would you eat a pigeon?
• 11 comments •
Back in 2009, we were sitting at a restaurant overlooking The Nile River, and debating what we should order for lunch. A two day trip to Luxor provided us with some of the tastiest cuisine we had ever eaten. Yet, when we saw "grilled pigeon" as a menu item, we couldn't imagine that this was something that could be included in our favorable view of Egyptian cooking. So, we passed and opted for some ridiculously delicious tajine and kebabs instead.
After returning from that trip, we were told by one of our friends that grilled pigeon is actually called 'squab' and that it is a delicacy in many countries. The pigeons on your plate are not the same as the gross ones on your windowsill. Feeling pretty bad that we hadn't taken the opportunity to taste it, we vowed that next time it was on the menu we would order it.
The time came in Cairo and we were pretty nervous about it. Felfela was a restaurant near our hotel - total tourist trap and really overrated, but sometimes you can't put a price on proximity. Since the total cost of our meal was less than $20 US - this is probably not gourmet squab, but it was OK. The bird was stuffed with seasoned rice, which is mostly what we tasted. The meat itself was reminiscent of duck. If we ever see in again in a nicer restaurant, we might give it a go, but for now we're not rushing out to try it again.
11 comments
I actually have eaten pigeon (I am Asian and we eat everything). It pretty much is like duck though smaller and perhaps less interesting to work with. The seasoned rice sounds pretty good though!
ReplyDeleteAs a vegetarian, the pigeon doesn't sound appealing, however, I applaud your guts in trying regional dishes!
ReplyDeletehow amazing! i love your life and your adventures. i can't believe you guys tried it, thats so cool. and no, i wouldn't. i'm a chicken. (no pun intended.)
ReplyDeleteEhhh heh! I just don't think I'd be able to get over the picture of nasty disease ridden pigeons.
ReplyDeleteI've seen squab on menus before..didn't realize it was pigeon!
ReplyDeletei dont know if I could! I think i would have to give it a try.....can't say you dont like something until you try it!
ReplyDeleteI've eaten squab in North America several times, they aren't the dirty pigeons in the street but raised for consumption. Delicious!
ReplyDeleteI am with Kelly on this one... ew. haha
ReplyDelete-makay
Squab is delish. Used to eat it as a kid in Illinois. But I prefer duck. Always good to try to local cuisine.
ReplyDeleteNope, I can't say I would. They're just so dang ugly.
ReplyDeleteI didn't have the guts to try it but my little brother tried in when he visited me while I was living in Kuwait!
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