Visit Japan > gourmet > All-You-Can-Eat Crab Craze Sweeping Asia!?(3/3)

2014.02.20

All-You-Can-Eat Crab Craze Sweeping Asia!?(3/3)

We have finally reached the final part of our 3-part article on all-you-can-eat crab. Suitable for this last portion, to conclude we would like to introduce a generous restaurant where you can fully enjoy an indulgent all-you-can-eat menu that is specialized in crab. Top Image: Marugoto Hokkaido

All-You-Can-Eat Red King Crab, Snow Crab, and Horsehair Crab:
Experience 3 Taste Sensations

Some years back there were a few restaurants in the city center specializing in all-you-can-eat crab, but perhaps it can be said that the restaurant that was meant to remain did. That restaurant is "Marugoto Hokkaido." The first thing we would like you to experience at the Asakusa Shop is the "3 Great Crab All-You-Can-Eat Course." This includes 90 minutes of all-you-can-eat boiled red king crab, snow crab, and horsehair crab! Perhaps there are some of you who think that crab all tastes the same. Depending on the variety, there are huge differences in aspects such as texture and flavor. "Red king crab is the most popular for its substantial appearance and ease of eating. Snow crab has a delicate sweetness, so it's delicious as is. Horsehair crab is distinctive for offering a balance of both flavor and texture," says Mr.Ichinomiya, the spokesman.

8,000 yen is a tad expensive for a 90-minute all-you-can-eat course, but Mr.Ichinomiya, the spokesman, says, "We are confident that our quality is unbeatable." One look at the vaunted 3 great crab varieties being served up, and you'll be convinced.

The thick, large legs of the red king crab are overwhelming. The meat is tight and firm, offering a tender texture and a substantial eating experience. One can understand why this variety boasts No. 1 popularity.

You can also eat as much brown meat as you'd like!

A hearty portion of crab is served on the first large plate that comes out--just this alone would be substantial. There is lots of thick meat stuffed into every piece. For the horsehair crab, the shell portion is provided as well, allowing you to enjoy the rich brown meat. Crab porridge is included at the end of the course, so perhaps you could toss in some crab meat and make an original creation of your own. By the end of the meal, smiles are sure to be all around. By the way, the basic system is that you place additional orders after finishing the plate you're eating. Leftovers are not allowed, so do your best to keep track of how full you are when placing additional orders.

One of the highlights of the horsehair crab is the brown meat. Some Japanese people dislike this portion, but we hear that brown meat is also popular with people around Asia.

Horsehair crab caught at the beginning of spring is also referred to as "waka-gani" [young crab]. This is a season in which crabs with slightly less meat become extremely sweet, so we hear that people who truly love horsehair crab prefer waka-gani.

In the Chinese tradition, households post a red piece of paper with the Chinese character "fu" on their doors to wish for luck. "Fu" means blessing or happiness and people usually paste the paper upside down. Called "Dao Fu," hanging "Fu" upside down literally means "luck falls." You may just wonder why anyone would want their luck to fall but Dao Fu has more of the nuance: "luck falls upon you" and therefore bringing the luck to your doorsteps.

A local specialty shop called "Marugoto Hokkaido Kaminarimon Gate Products Main Store," which sells ingredients from Hokkaido, is also nearby. There are usually over 1,000 gourmet products from Hokkaido in stock, so drop by if you have time.

Marugoto Hokkaido Asakusa Shop
Kunimoto Building 2F, 2-11-5 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-5827-2255
Hours: 5 PM - 12 AM (last order 11 PM) from Sunday to Saturday
5 PM - 11 PM (last order 10 PM) on Sunday and holidays
Open year-round * Depending on the season, there may be special operations or changes in hours
>>Marugoto Hokkaido

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