I’ve had some not so good pig intestine and some phenomenal, and the worse ones were similar to how you described it. If you ever decide you’d try it again, I think it’s so much better when crispy. The texture reminds me of bacon with a gelatinous, melt in your mouth center almost like burnt ends.

I wouldn’t buy a whole thing from the store unless you know you like it, but if you like cilantro and jalapeno, a banh mi with head cheese and pate is a good way to try it. It’s a delicious mix of fresh, savory, fluffy, crunchy, and chewy.