Bird's nest comes three ways: dry, to soak and stew yourself; ready-to-drink in a sealed bottle; or freshly stewed, cooked to order and eaten the same day. They are the same nest. What changes is how much work you do, how long it keeps and how it tastes in the bowl.
Side by side
| Dry | Bottled | Freshly stewed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Hand-cleaned nest, dried | Stewed for you, then sealed and sterilised | Cooked to order in our kitchen |
| Work at home | Soak 4–6 hours, then double-boil | None: open and enjoy | None: eat as it arrives |
| Keeps | Years, sealed and kept dry | 18 months unopened; 3 days in the fridge once opened | Same day to 3 days in the fridge |
| Serve | Your way, sweet or savoury | Chilled, or warmed in hot water | Hot or cold |
| Delivery | Across Thailand | Across Thailand | Same day, Bangkok only |
| Best for | Cooking the traditional way; the best value per bowl | Gifts and busy days | A treat today, the way we serve it in the shop |
Dry bird's nest
Dry nest is the traditional choice. You soak it in clean, cool water for 4–6 hours, pull it into strands, pick out any tiny feathers and double-boil it with rock sugar. It takes time, but you control the sweetness and the recipe, and it usually gives the most bowls for your money. Ours is cleaned by hand with water only and graded 3A to 5A. Allow about 3–5 g of dry nest per person; our How to Enjoy guide has step timers and a portion calculator. Shop dry bird's nest.
Bottled bird's nest
Bottles are stewed for you, then sealed and sterilised. There is nothing to cook, they keep 18 months unopened at room temperature, and they are delicious chilled. Our bottle sets of strips, thick edge or pieces are stewed with rock sugar and fresh pandan leaf, and the Whole Nest in Bottle holds one whole cup, sealed intact. Once opened, keep the bottle in the fridge and finish within 3 days. Shop bottled bird's nest.
Freshly stewed bird's nest
Freshly stewed bowls are the closest to eating in our shop: cooked to order and delivered the same day in Bangkok. You choose the type of nest and the base, from classic rock sugar to fruit bowls in coconut milk. They are made to be eaten soon: bowls made with fresh milk, coconut milk, soy or almond milk are for the same day, congee within 2 days and other bowls within 3 days in the fridge. Order freshly stewed.
Which one is for you?
- You enjoy cooking, or want the best value: dry.
- You want something to keep in the cupboard or to give: bottled.
- You are in Bangkok and want a bowl today: freshly stewed.
Frequently asked questions
Is dry or bottled bird's nest better?
They are the same nest prepared differently. Dry nest gives you control over the recipe and usually the most bowls for your money, but needs soaking and stewing. Bottled nest is ready to enjoy, keeps 18 months unopened and suits gifts and busy days.
How long does bottled bird's nest keep?
Our bottled bird's nest keeps 18 months unopened at room temperature. Once opened, keep it in the fridge and finish within 3 days.
How long does freshly stewed bird's nest keep?
Bowls made with fresh milk, coconut milk, soy or almond milk are for the same day. Congee keeps 2 days and other bowls 3 days in the fridge.
How much dry bird's nest do I need per person?
About 3–5 g of dry nest per person. Soak it for 4–6 hours before stewing.
Can freshly stewed bird's nest be delivered outside Bangkok?
No. Freshly stewed bowls are delivered the same day within Bangkok only. Dry and bottled bird's nest ship across Thailand.