Bird's nest soup is a delicacy in Chinese cuisine quite popular in China and Hong Kong. Chinese believe that the natural collagen in bird's nest is good for the skin and keeps it looking young. Some also consume with the belief that it has aphrodisiac benefits.
Actually these bird's nests are built by Swift birds with their saliva. These nests are in the shape of a cup. These are harvested, cleaned and cooked as a delicacy in Chinese cuisine. These bird's nests are quite expensive as well.
For the first time I tasted bird's nest soup in a Cantonese restaurant in Hong Kong. I quite liked the texture of the soup, continued there after without hesitation, thinking that bird's nest is name of a Chinese dish.
Actually these bird's nests are built by Swift birds with their saliva. These nests are in the shape of a cup. These are harvested, cleaned and cooked as a delicacy in Chinese cuisine. These bird's nests are quite expensive as well.
During my latest visit to Indonesia, I had the opportunity to capture a video of cleaning process of such white nests. Here it is:
(Video captured with Samsung Galaxy Note)
Bird's nest originated from Indonesia and today, Indonesia is one of the major exporters. Currently commercial production of these bird's nest are now undertaken in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam etc. Hong Kong has overtaken China as the major importer of bird's nest.
When you are travelling to Hong Kong, China or Singapore don't forget to taste this dish. You will like it.
Now the key question is to whether bird's nest is considered a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian dish. Since it is not meat or egg, in my opinion vegetarian's are good to go. Willing to hear other views.
Now the key question is to whether bird's nest is considered a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian dish. Since it is not meat or egg, in my opinion vegetarian's are good to go. Willing to hear other views.
I have some in my fridge, gifted by my neighbor, but haven't tasted it yet!
ReplyDeleteSuggestion: Take a tiny portion follow the cooking instructions and taste it first. As I mentioned above, bird's nest is expensive. But am sure you will like it.
DeleteInteresting! Must try sometime. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, the gelatinous texture very nice when you slurp the soup.
DeleteOOh, must try it. Any clue what it is called in Korean?
ReplyDeleteNot sure of its Korean name. But it is widely exported to Korea as well. Try to find it in the local super market.
DeleteQuite informative, and would love to try this sometime in life, given the opportunity. Nice post, and what is the black stuff that they throw in the water?
ReplyDeleteYes, you should try it. It tastes quite good. Black stuff apparently is particles of feather and other micro dust.
Deletehi ravi ji, is it available in india too?
ReplyDeleteVery interesting.
ReplyDelete