and the destination just caps the experience. As for Ebun Barag, I'll eventually give it a try. Maybe next season...or the next.

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