Singapore, November 2016 – Every time I visit Shinji St. Regis (my favorite sushi restaurant in Singapore), I can’t wait to savor the fine sushi crafted by Chef Kikuchi. This week, I was really blown away by – a shrimp?! And it wasn’t just any shrimp – a Botan Ebi like I have never tasted!
Botan Ebi or large peony shrimp is known for its sweet flavors. It is about 2-3 times larger than the more common Amaebi (Alaskan pink shrimp). Botan-Ebi season is November to March. One of my favorite crustaceans is the Botan Ebi – richer and sweeter in flavors than any other specie, especially for nigiri sushi.
During my lunch, I watched Chef Kikuchi remove the shells of three gigantic prawns. What caught my attention was the abundance of blue-green roe that flowed out of these beautiful creatures! I probably consume more than two dozens of Botan Ebi nigiri sushi every year, but never have I stopped to admired one like this.
When Chef Kikuchi served the Botan-Ebi to me, he told me that these Botan-Ebi were special. He was able to get a few from Tsukiji market, and only had 3 pieces for today’s lunch. And I was given one of the three shrimps. The other two Botan-Ebi were served to his VIP clients.
One bite later…I was in sushi heaven!
In life, we sometimes live for moments like this! Thank you, Chef Kikuchi!
You may also enjoy these posts on my Shinji experiences:
Shinji by Kanesaka, Raffles Hotel
Shinji by Kanesaka – St. Regis Hotel, Singapore. http://www.shinjibykanesaka.com/stregis/reservations.html
All photos were taken by Mrs. King.
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