Shrimp Heads

We had sushi last night for the first time in Singapore. For the most part, it was the same stuff that you get in the states, only much much fresher. We went to a small place in the mall, so we knew it wasn't going to be amazing sushi but it was still really really fresh fish. The salmon was moist and fatty, not at all salty like we're used to in the states. We ordered a big plate of sashimi and split it between the two of us. While we were eating the sweet shrimp (amaebi) the waiter came back with a small of plate of something fried. He said, "Forgot! Here are the heads. (pointing at shrimp)" And then he left.

Apparently, in other parts of the world, you eat the shrimp's head. I figured, why not, and gastrologically went forward. The shell is still on the head. The eyes are there, looking up at you from their tempura blanket. And it still has feelers. I ate part of it, leaving just the tip - but getting out the meat from inside the shell. I wasn't sure if you were supposed to eat the shell. The meat is, by the way, amazingly flavored. It has a meaty texture and taste, it is not sweet like the body and also not chewy. It was quite good and reminded me of softshell crab.

I have since learned that you are supposed to eat the entire thing, shell and all. Next time, I suppose.

Oh - and the ikura (salmon eggs) was AMAZING. Best ikura I've ever had. Not just a flavor of salt water like in the states. A delicate and just complex flavor that I've never tasted before in the same thing. These eggs were clearly fresh and I can't wait to have more.