Would you care for some Bougainvillea and Santan Snacks?
That’s right.
Santan, Ixora coccinea.
Bougainvillea, Bougainvillea spectabilis. 
These flowers are abundant in Asia. They make places like parks, schools, offices, and residences fresh and beautiful. In the Philippines, they are used in one or two of the following events.
- Flores de Mayo
- All Saint’s Day
- All Soul’s Day
- Flowers for flower Girls in Weddings
But NEVER were they used as food.
In Southern Thailand, on the other hand, they are food. Yes, totally amazing. The snack is called “Dok Mai Thot”, which mean fried flowers. Fried Bougainvillea and Santan taste like just like any other crisps. It was an amazing experience. I could not believe I was eating Bougainvillea and Santan flowers.
For you to be able to empathize with me, here it is.
Ingredients
Bougainvillea flowers ( as many as you want)
Santan flowers (as many as you want)
Flour
Procedure
1. For the bougainvillea, take out the core and only use the petals. For the Santan flower, take out the filament at the center of the flower.
2. Wash them in a colander for sanitary purposes.
3. Mix a cup of flour and water in a bowl. Add a pinch of salt if preferred, without it is totally fine.
4. Dip the flowers into the batter.
5. Deep fry the flowers.
6. Serve with tomato sauce or any of your favorite dipping.
Although cooking oil is use here, I still think that this snack is healthier compared to any processed snacks in the groceries. Flowers are full of fibers and other nutrients that are not found in processed snacks.
Do you know of any exotic snacks the world has not heard of? Do share with us.
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