Do you eat animal organ?

Hi EdnaReyes, I wouldn't know that Adidas mean Chicken intestines! I think if the founder of the running shoes company know about it, it will not use Adidas as the name of the running shoes. I do not dare to eat Pig's blood, even though I love the kidney and liver. The organs are good sources of protein and other nutrients. Glad to hear that we Chinese are not the only ones enjoying it.

@EdnaReyes, I think you made an honest mistake so I would like to correct it, Adidas is chicken feet that's why it's named after the famous shoe brand LOL. Chicken intestine is "bituka ng manok" in contrast to pig intestine which is called "isaw"

"Isaw" can be simultaneously used for chicken or pig intestines.

Hi again, that was funny ... I don't need to climb Mount Everest because I am tired of climbing mine Everest of Life. The fierce exams runs after me furious than the fierce dog you are talking about. And the time chases me faster, faster and faster... People in Nepal cannot even think of beef. Chinese people are very much different. We can't imagine mice, rabbits, sparrows and ants for the meet. It feels too much odd for us. But like I said before, it just about the circumstances in which people are grown up, right? Perhaps it would be the most difficult thing in life for a Chinese to quit eating meet altogether. I heard that it is the statement of Chinese that, " Every creature in this world exists for the human beings itself." Don't know I heard right or wrong...People in Singapore are Chinese? I thought you are from Singapore... Happy mylotting....

Hi Nzalheart, most of us in Singapore have ancestors from China, India or other countries. They came over before or after second world war. Most Chinese traveled out of China before the country became a communist country, and their children became Singaporeans when Singapore gained independence. Actually Singapore is a very new country, just a few years old. We gained independence in 1965. We do not have much national history, unlike your country with its rich culture and history, even the birthplace of Buddha. In the past, the Chinese were very poor. If they did not learn to eat everything, they would die. Your statement is basically correct. The actual saying is that everything with four legs is edible, except for the table.

Hi Nzalheart, nice to have you back in mylot. I thought you have gone to climb Mount Everest! But then I remember how lazy you are, so climbing mountain is definitely not for you. Probably when someone releases fierce dogs to run after you, then you will start to run up the mountain. Many Chinese do not eat beef too. They believe it is a sin to eat beef since cows help in farming, and people who pray to Goddess of Mercy cannot eat beef. However, many Chinese do not hold the same belief. That is why they eat practically everything, including ants, field mice, scorpions, rabbits, sparrows and other creatures. I wish I have the determination to quit eating meat altogether.

Like I said, while I eat mainly vegan, I do not condemn those that eat animal products. Though I do think that we overdo it. Our main foods should be vegetarian and animal products occasionally and not the other way around. Enjoy!

Hi 1hopefulman, I try to limit my intake of meat too. Fortunately many Chinese dishes are vegetables based, with minced meat to add to the taste. However, I will not tell myself that I will not eat meat anymore. I think the human nature is such that forbidden food is the best food. If I tell myself to quit taking meat, I will definitely crave for it. As long as I keep telling myself that I can always eat meat when I want it, I do not feel the temptation. The same with animal organ dishes. The fact is that these are available in abundance.

Hi 1hopefulman, it seems that the rich people are more health conscious than the poor. The rich people and the middle class are better educated, and they know the value of eating more vegetables and fruits. They value their health more. The poor are the ones who eat fast food, and refuse to exercise much. I think when people fall sick, they should not blame God for their sickness. They have to blame their eating habits and their lifestyle.

Hi Inu, glad to hear that we Chinese are not the only ones fond of animal organs as food. I am even gladder to hear that the bladder, eyes and uterus are thrown away. I think it is very awful to have a bowl of soup, and find the eyes of the cow staring up at me. I like the pig stomach as well. It takes a lot of work to season and clean the stomach. However, adding the pig stomach slices to the boiling hot steamboat adds to the taste of it. If I ever travel to Romania, I would definitely try the pig intestine soup.

Hi Inu, I keep it in mind. I guess if i forget the name, I would have to describe it or to draw the pig, then the intestine. Hopefully they dont mistaken it for pig and snake. I think the combination will be too powerful!

If you ever travel to Romania, ask for "Ciorba de burta" in any restaurant. This is a dish that can be found in any restaurant's menu. It is usually eaten with vinegar and garlic, and some people also add cream and pepper. I never tasted it because I don't like the idea of eating such a soup, but most people love it.

Hi Sweet_pea, I wonder how is the one who names all the animal parts food after popular gadget. The founder of Adidas shoes will not be happy to hear that Adidas mean chicken feet. if the buyers think of chicken feet when they buy shoes, they definitely will not buy Adidas. And walkman becomes pig's ear! That fellow needs a good spanking to give pig's ear such a nice name.

HI Sweetpea, the names are very funny. Fortunately they did not name after a person. I mean if you name a dish of pork intestine after a famous person, that famous person may die of anger or laughter or disbelief. I think animal organs food dishes are nice to eat, as long as you do not get to see the actual preparation.

I really don't know how naming these things started. It just evolved amongst the people. I really believe Filipinos have a great sense of humor. No matter how hard their life can be, they find reasons to still laugh and smile.

Hi Simplyd, I think as long as we do not see the food preparation, we will not think of the food as dirty. Anyway the deep frying of the chicken wings, animal organs and whatever kill off the virus and bacteria. The best is to eat it right after the sellers deep fried it. I used to enjoy street food, but seldom eat them anymore, mainly for health reason. I try to eat more vegetables and fruits, and less oily food.

Hi Simplyd, I have learnt a lot from this discussion thread, including all the creative names of your street food. i think tourists have to exercise caution when eating street food. Otherwise they may end up with diarrhea. Most people in the West do not have the habit of eating animal organs, unlike us in Asia. I think the culture of eating animal organs enrich our life. Imagine what happen if Isaw and Tuwalya were to disappear from the country. It will be a huge loss.

Dirty though they may seem those street foods, they are so delicious to eat. People really patronize them because they are cheap and easy to eat. I guess, Isaw and tuwalya will not disappear , but they will thrive, because of their demand from those hungry passers by.

I've not tried brain yet. I would be interested. I've heard that it's nice.

Hi Galena, I think the people in many developed countries have not experienced poverty, that is why they do not understand those people in developing countries who can eat everything. The rich culture of Chinese includes many food dishes and herbs from various sources. We eat the roots, the bark, the stem and the leaves, beside the flowers and the seeds. I think only the Chinese is capable of eating the needle-leaf of the pine trees, and stir fried the flowers. Eating animal organs is part of the culture too. It is a shame to waste the organs, since organs are often the tastiest parts of the animals, and most nutritious. However, the cholesterol level is very high, especially the brain.

Hi Galena, I think pig brain herbal soup is an once in a lifetime experience. Not many people can tolerate the extremely high cholesterol level in the soup. The herbs do not help in reducing the cholesterol. The herbs make the pig brain herbal soup a complete food in term of nutritional value.

Hi Daveisdavid, I seldom eat the animal organs too. The reason is partly the high cholesterol, and partly the love for natural fruits and vegetables. The organ with the highest concentration of cholesterol is the brain. I think if you enjoy a bowl of pig brain herbal soup, you need to exercise for days to get rid of the cholesterol.

I think you are right. When I was in China, I did try many things that I normally didn't eat in America because I couldn't afford to eat western food. It was easier (and cheaper) to eat the way the locals ate. The only thing was I had to tell them not spicy because I don't like hot foods. I never heard of walking catfish, but I'm not from Florida. While I like eating Chinese food in America, the food in China is far different and far better than the Americanized version I was exposed to all my life.

Hi Daeckardt, if you ever visit the western part of China, and tried the spicy food, you would never forget about it. The kind of chilli pepper is very different from what we used in other parts of the world. When you happen to bite into the chilli pepper, you will feel the area going numb, as if the dentist has given you an injection. The numbness spreads through all your mouth. That is the best part. After that, the numbness goes away, and the hot and spicy feeling hits you hard. You start to grab the rice bowl, and literally pour rice into your bowl. The real suffering comes the next day, when you practically camp in the toilet, and diarrhea throughout the day.

Hi Daeckardt, I think many people in America are not adventurous when it comes to the matter of food. If those people in Florida have eaten those walking catfish, those walking catfish will never become a terror. If those catfish enters the rivers in China, I can guarantee you that the Chinese will think of a thousand and one way to cook it. Over here in Singapore, even though we are completely different from China in education and thinking, we still enjoy many Chinese food. After all, our ancestors come from China. I guess eating ants is out of our limit of tolerance for food.

I can never eat beef as we consider cow as auspicious and as for animal organs here meat shopkeeper sell them at very low price to dog owners and cat owners.We boil it to soften it a bit and feed it to animals.

Hi Akangirl, if only the animal organs are as cheap in our place. Too bad many people love animal organs, and the selling price is rather high. I think many people love to eat pig intestine soup everyday, except that they are worried about their health. Most of us who pray to Goddess of Mercy do not eat cow too. It is considered holy. However, the younger generation is indifference to the meat. They eat everything. Even Muslims who are not supposed to eat non-halal food are not following it strictly.

HI Akangirl, it is common to eat fish and chicken. However, most people do not eat the organs of the animals. Most people throw away the organs of the chicken, and just cook the meat. Same as eating pork and beef. I think I stay away from cockroaches. I guess I will vomit for days if someone eats cockroaches in front of me.

Hi Mermaidivy, I think for us Chinese, eating animal organ is a very common occurrence. Even if some of us tend to eat more vegetables or become a vegetarian, we still accept the culture of eating animal organs by our people.

Hi Shia, guess what I see when I visit the Sheng Siong Supermarket? Pig skin, pig oil, pig heart and others. I buy pig oil only for prayer. Cannot imagine how anyone would want to eat this disgusting item. However, i like the fried noodle with pig oil, tastes so nice. Do you know where I can find beef heart? I have visited so many supermarkets in west side, and nowhere can I find beef heart. I hope to get it, and feed to my fish.

Hi Gnmfashion, in this case, I think you can forget about eating pork organs or beef organs. Even if you visit Singapore, where you can find pig intestine soup everywhere, I doubt your conscience allows you to enjoy the food. China has more exotic food, such as fried ants, scorpions, field mice, dog meat, skinned cat and other food. As long as you do not ask the origin of the food, the cooking will deceive you. Once you know what meat it is, you can never swallow it.

hi scheng1! i do eat food which is not kosher, so that's why i said that i"m curious about the food in china,i really want to try and taste all the "weird stuff". when i visited thailand i tasted fried cockroaches and warms. even in my country i eat lots of sea food which is not kosher although it's very expensive here. i just love it!

Hi Mbagullo, I just learnt the meaning of dinuguan. The dish sounds horrible. I mean to cook the organs with blood sauce is really weird. Some of the Chinese soups are herbal soups with meat or animal organs. Somehow it sounds better to think of pig brain and different herbs. I do not like the taste of blood, especially not with organs. I think I give dinuguan a miss. I would like to try bopis.

Weird but tasty. It really is great as a viand and we usually eat it with rice. This usually goes with puto or a white rice cake in my country. Well black and white compliment don't you think? Some cultures would really find it gross. But when you are exposed to it, you would really say that it wasn't all that bad. Before, I've never eaten chicken intestines and feet. But now, I can eat it.

Hi Careguarden, i cannot imagine eating animal organs first thing in the morning, even though I like animal organs as soup too. I seldom take animal organs even though these are very common dishes. I prefer to eat more natural food, and save the animal organs, such as pig intestine soup, pig stomach, pig brain soup and the rest for times when I have the craving for it.

Hi Topffer, I seldom eat sausages, so I am not aware that intestines were used for making it. I do not think I can eat the tongue of the animals. It sounds too horrible. At least the organs do not look like any visible parts of the animals, unlike the ears, the eyes or the tongue.

Hi Stellar, actually pig liver does not taste much different from the organs of chicken. The only difference is that it is more tender and sweet. I personally do not like pig brain herbal soup. The cholesterol level is simply too high. I do not see how I can burn away all the cholesterol.

Hi Tiffnkeat, I think once I can find beef heart in the supermarket, I will give you the leftover after my fish has eaten the best part of it. You can cook with maggie mee for instant nourishment. i seldom eat Pig organ soup and Kway Chup. Maybe you can write an article about finding the best pig organ soup in Jurong area. This type of articles seems more suitable for you. What about the lasi Lemak stall in Boon Lay hawker center? The one that opens near midnight, and closes a few hours after midnight. I think you can write a great article about your experience of eating the rich food. The keyword will be Boon Lay hawker center and Lasi Lemak.

Hi Loveandpeace, I can understand your feelings toward eating the organs of the animals. The rare organs do look very scary, and bloody. The liver and kidney look like a big lump of blood. The cooked version does not look so bad, especially when it is well cooked. I prefer the chicken skin to the meat, since the chicken skin absorbs all the seasoning. However, I do not take chicken often. I think frequent consumption definitely leads to health problem.

Hi Comiclee, I do not eat the animal organs everyday too. I think even once a week is too much. The organs have high cholesterol and high calories compared to the meat of the same size. Pig brain is the worst of all, since it contains the highest cholesterol content. if you have a chance to try pig brain herbal soup, you may like it. The herbs disguised the origin of the organs very well.