FAQ
Questions, answered
Short answers. For anything else, we're on WhatsApp.
Origin & ethics
Where does Madame Lai bird's nest come from?
From four family swiftlet houses in Vietnam: one in Hoi An (Quang Nam), one in Quang Ngai and two in Ho Chi Minh City.
Is the harvest ethical?
Yes. We harvest only after the young swiftlets have grown and left the nest. Nests with eggs or chicks are left in place.
What is a swiftlet house?
A tall, quiet building where wild swiftlets roost and build their nests. The birds fly free, leaving at dawn and returning at dusk.
Who is behind Madame Lai?
Phong, Grandma Lai's grandson. He started Madame Lai in 2026 in her memory, and still answers every WhatsApp message himself.
Quality
How is the nest cleaned?
By hand. Each nest soaks in clean water, then feathers are lifted out strand by strand with fine tweezers. No bleach or chemicals are used.
Is anything added?
No. No bleach, no glue or gum, no fillers, no preservatives and no oil or salt brushing. The weight you buy is nest.
What does real bird's nest look like?
Ivory to pale gold, with fine visible strands. After soaking it swells and stays springy; it does not dissolve into the water.
Why isn't it pure white?
Natural nests range from ivory to pale gold. Very white nests can be a sign of bleaching, which we never do.
Ordering & delivery
How do I order?
Message Phong, our founder, on WhatsApp at +65 8601 2182. Tell him the size and how many; he confirms the price and delivery with you.
Which sizes are available?
25 g, 50 g and 100 g. Each is a sealed tray of whole cleaned nests in a Madame Lai gift bag.
Do you deliver in Singapore?
Yes. Delivery within Singapore is arranged with you on WhatsApp after you order.
Do you take gift or company orders?
Yes. Message Phong on WhatsApp for several boxes, gift notes or corporate gifting.
Preparation & storage
How much bird's nest is one bowl?
About 3 g of dry nest per bowl, so a 25 g box makes about 8 bowls.
How do I cook it?
Soak 30–45 minutes, drain, then double-boil in a covered bowl for 20–30 minutes. Add rock sugar in the last 5 minutes.
How should I store it?
Dry nests: sealed, cool, dry and out of direct sun. Cooked: in a sealed jar in the fridge, finished within 7 days.
When is it usually eaten?
Many families enjoy it in the morning or before bed, warm or chilled, as part of a balanced diet.
Talk to Phong
Grandma Lai's grandson · founder
I built Madame Lai for her. Every message comes straight to me, so ask anything. I'll answer the way she would have: with care.