Pinikpikan is a controversial dish originating from the Cordillera mountainous region in the Philippines. The soup consists of chicken and etag, which is cured and smoked meat that has been kept underground in earthen jars. What makes pinikpikan controversial is the way that the chicken is slaughtered – it is gently beaten to death with a stick in a ritual performed by local tribes.

The chicken is beaten to keep the blood inside, and if properly done, it will not be bloody when cut. No bones should be broken during the beating and slicing process. However, the preparation method is in violation of the Philippine Animal Welfare Act of 1998.

The chicken is combined with water, etag, and salt, and the concoction is then boiled until it’s ready to be served.