You may have heard of the consumption of birds globally such as Turkeys, ducks and chicken. But did you know that a bird’s nest is also edible? Bird’s Nest Soup made from the nests of the Swiftlet, a small bird found in regions like China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore has gained the attention of internet users. As per reports, this soup from southeast Asia is one of the most expensive dishes globally.
The rarest type of nest, known as red nests, is worth $10,000 (approximately Rs 8 lakh) per kilogram. While white and black nests can cost between $5,000 and $6,000 (approximately Rs 4 lakh and Rs 5 lakh) per kilogram. Recently, Chef Manoj Pandey from The Piano Man shed more details about this unique soup.
Speaking with The Indian Express, he shared, “Asian Bird Saliva Soup, known as bird’s nest soup, has always fascinated me. This dish, esteemed for its unique preparation and high cost, is crafted from the nests of Swiftlet birds, made from their hardened saliva.” Talking about its taste and texture, he added, “Cleaning and soaking these nests is labour-intensive, and they are then simmered in a flavourful broth, offering a delicate, gelatinous texture and subtle umami flavour.”
Revealing why Bird’s Nest Soup costs so high, Chef Manoj Pandey shared that the high cost comes not just from the ingredients but the traditional value it holds. “Consuming bird’s nest soup is a sensory journey, deeply rooted in tradition and luxury,” Pandey noted. He shared that the dish was historically reserved for royalty, as bird’s nest soup symbolises wealth and prestige in Chinese culture. Moreover, the process of collecting the nests and their preparation is challenging. Thus, owing to its high cost.
The chef further mentioned that the soup is believed to have several health benefits, like supporting cell growth, boosting immunity, and improving skin health. Some studies suggest it might help reduce fatigue but according to him, there’s not much proof to support these claims.
According to reports, bird’s nests used for making soup were once collected from large limestone caves in Borneo, Malaysia, such as the Gomantong and Niah caves. Today, these nests are protected by the Wildlife Conservation Enactment of 1997, and only local harvesters are allowed to collect them. The nests undergo a proper cleaning and processing procedure before they are served, which can take several hours before they are ready.
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