PH's kinalas, hotsilog among world's 'worst dishes'

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 4) — At least two Filipino fares were among the world's 50 "worst dishes," according to the latest list of lifestyle website Taste Atlas.

Bicol's kinalas, a noodle dish with pork or beef brains and scraped meat from pork or beef head, ranked 17th in the list.

According to Taste Atlas, kinalas was derived from Bicolano word "kalas," which means to remove the meat from the bone.

Meanwhile, the humble hotsilog - a composition of red hotdogs, garlic fried rice, and fried egg - placed 36th.

It's an affordable breakfast staple for many Filipinos who are on a budget, but want to fill their stomachs.

However, many netizens were quick to defend the dishes.

"No. 36 Hotsilog. How can this humble Filipino staple food belong to the worst dishes? Your tongue must have a problem," said one netizen.

"Hotsilog is one of my favorite cheap meals. Surprised to find it here," another Facebook user commented. "Also, kinalas may sound disgusting because it's made of animal brains, but that is what makes it so creamy and yummy."

"Nanahimik na yung hotsilog eh. Issue kayo (The hotsilog is not doing any harm. Don't make an issue about it)," one social media user said.

Russia's Indigirka Salad topped the latest rankings. It's a combination of diced frozen fish, onions, oil, salt, and pepper, and traditionally served in an ice bowl.

Rounding up the top five are Canada's pizza cake, Iceland's Hákarl, France's Anis de Flavigny, and Cambodia's fried spiders.

Despite having two dishes in the worst-rated list this year, the lifestyle website has also recognized Philippine cuisine for good reasons several times.

In 2021, adobo and sisig made it to the best 100 dishes worldwide. Bibingka was also recently named among the world's best cakes.