Dried Fish
There are some people who do not eat dried fish; maybe they find it strange to eat preserved fish. However, the Japanese also have this kind of specialty; if you go to shops like Aji Ichiban in some major malls in the city, you can see they have different kinds of dried delicacies. Even some Asian countries like India, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, China, and Taiwan offer a variety of dried fish delicacies, but Filipinos prefer the one made in Cebu.
Dried fish in Bantayan
The main producer of dried fish in Cebu is Bantayan Island. This island is rich in seafoods, and they preserve some of the excess fish by drying these in the sun. One time, I came across a lady who goes to the sea every day in her bangka (small boat) to catch some fish. It is uncommon, since most fishers are male, but the lady braves the waves of the sea just to catch fish which she will dry afterwards. I bought a sample from the lady and it was delicious. I had my fair share of dried fish as it is one of my favourite foods and it was the best dried fish I have ever tasted.
If you want to buy dried fish in Cebu, go to Taboan market where dried fish is plentiful. You can see it in every stall, with displays of different varieties. Usually these stalls get their supply directly from Bantayan Island. But if you cannot tolerate the smell of dried fish, then this place is not for you. Although I still recommend this to adventurers and food lovers because you will be amazed by the lively atmosphere and the way vendors make their pitch. Some of the dried fish they sell are:
- Tarorot
- Danggit
- Fish Tocino
- Fish Tapa
- Dried Tilapia Skin
Some related sites for added information:
- http://www.marketmanila.com/archives/tabo-an-dried-fish-market-cebu
- http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/04/29bus/taboan.dried.fish.sales.increase.amid.
- hard.times.industry.head..html
- http://cebuwebsite.tripod.com/driedfish.html
Pictures of Dried Fish: