What do jellied eels taste like?

[rhodrhi]

Totally random question, but has anyone here ever eaten jellied eels? I have vivid memories of seeing people eating them on ridley road market and thinking they looked pretty awful. I could just Google it but am curious whether anyone here ever liked or bought them? Not seen them for years.

Never had them, but I’d definitely give them a go.

Haven't had them for ages, but I remember them as a savoury treat, eaten with a splash of malt vinegar and a good shake of pepper, black or white.

I only heard about this “delicacy” in the last year and it sounds absolutely disgusting. No offence to anyone who likes them or is from the East End but this sounds like one Wartime food that should stay in the last century.

When I was nursing one of my patients had her husband bring some in as a treat for me. I bluffed and tried to put them in the fridge for later but she obviously wanted to see my enjoyment of them. So I bravely held my breath, put a chunk in my mouth and chewed. And chewed and chewed ………. I couldn’t get rid of the bloody thing. Eventually, with huge relief I managed to swallow it only for her to say go on, have some more. You looked as though you were enjoying it. I don’t think I have ever done anything so heroic in my entire life. The sensation was so memorably horrific that I can’t remember the taste.

If they are lovely and fresh, the eel is very nice, much like any other meaty white fish.
The jelly is to be pushed to the side.