What is this food?
Clam tongue (usually cooked clam meat/tongue). It’s a protein-rich seafood dish, typically served as part of viands or mixed seafood meals.
Why it matters to health
Clam tongue gives you a good amount of protein to help build and maintain muscles, plus it adds energy (about 98 kcal per 100 g). It also has sodium (612 mg per 100 g), so it’s best to watch how salty the cooking liquid is (like broth, bagoong, or salted seasonings). It has some carbohydrates (4.4 g) but no sugar, and low fiber (0 g), so pair it with vegetables or a fiber-rich side for better fullness and digestion. Since it’s seafood, it can fit well in your daily meals when portion and frequency are balanced.
Healthier tips
- For a balanced plate, pair clam tongue with 1–2 cups of non-starchy vegetables (e.g., kangkong, pechay, okra) and 1/2–1 cup rice depending on your activity.
- Keep the broth/seasoning lighter: use less salty sauces and avoid frequent “sobrang alat” versions.
- Since it’s not high in fiber, add fruits or veggies on the side, especially if it’s your main ulam.
- In your 3 full meals + 1–2 snacks routine, use seafood like this as your protein option a few times a week, and vary with fish, chicken, eggs, or tofu.
- Choose cooking methods like stew, sauté, or grilled instead of very salty or heavily processed preparations.
Common Filipino dishes
Clam soup (sinigang), ginataang tahong/clam, adobong tahong/clam, garlic butter seafood (clams), clam stir-fry with vegetables