Bird’s Nest

A truly exotic food, and one of the most sought-after delicacies of China. Historically, it was most abundant in southern China, and is now sought after in affluent Hong Kong and Taiwan. This is literally bird’s nest made of regurgitated spittle of a certain type of swift from the East Asian tropics: Thailand, Vietnam, Java, and the Philippines. Their nests are found in large mountainside caverns where workers climb on long bamboo scaffolding to retrieve them. Bird’s nest is said to be good for one’s complexion and is prescribed for convalescing patients. There are shops in Hong Kong and Taiwan specialising in bird’s nest, which comes in all grades. The best ones are the “white nests” and “pink or blood nests,” which are actually complete cups. The nests are expensive and are usually sold precleaned, that is, feathers and other bits are hand-plucked from the nests. It is sold dried and must be soaked before using, as instructed in recipes calling for it. The result, like shark’s fin, is a bland, soft, crunchy jelly that relies for flavour on whatever sauce or broth it is served with. It is an acquired taste.