Fried Jew’s-ear…it’s one of those Chinese menu staples that make the uninitiated scratch their head and say “what??” I mean, the Chinese are sort of known for eating anything and everything, but human ears?? Something must be up here! I smell a funky translation!
But not quite! “Jew’s-ear” is in fact a colloquial name for a specific type of fungus, the Auricularia auricula-judae that does in fact resemble an ear!
Still, upon first spotting this bizarre item on a menu in Yunnan province’s touristic Dali, I was certainly amused. In fact, it brought up memories of another humorous menu item spotted at a hotel in Bangkok….”Fried uterus…”
Ummmmm……
Say What?? is a thrice weekly series featuring numerous signs from my travels. Check back every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for updates! Or better yet, subscribe to receive them automatically!
