Cardi B has once again captured the internet’s attention, not with a chart-topping hit or a red carpet moment, but by trying a Southeast Asian delicacy that has long divided opinions: balut. Known for her bold personality and unfiltered reactions, Cardi shared her first attempt at eating this fertilized duck egg delicacy on TikTok, and her response was nothing short of iconic. The video quickly went viral, sparking laughter, sympathy, and a broader conversation about food, culture, and stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
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What Is Balut? A Dish That Challenges the Bold
The experience of eating balut is often described as layered: the broth inside the egg is savory and warming, the yolk is rich and creamy, and the embryo offers a tender, meaty bite. While many in Southeast Asia consider it a nutritious delicacy, packed with protein and flavor, it’s also a dish that can be intimidating for those unfamiliar with its appearance or concept.
Balut has gained a reputation as a “challenge food” in the global media, often featured in reality TV shows or social media trends. Its polarizing nature has made it both a source of cultural pride and a test of culinary bravery.
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Cardi B’s Balut Adventure: From Enthusiasm to Chaos
Cardi B decided to take on the challenge of eating balut, documenting her experience in a TikTok video that has since gone viral. From the beginning, her excitement was evident. She prepared her eggs with care, seasoning them with salt and chili, and hyped herself up for the tasting. Fans watched eagerly, wondering if Cardi could conquer the dish or if it would prove too much for her.
At first, everything seemed to go smoothly. Cardi started by sipping the broth inside the egg—a step many consider the least intimidating part of eating balut. Her initial reaction was neutral, even slightly positive, leading fans to believe she might actually enjoy the dish.
However, the moment she moved on to the yolk and embryo, everything changed. Cardi’s reaction was immediate and dramatic: she spat out the bite, made a series of hilarious facial expressions, and bolted out of frame. The video ended with Cardi declaring that balut was not for her, leaving fans in stitches.
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“Nope, not for me!” she captioned the video, perfectly summing up her experience.
Fans React: Laughter, Empathy, and Personal Stories
The video quickly gained millions of views, with fans and followers flooding the comments section with reactions ranging from laughter to sympathy. Cardi B’s unfiltered personality has always made her relatable, and this moment was no exception. Many viewers found her response to balut both hilarious and understandable, sharing their own experiences with the dish.
Some of the most popular comments included:
- “Cardi is all of us trying balut for the first time!”
- “She’s braver than me—I can’t even look at it!”
- “Balut is definitely an acquired taste. Props to Cardi for giving it a shot!”
Fans from Vietnam and the Philippines, where balut is a cultural staple, also chimed in:
- “As a Vietnamese person, I don’t blame her. I can’t eat it either!”
- “I tried it once and got an egg with feathers and bones—never again!”
- “Balut is a love-it-or-hate-it food. At least she was willing to try!”
The video also inspired memes, with some fans joking about Cardi’s dramatic exit and others re-enacting her facial expressions.
Balut: A Symbol of Cultural Identity
While balut is often seen as a “daring” dish in the global media, for many Southeast Asians, it’s a beloved part of their cultural heritage. In Vietnam and the Philippines, balut is commonly enjoyed as a street food snack or a late-night treat. It’s also considered a symbol of resilience and resourcefulness, representing a way to utilize and enjoy every part of an ingredient.
For locals, eating balut is about more than just the taste—it’s about tradition, community, and pride. Cardi B’s attempt at eating balut brought this cultural dish to a wider audience, sparking discussions about its significance and the importance of respecting culinary traditions.
The Challenges of Eating Balut
Balut’s polarizing reputation stems from both its visual presentation and its unique texture. The sight of the partially developed embryo can be jarring for first-timers, and the combination of textures—soft broth, creamy yolk, and chewy embryo—can be overwhelming.
Even in Southeast Asia, opinions on balut vary widely. While many grow up loving it, others avoid it altogether. Cardi B’s reaction mirrors the experiences of countless others who have tried the dish for the first time, highlighting the universal challenge of stepping out of one’s culinary comfort zone.
Balut in Global Media: A Double-Edged Sword
Over the years, balut has gained notoriety as a “shock value” food in Western media. It’s frequently featured in reality TV shows like Fear Factoror resource
Cardi B’s video, however, felt different. Her excitement and preparation showed a genuine curiosity about the dish, even if the outcome wasn’t what she expected. By sharing her experience in an authentic and humorous way, Cardi helped bring attention to balut without diminishing its cultural significance.
What’s Next for Cardi B?
Cardi B is no stranger to viral moments, and her balut adventure is just the latest addition to her growing list of internet-breaking posts. While it’s safe to say she won’t be revisiting balut anytime soon, fans are already speculating about what daring food challenge she might tackle next.
Some suggestions include durian, the famously pungent Southeast Asian fruit, or stinky tofu, a fermented delicacy from Taiwan. Others are rooting for her to try fermented shark from Iceland or escargot from France. Whatever it is, fans know they can count on Cardi to deliver an unfiltered and entertaining reaction.
Lessons for Adventurous Eaters
Cardi B’s experience with balut serves as a reminder that trying new foods can be both exciting and intimidating. For those willing to explore unfamiliar cuisines, the key is to approach each dish with an open mind—and maybe have a backup snack on hand, just in case.
Her video also highlights the importance of cultural appreciation. While not every dish will be a hit, the act of trying and learning about another culture’s food is a meaningful way to connect and expand one’s horizons.
Cardi B’s hilarious encounter with balut has once again proven why she’s one of the most relatable and entertaining celebrities in the world. Her willingness to try something so outside her comfort zone—and her dramatic yet genuine reaction—has resonated with fans everywhere.
While Cardi may not have fallen in love with balut, she has succeeded in sparking a global conversation about food, culture, and the joys and challenges of culinary exploration. Her viral moment has brought attention to a dish that holds deep cultural significance for many, and her candid approach has made her a champion of curiosity and authenticity.
As fans eagerly await Cardi’s next food adventure, one thing is clear: no matter what she tries, Cardi B will always keep it real.
