Works by Hands

 Island fish ( Bolinao)

Island Fish is the official name (Dragon Bolinao), stinky fish is maybe name. There are many types of fish in the Philippines. Walk into any islands and you will find a section were a living fish like "Bolinao". From whole seas fronting Astoria Bohol, to guiwanon beach to see the  unknown fish like Bolinao form. From the picture shown as a model.

I name as a Island fish "High fin Bolinao" as I see swim by the sea.

Few people will quote the exact names to me. “High Fin Bolinao Fish!” is what I am constantly told. But, each Filipino has their own persfective, and then you will find the real name. Though, personally, I still have my doubts! this Bolinao fish is in a place in the Philippines, so I imagine this particular fish comes from there, hence the name.

I chose to highlight this fish as the number one dried fish that seems to be universally liked is indeed: Bolinao. A blue silver fish no longer than a little finger. And, boy do they “collectively” stink!

Trust me when I say –

“If you want to make a Filipino happy, get them some bolinao””

In an open market the fish hang there. The smell is bad, but bearable. In a supermarket they are usually sealed, so only the people from the nearby knows what it taste to offer you.

The real smell of this dried fish from The Philippines

Open a packet and the sweet salty smell hits your nasal cavity in musky sticky waves. And, it stays in the air. It will get more intense though.

Wait until you smell a pan full of these tiny little dried fish being cooked. Rancid acid mixed with scrapings from the bottom of a murky seabed is as close as I can get to a similar smell. It’s harsh, and can make your eyes water.

Dried Bolinao fish, no smello vision needed!

Bolinao is also a delicacy

Filipinos will tell me they are crying with happiness when cooking it. Again, I have my doubts. Strangely the number of Filipinos complaining of an upset stomach the next day is quite high too! … just saying!

No, dried fish as you may gather is not for me. Yes, I have tried. Against my will I may add. And, yes, my stomach instantly turned into liquid. Now, even the smell makes me gag.

I guess dried bolinao or dried fish must be good!

100 million Filipinos consider their dried fish a delicacy, so it must indeed be just me! Indeed hop over to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and parts of China and you will find lovers of dried fish. Northern Europe too, with many Scandinavians drooling at the thought of salted dried fish.

So yes, Bolinao or any dried fish, is not for me. But, it’s at the top of many a Filipinos must eats!