Eating Gambas

Regina · Joined: 19 Feb 2011 Posts: 6

I have been to France a few times and always have shrimp at least once. When they come with head, tail and shell I am always unsure of how and what I should eat. I have tried to watch and learn but to no avail. Can someone please tell me how I should eat a whole Gamba? Rolling Eyes

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KYHeirloomer · Joined: 21 Aug 2007 Posts: 552 Location: Central Kentucky

From the context, Regina, I'm assuming "Gamba" is some kind of shrimp or prawn? But I'm not familiar with the term. Could you expand on it? Thanx.

Regina · Joined: 19 Feb 2011 Posts: 6

Yes it is a shrimp or prawn that is served whole. I would like to know the French etiquette for eating one.

dory · Joined: 11 Nov 2007 Posts: 236 Location: Madison, WI

Gamba is the term used in Spain for shrimp. They are called camarones in Latin America. I have not heard them called "gambas" in French, but have been pretty out of touch with French for the last few years. My guess is that "gambas" is a loan word from Spanish intended to mean shrimp cooked and/or served in a Spanish style. Probably the French members of the forum will be more familiar with this than me.

Dory

Regina · Joined: 19 Feb 2011 Posts: 6

Nevermind.

swan · Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2011 1:04 pm Post subject:

ah well, what's in a name...
You peel it by first twisting the head off, then opening the shell on the ' tummy' side, just run your thumb through and shell and little leggs will come off. The little tailpeace either comes of or stays on.
Then you can eat the lovely, tender meat. Some people love to suck the juices from the head as well.

Does that help?!
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Regina · Joined: 19 Feb 2011 Posts: 6

Yes, thank you.

clotilde · Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2011 8:40 pm Post subject:

I am behind our dear Swan 100% on this one!

David · Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2011 9:41 pm Post subject:

Eloquently and deliciously described Swan!!
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swan · Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2011 3:18 am Post subject:

Ofcourse I forgot to mention you need a bath after eating gambashrimpprawns!
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Regina · Joined: 19 Feb 2011 Posts: 6

Thank you all so much. I will now eat with confidence!

minty · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 140

actually it depends on where you are ; it you are in a posh setting, you're supposed to eat it with your knife and fork and never ever suck the head
; only tiny grey shrimps can be eat with your fingers Wink

clotilde · Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 9:47 am Post subject:

Good point, Minty. In my experience, though, if you're in a posh setting they won't serve you whole gambas -- they'll be peeled and beheaded so you don't have to wonder how you should eat them. Smile

minty · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 140

I agree with you Clothilde Very Happy

- but actually, we - a friend and I - tried with cutlery at a seafood restaurant and it was quite fun ; like learning to use chopsticks Wink

Regina · Joined: 19 Feb 2011 Posts: 6

Once, to add to the confusion, I was given a seafood knife. The most worthless piece of cutlery in the world. I did my best, but it was difficult. I guess the problem is that I know the French usually don't use their hands to eat. I have been looked at strangely for picking up pizza to eat it. So in the future I will try a little harder to eat everything I order, except bread of course, with a knife and fork. Or perhaps I will just forgo the Gambas. But they are soooo good!