Key takeaways
- By long-standing custom, many people enjoy edible bird's nest in the morning, often on an empty stomach.
- Others prefer to have it in the evening, before bed, as part of a personal routine.
- There is no single "correct" time. Choosing a time is a matter of custom and personal preference.
- Edible bird's nest can be served warm or chilled, in a small portion.
- Dried bird's nest is soaked before cooking, and white nest is typically double-boiled.
One of the most common questions about edible bird's nest is when, during the day, people choose to enjoy it. The simple answer is that timing is customary and personal. Different households and traditions favour different moments, and many people simply pick the time that fits their daily routine.
Customary timings
In the morning
A widely followed custom is to enjoy bird's nest in the morning, often on an empty stomach before the first meal of the day. For many people this is simply the time that has always been part of the family routine, and it fits naturally into the start of the morning.
In the evening
Others prefer to enjoy bird's nest in the evening, commonly in the hour or so before bed. This too is a matter of preference and habit rather than a fixed rule. Some people enjoy it at both times of day as part of their personal routine.
Choosing what suits you
There is no strict "one perfect hour" that applies to everyone. The morning and the evening are both long-established customary choices, and the right time is whichever one best fits your own day and preference.
Serving notes
- Edible bird's nest can be served either warm or chilled, according to preference.
- It is customarily enjoyed in a small portion as part of a regular routine rather than in large amounts.
- Many people enjoy it on its own, lightly sweetened, or alongside other ingredients to taste.
How to prepare bird's nest at home
If you are preparing dried bird's nest yourself, the steps are straightforward:
- Soak: Soak the dried nest in clean, room-temperature water until it softens and expands. This usually takes about 4 to 6 hours, or it can be left to soak overnight.
- Rinse and drain: Gently rinse the softened nest and drain off the soaking water.
- Double-boil: White nest is typically double-boiled for around 40 minutes until it reaches a soft, gentle texture.
- Serve: Serve it warm, or let it cool and enjoy it chilled.
You can explore our selection on the Blue Label collection and the Red Label collection.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a best time of day to enjoy bird's nest?
There is no single correct time. By custom, many people choose the morning or the evening, and the best time is simply the one that fits your own routine and preference.
Can bird's nest be served warm or chilled?
Yes. It can be enjoyed either warm or chilled, depending on personal preference.
How long does dried bird's nest need to soak?
Dried bird's nest is usually soaked for about 4 to 6 hours, or overnight, until it softens and expands before cooking.
How is white bird's nest cooked?
White nest is typically double-boiled for around 40 minutes until it reaches a soft texture, then served warm or chilled.
