Papaitan is a popular Ilocano soup made primarily of cow or goat guts. This dish's name comes from the Filipino word "Pait," which means "bitter." The bile in this soup gives it a harsh flavor. The liver produces a bitter liquid that is stored in the gallbladder to help digestion.
Although this soup is popular, it takes time to develop a taste for it. Once you've established an acquired taste for this dish, you'll be able to savor it regardless of its components.
This dish was the first time I tried it at a "kambingan." It's a speciality restaurant that serves goat meals. Because of its bitter flavor, I initially disliked Papaitan. I was advised that squeezing in some calamansi would improve the flavor, and it did. It's also best served quite hot.
