Puerto Prinsesa Culinary Delights: The Exotic Tamilok

If you can see a dead mangrove submerged for over a year in sea water, chances are, you will be able to see this slimy, worm-looking creature that lives and feeds on the flesh of the dead mangrove.  It is called Tamilok and according to people who have tasted it, its flesh tastes like the flesh of an oyster.   Many tamilok vendors sell them in Sabang beach, when I spent half a day there on our way to the underground river.

Well, the big question you probably want to ask is:  How is it eaten?  It is eaten in 'kinilaw' manner. Meaning, you will need vinegar, some fresh chilis, some kalamansi or philippine lemon.  Like in this photo, the smaller cup contains the dip consisting of vinegar, chili and kalamansi.  Now, dip the tamilok in the vinegar and swallow it in its entirety (lest you'd feel nauseaus), slurping and gulping it down with a beer or what-have-you.   This bowl of tamilok costs P100.