Dare to Eat the Philippines’ Delectable Woodworms

Deep in the Bakawan Forest, under the rotting trunk of a dead mangrove tree, lies a delectable delicacy. Tamilok, better known as “woodworms” for their slippery, slimy appearance, are a sweet, oyster-like mollusk that makes its home in the trunks and branches of dead trees.

For a taste of the Filipino delicacy, crack open the wood, remove the mollusk’s head and feet, and bon appétit! While Tamilok has gained popularity around the world, no one enjoys a good slurp more than Romeo Ventura, a staff member harvesting Tamilok in the Bakawan Forest.