Bird’s nest 101: What is this prized Chinese cuisine ingredient?


Bird’s nests are prized in traditional Chinese medicinal cuisine and are derived from swiftlet nests. — Filepic

Bird's nest became a popular Chinese cuisine component after renowned Ming Admiral Zheng. He was said to have been made aware of its health promoting benefits while visiting the Malay Archipelago during one of his historic voyages.

Mindful of this event that helped popularise bird’s nest as a prized Chinese cuisine ingredient, Chinese medical hall owner Ooi Pin Seng travelled all over South-East Asia after he started working full time at Weng Aun Thye with hopes of acquiring further knowledge on the delicacy many consider to be the most expensive and highly sought after animal product in human history.

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