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Giant Alimango and Mantis Shrimp Feast in Bohol, Philippines: A Seafood Lover’s Must-Try!

Join renowned food vlogger ChamPD on an exciting culinary adventure in Bohol, Philippines, as he embarks on his “Crab Road” series! In this episode, ChamPD dives deep into the world of gigantic crustaceans, sampling two local delicacies: the monstrous Alimango (mud crab) and the impressive Mantis Shrimp. Get ready for a mouthwatering experience filled with colossal seafood and authentic Filipino flavors!

Discovering Monster Mantis Shrimp

ChamPD’s journey begins with the hunt for extraordinary Mantis Shrimp, locally known for their massive size. He arrives at a local restaurant in Bohol, eager to taste these “monster-sized” creatures. Upon seeing the Mantis Shrimp, he exclaims about their size, comparing them to his forearm! He orders three Mantis Shrimp, weighing about 1kg in total for 4,800 Philippine Pesos. He chooses to have them prepared in two ways: one steamed to appreciate the pure flavor and two others cooked in a traditional local style, which turns out to be fried and seasoned.

The steamed Mantis Shrimp arrives first, showcasing its impressive size and juicy appearance. ChamPD notes the addition of local spices in the steaming process, enhancing the natural flavor. He then tries the traditionally cooked Mantis Shrimp, which is fried and seasoned with chili and spices. He is impressed by the crispy texture and the flavorful seasoning, describing it as a perfect blend of salty and peppery notes with a hint of spice. He highlights the tenderness of the meat and the flavorful roe, concluding that this preparation method truly elevates the Mantis Shrimp experience.

Key highlights of the Mantis Shrimp experience:

• Giant Size: Truly impressive, living up to the “monster” description.
• Two Preparations: Steamed (with local spices) and Fried & Seasoned (traditional style).
• Flavor Profile: Fried version is preferred, offering a delightful mix of crispy texture, salty, peppery, and slightly spicy flavors. Meat is tender and juicy.
• Price: 4,800 PHP for 1kg (3 shrimps) – considered pricey due to the tourist location.

Encountering the King-Sized Alimango

Next on ChamPD’s “Crab Road” is the legendary Alimango, or mud crab. He orders the largest size available, a truly “king-sized” specimen priced at 5,000 Philippine Pesos for a single crab. He opts for a chili sauce preparation, intrigued by the local style.

The Alimango arrives, an absolute behemoth! ChamPD is amazed by its size, especially the massive claws. He dives into the chili-sauced crab, describing the sauce as having a ketchup-like aroma with a spicy and slightly tangy flavor. While the meat is plentiful and succulent, he notes that the Alimango lacks the distinct “crab flavor” he expects compared to Korean crabs. He finds it somewhat bland on its own but appreciates how the chili sauce enhances the overall taste. The colossal claws, packed with meat, are a sight to behold, but even they offer a milder flavor profile than anticipated.

Key highlights of the Alimango experience:

• Gigantic Size: Truly massive, especially the claws – a visual spectacle.
• Chili Sauce Preparation: Flavorful and enhances the crab’s taste.
• Flavor Profile: Meat is plentiful and tender but lacks a strong “crab” flavor compared to other crabs. Relatively mild taste on its own, better with sauce.
• Price: 5,000 PHP for one crab – expensive, reflecting the tourist area pricing.

Final Verdict & Restaurant Experience

ChamPD concludes his Bohol seafood adventure by ranking his crustacean experiences. While both the Mantis Shrimp and Alimango were impressive in size and offered a unique dining experience, he ranks them lower compared to premium Korean crabs like flower crab, snow crab, and king crab in terms of pure flavor. He places the Alimango at 4th and Mantis Shrimp at 5th in his personal “Crab Road” ranking at this point.

He notes that the prices are higher due to the tourist-centric location in Bohol, but the experience of trying these giant seafood dishes is worthwhile, especially for adventurous food lovers. He recommends trying both the Mantis Shrimp and Alimango for their unique textures and the cultural culinary experience they offer in the Philippines.

Restaurant Experience Notes:

• Location: Bohol, Philippines (General tourist area)
• Ambiance: Casual, local restaurant setting.
• Service: Friendly and accommodating.
• Price Range: Relatively expensive for local standards, due to tourist location.
• Overall Rating (based on ChamPD’s comments): 3.5/5 stars – Worth trying for the novelty and experience, but flavor might not be top-tier compared to other premium crabs.

If you’re planning a trip to Bohol and are a seafood enthusiast, don’t miss the chance to try these giant Alimango and Mantis Shrimp! It’s a memorable culinary adventure that combines impressive size with unique local flavors.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ChamPD’s “Crab Road” as he explores the world’s most delicious crustaceans!

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