swiftlet

Expensive Eats - Birds Nest Soup

Filed under: Dining

When it comes to delicacies this rare soup is among the most coveted in Asia. Its appearance seems quite benign as the gelatinous mixture, a steamed bird's nest, rests in a light chicken broth but when you discover the true contents of this unique offering it might change your mind. The key ingredient is truly a bird's nest but not one made of twigs and leaves, the sparrow-sized swiftlet's nest is primarily composed of saliva. The complete structure is built within thirty-five days by the male swiftlet to accommodate one to two eggs and its shallow cup shape does not exceed the size of a human hand.

The nests are harvested three times a year and the swiftlets are typically given time to breed and raise their young in the nest before removal.

Gallery: Bird's Nest Soup