Godzilla Ramen: A Unique Culinary Experience with Crocodile Meat in Southern Taiwan
A humble noodle outlet in Douliu City, Taiwan, named Witch Cat Kwai, has taken their game a notch higher. Their recent invention, christened “Godzilla Ramen,” remarkably features an impression of the legendary Japanese film monster appearing to emerge from the bowl.
Surprising Ingredient – Crocodile Meat
In an intriguing twist, the star of this dish is not your average ramen ingredient. It’s crocodile meat, which takes centre stage, adding a unique flavour profile to the meal.
Recipe and Preparation
The proprietor, Mr Chien, has detailed the recipe for CNN Travel. The savoury soup combines quail eggs, pork, baby corn, dried bamboo shoots, black fungus, and diced fish paste. These ingredients are then crowned with a crocodile leg – a front one, to be precise.
The procurement of crocodile legs and the intricacy of the dish’s creation limit the daily servings to just two bowls. At a cost of NTD 1,500 (around $50) per bowl, the price reflects the dish’s uniqueness and the effort put into its creation.
The Delicate Process
Chien’s detailed process is meticulous and exacting. Firstly, he thoroughly cleans the crocodile leg. Then, he rubs it with alcohol and a spice blend, including ginger, garlic, and spring onion. Following this, he lets it braise for two hours in the restaurant’s signature broth. Overall, this careful preparation takes roughly three hours.
Tasting Notes
The taste of crocodile meat, as described by customers, is somewhat like chicken but with a more springy, soft, and elastic texture. Chien, the restaurant’s owner, likens it to the flavour of braised chicken feet.
Previous Viral Hits
This innovative dish follows closely on the heels of another viral hit from a Taipei restaurant. That eatery made waves by serving ramen garnished with a giant 14-legged isopod. Unlike the Godzilla Ramen, though, the preparation of the isopod dish was significantly simpler, involving just ten minutes of steaming before adding it atop the hot ramen.
Ultimately, keen food adventurers wishing to sample this Godzilla Ramen at Witch Cat Kwai will need to join a waiting list. According to Chien, the bookings are filled up until late August. As a footnote, it is perfectly legal to farm and consume crocodiles in Taiwan, provided they’re not a protected species.
