Are you supposed to eat shrimp tails in Asian food?

Question

In lots of Asian dishes, shrimp is served with attached tails. They are often hard to remove politely, especially when in sushi or soups, and then you are left with a plate of shrimp tails. So – are you supposed to eat them, or is it ok to pull them off and set them aside?

Answer 1

I don't think you shopuld eat them friend. Just set them aside.

Answer 2

A lot of Italian dishes do too, no you can't eat the tails, what I do is grab the tail with the chopstick and bite the rest off, leave the tail off to the side, It's not really good to take the tails off, you end up burning your hand, but if you must hold the tail between your forefinger and thumb and grab the body in your mouth and pull the tail while clenching the teeth and squeeze the tail at the same time, and usually if the shrimp isn't over cooked it all comes out in one piece, if it doesn't leave it. Otherwise you look like a dufus, and if ever in doubt about which etiquette is best, look around you and see what everyone else is doing, but just be comfortable you can do what you want its your food you bought it if anyone has a problem with it, its their problem they'll get over it

Answer 3

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RE:
Are you supposed to eat shrimp tails in Asian food?
In lots of Asian dishes, shrimp is served with attached tails. They are often hard to remove politely, especially when in sushi or soups, and then you are left with a plate of shrimp tails. So – are you supposed to eat them, or is it ok to pull them off and set them aside?

Answer 4

Eating the tails is a personal choice. I have many friends from all over and it for most it is family training or tradition which determines if you eat the tails or not. My friends who where Hawaiian (not tourist Hawaiian, but old family) all ate the tails. In Japan and Korea it is normal to eat the tails, depending on the city you grew up in or family traditions.

The tails won't hurt you, and can actually be good for you with extra minerals. Just do what you like and be polite. In most Asian cultures, if you pull of the tail, cover with your other hand the action of opening your mouth and pulling out the tail and then discretely drop the tail into your napkin on your lap: it is generally considered more rude to see the inside of your mouth or something that was inside your mouth or bitten off, than to eat something you don't like.

Answer 5

No you don't have to eat them, although whilst in Bangkok once at the Seafood Market Restaurant I saw some Asian men eating raw prawns [shrimp] true story

Answer 6

No, you're not expected to eat the tails! Even if they are deep-fried to a crisp. But I'd eat those crunchy ones, though. Personal preference.

Answer 7

They left the tail on so the shrimp will not look too small. But, no do not eat it. You can pull off the tail or bite the meat off and throw away the tail.

Answer 8

when i eat sushi with shrimp and the tails are attached i just put the piece in my mouth and nip off the tail with my teeth... either use chop sticks or fingers to remove it and put it on the side of your plate.
in soup i use my chopsticks and fingers to remove the tail. again put to the side.
the only shirmp tails i have ever eaten were fried/breaded. but i don't make a habit of it.
if you are worried about someone seeing how many tails you have... put them in an extra napkin and keep them covered.

Answer 9

don't eat shrimp tails in sushi, but like Peter Wilson says, it's quite alright to eat it in other cuisine if it's fried, ...but it's up to you, if you don't like the taste, next time don't eat it.

even for asians, it's vary, some do some don't

Answer 10

No. Don't eat them, set them aside. However, there are Southern & asian dishes that are stir fried or sauteed with the shell on. It become crispy & quite flavorful. Eat them.

Answer 11

No you don't eat them. Alot of Asian dishes are ate with hands so you just pinch the tail as you bite. Comes off clean.