Ruptly
"A local culinary hotspot in the Philippines is turning apex predator into delicious snacks, in a must try gourmet experience for locals and visitors alike. Footage captured on Sunday shows R. Kitchen and Cafe in Puerto Princesa, with crocodile meat sisig, burgers, and pizzas. Staff say the secret to a great crocodile dish starts with the age of the reptile. The cafe specifically sources crocodiles aged 11 to 12 months, when the meat is at its most tender and flavourful. Mimi Hontiveros, Head Cook at R. Kitchen, shared the meticulous process behind their signature dishes. "This is marinated with secret ingredients to remove any fishy smell," she explained while preparing a fresh batch of ground meat. "Crocodile meat is high in protein and low in cholesterol, unlike the typical pork sisig," she added. The cooking process itself is critical, with crocodile meat requiring a delicate touch. "We cook the crocodile meat for less than 10 to 15 minutes. If we cook it much longer, the texture becomes rubbery," she continued. Beyond the exotic appeal, there is a health benefit to making the switch from pork. Crocodile meat is naturally high in protein and lower in cholesterol than traditional meats, making it a perfect choice for those watching their weight or heart health. The dining experience at R. Kitchen often comes with a side order of sharp Filipino humor. Local ventriloquist and tour guide Ernie Sarangaya, accompanied by his witty monkey puppet, shares a laugh with diners about the 'other' crocodiles in the country, nicknamed 'buwaya', a common Filipino slang for corrupt politicians who amass large sums of taxpayer money. "I hope the big crocodiles will be incarcerated," the puppeteer joked. "If they were jailed, the Philippines would get rich! But kidding aside, we are here to eat the real deal.""
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