Bird's Nest
Country of origin: China

Description: There is no misrepresentation with the name of this popular Chinese dish, which is actually made from a bird’s nest. The male swiftlet, a small bird found in Southeast Asia, has two glands under its tongue that produce saliva. The birds regurgitate the substance as fine strands, which harden and stick to the walls and ceilings of the caves they inhabit, forming their nests.

Most recipes for the soup simply call for simmering the nest in chicken broth. The nest soup has a rubbery and rather bland taste. Historically, the delicacy was thought to have medical values and it is widely considered an aphrodisiac.