At a recent family dinner, my mother-in-law served shrimp—unpeeled and undeveined. While technically safe to eat,
the gritty vein can ruin texture and taste, especially for kids. I chose to skip the dish, unsure if it was a cultural
difference or just a culinary shortcut. Deveining is simple and elevates both hygiene and presentation. But navigating
food preferences with family takes care—honoring tradition while voicing your own. In the end, food is about
more than ingredients. It’s about sharing love at the table, one thoughtful choice at a time.