Soon after arriving in Culion at about 8 in the morning, we arrived at the home of our hosts for the day trip. They were busily preparing seafood that had been caught 
just hours earlier or were still alive. In a metal batya or wide pail were some of the feistiest mangrove crabs I have seen in a long while. One of the bonuses of having so much mangrove in the area is that they are home to some of the most wonderful, naturally raised mud crabs or alimango (as opposed to pond raised and fed). I thought we were going to have these crabs for lunch but I was pleasantly mistaken. The crabs were scrubbed clean and perfectly steamed and partially cracked open and were served to us with steaming rice and a vinegar and soy dip for BREAKFAST…
The meat of the crabs was sweet and noticeably more tasty than the farm raised crabs we so often get in Manila. It was a perfect breakfast and a hearty way to start a busy day on the island. I have to say I only ate about one whole crab, with some rice, as 
I assumed (correctly) that a veritable feast would be laid out at lunch, just a few hours later! Clearly the seafood bounty in this remote location was a major blessing… I could be very happy here foodwise… And I was totally intrigued to notice that everything, but everything was cooked on this traditional charcoal stove rather than on LPG. That they could regulate the heat to steam, boil, fry, etc. was just amazing to me. I realize that is how much of the country may still cook their meals but if you saw the dishes that emerged from this kitchen, I think you too, would be in awe. Move over Viking six-burner, charcoal stove here I come…
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hmmmm yummy….my favorite… kahit allergic ako… :P
those crabs looks so good.. i miss the sweet taste of a well steamed crab, and not to forget the juices that comes trailing down your arms as you try to suck on the meat off the pincers.. haay.. you really are one lucky man!! nice charcoal stove.. wonder where we can get those here in manila.. it would surely be great for emergencies or brownouts..
It is good to know your vacation went well.
Inggit ako.
if you’re going to replace our viking oven with charcoal stove, i’m willing to adopt and take care of our viking oven. Enjoy your vacation. :-)
Crabs for breakfast! Yummy! BTW, you look trim in your Blogger’s Award pics, hope you’re on your way to attaining your NY resolution :)
I’m so envious just looking at those pictures. I think I’ll go shopping at the Asian stores today, and buy me a couple of live crabs or lobsters. “Hindi masyadong malaman and mga alimango dito, pero Ok na rin”.
Well Mr. MM, I finally saw you in a photo taken with winner Dessertfirst and Anton in ! enfin, I had a face to put on a picture. And Anton wrote that the Bloggers Choice Award is the most prestigious! I agree, yo look trim enough and fit, too.
Those crabs are mouth watering!
MM, I’m trying to look for a reasonably priced hotel in Coron for my family of 5. Any suggestion? I guess for air travel, Asian Spirit it is for it’s the only one that has flight to Coron.
corrine, hotel info coming up in posts in the next few days. Both Asian Spirit and SEAIR fly to Coron/Busuanga. Asian Spirit is cheaper I think…
hi marketman, been reading your site. would like to know if those crabs are ok for export.and how much they cost? a friend would like to export crabs for singapore’s use. please help. tnx.
wenchie, I have no idea what the requirements are for the export of live crabs. Farming crabs is big business in several parts of the Philippines. Crabs in Manila can run PHP250-350 a kilo. They were PHP80-100 a kilo in Palawan; but getting them to Manila alive is another story…
hi mm, thanks a lot. i didnt expect an answer so soon. i just love your site….
Im interesting on your bussiness. im exporter from pampanga, philippines. call me this is cell #. 09092490472 im a good taste about the crabs & shimps. thank you hope you will interested also.
sooo.. yummyyyy ang sarap talaga yan