Chinese aristrocrats in the past, prized texture above all, even taste. Which explains why there still exists such things as Birds Nest, abalone and sharks fin. These delicacies if taken without the added ingredients and condiments would taste absolutely bland and emit very slight fragrances. Of course if it's good enough for the aristrocrats, its definitely better for everyone else so the reputation of these and many chinese delicacies have lived on. The Chinese not content to just eat common food such as chicken, snake and frogs legs(which by now would be passe) have moved on to more exotic fare such as anything under the sun that moves. 5000 years of adventurous eating folks. Salute to the spirit of experimentation and very good imaginations.