Detailed images of the extraordinary ramen dish were shared on Facebook and Instagram by the owner of The Ramen Boy restaurant, situated in Taipei's Liaoning Street Night Market.
According to Taiwan News, the owner excitedly revealed that he had finally acquired the "dream ingredient" for his creation called "giant isopod with creamy chicken broth ramen."
The owner expressed his admiration for the "very cute" giant isopods often seen in aquariums during his visits to Japan.
Inhabiting depths ranging from 170 to 2,140 meters, giant isopods are solitary creatures that scavenge on marine organisms sinking to the ocean floor. Their diet primarily consists of these organisms found in the deep sea.
Through a series of photos shared on social media, the restaurant showcased the process of preparing the dish. The stomach viscera of the isopods, caught from Dongsha Island, are removed, and the remaining meat within the shell is steamed.
As per the restaurant's description, the white meat of the isopod possesses a flavor reminiscent of lobster and crab, accompanied by the sweet crab paste taste provided by its yellow glands.
Yusuke chicken bouillon soup serves as the base for the incorporation of the giant isopod, while the shell of the crustacean is utilized solely for decorative purposes.
Priced at 1,480 New Taiwan dollars (approximately $48), this limited ramen dish is exclusively available to regular customers of the restaurant.
