I think it is the fear of knowing what you are eating. I have eaten balut fa few times, and even though I can say it is not a favorite, I can tell people that I eat it. The taste (when eaten whole) is only like a stronger tasting omelette to me. My wife was delighted to show me the first time how to eat it and enjoyed pulling the little duck out to show me before eating it. She loves them and can eat several in one sitting. My little son like it too.