They were actually water chestnuts.
A very common food in several Asian countries, often used in stir-fries, salads, or even eaten raw. Contrary to what its name suggests, it is not a chestnut like those eaten in winter, but a crunchy vegetable that grows in water.
A strange but very popular food
Water chestnuts are highly prized for their crunchy texture and mild flavor, somewhat reminiscent of hazelnut or sweet radish. They can be peeled, cooked, added to dishes, or eaten raw.
In some countries, it’s a very common, almost ordinary food. But for someone who has never seen it, it can seem really strange at first glance.
The next day, after understanding what it was, I explained to my neighbors that I had discovered what it was. They were delighted and showed me, with gestures, how to peel and eat them.
What this story teaches us
This little story is ultimately very simple, but it shows something important: what is normal for one person can seem totally strange to another.
The world is full of different foods, habits, and traditions. And sometimes, all it takes is a neighbor, an unfamiliar dish, or a mysterious ingredient to discover a new culture.
This just goes to show that behind a food that looks a little scary at first glance, there can be a pleasant surprise… and sometimes even a culinary discovery .
