Having thoroughly enjoyed Fukumen a few weeks ago, I decided to head back for their monthly special noodle experiment. I say experiment because this is one of the strangest bowls I've had. Served by some really strange dudes. Let's get to it!
It's called... Deathmatch...
Fine, I'll play along.
In the white corner...
we have the challenger.
Fried oysters.
And in the black corner...
... the reigning champion.
Sea turtle eggs.
I have to say, this was definitely a culinary first for me. I'm assuming it was also a first for all the people who joined us today. A veritable who's who of the food blogging world, we had ramen dream livin' GoRamen, first on the slurpin' scene Rameniac, cupcake lovin' Poptisserie, and new guy on the ramen scene Modern Day Deity.
But back to the sea turtle egg ramen.
Very interesting.
The fried oysters area topping that I could go for again. Heavy seafood goes great with a salty shio soup. See Ayu or Kaijin for proof of this.
The sea turtle eggs were... interesting. About the size of a ping pong ball, and almost as tough on the outside. Inside was a rich yolk that exploded into my mouth on first bite. The taste was good, but the weird factor might be too much for some people. Don't worry though, this one day ramen is long gone by the time you read this.
Free toppings if you bring your member's card.
For those around during the upcoming Golden Week holidays, Fukumen will have a different ramen each day.
May 1st - Shrimp wonton shio ramen
May 2nd - Curry ramen
May 3rd - Squid ink ramen
May 4th - Tantanmen
May 5th - Cabbage roll tomato ramen
Enjoy!
For more shop info, check my original post here.
5 comments:
I have been reading your blog with interest. But with this sea turtle eggs being served really disgust me. What's next, sharkfin, whale, or dolphin?
I've walked by this place 3 or 4 times, and I'm definitely going now. You're really driving my ramen habit here.
Sea turtle eggs? They and their eggs are protected species, so how do they get the eggs especially because there are no turtle beaches in nippon.
Or am I wrong?
And the eggs have to be as expensive as caviar.
There are some interesting artiles about sea turtles and that an aquarium n japan managed to breed them.
http://www.celsias.com/article/endangered-sea-turtles-born-japanese-aquarium-worl/
The loggerhead sea turtle, or loggerhead, is listed as a vulnerable species in the Red Data Book of Japan.
Its population in the wild is on the decline and at high risk of endangerment.
In August 1995, Kushimoto Marine Park succeeded in hatching the first clutch of loggerheads from wild-caught parents.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/hawksbill-sea-turtle.html
"Despite the threat of their extinction, hawksbill turtles are being hunted for their flesh (delicacy) and glorious shells (decoration). Sale of turtle eggs and shells are illegal today.
These marine sea turtles play a very significant role in the marine ecosystem.
Their extinction will surely affect the ecosystem, which is why something must be done before it's too late."
http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/sea-turtle-eggs-found-at-beach-near-mie-industrial-complex
"The eggs found were put Wednesday under protective netting by the group’s members in order not to be damaged by other animals.
‘‘We want to keep the beach clean and watch the eggs,’’ group leader Kazutomo Mori, 42, said.
‘‘We hope to change the image of Yokkaichi from a town of pollution to a town where sea turtles come to.’’ "
http://www.umigame.org/
Sea Turtles are migratory animals, covering great spans of ocean during different stages of their long lives. This can make studying them a daunting task to researchers and protecting them even more difficult. The Sea Turtle Association of Japan is dedicated to protecting these animals by promoting a free exchange of information between countries, protecting nesting beaches and helping to educate the public on their importance.
Thank you for the feedback. I'm sorry if I upset anyone with this post. I didn't actually go out in search of eating sea turtle eggs, and only really figured it out after the fact. In America, animal protection and restaurant regulations are much stronger than Japan. One should exercise caution, and I'll be sure to take my own advice in the future.
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