Hokkaido is best known for its abundance of high-quality and fresh seafood, and especially at the peak of the winter season, the freshness of the produce is unparalleled.

As the top scallop harvester city in Japan, Hokkaido boasts an impressive 99% share of the country’s total catch where scallops are nurtured for a year and then released into the ocean to mature over two to four years on the seabed.

Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) invited restaurant owner Paul Liew of Keng Eng Kee Seafood (KEK Seafood) on a culinary adventure to two areas of Hokkaido — Nakashibetsu and Sapporo — to learn more about harvesting fresh Hokkaido produce.

Paul had the opportunity to visit Notsuke Fishing Port where the scallops harvested were known for their jumbo size, thickness, and firm texture. Sea cucumbers are also a unique delicacy in Japan, characterised by their firm, albeit slightly softer texture.

Joining forces with JETRO, KEK Seafood will be utilising Hokkaido scallops and sea cucumber as key ingredients in its seasonal Chinese New Year menu mainstays available from 1 to 25 February, exclusively to the KEK Seafood at Punggol SAFRA outlet. 

Toss to a prosperous year ahead with the Yusheng ($58.50 for S, $78.80 for L) featuring Hokkaido scallop sashimi as the auspicious star of the dish. Along with the Pen Cai ($63.80 for S, $84.80 for L) that accentuates the sweetness of scallops and sea cucumber soaking in all the rich flavours. The Crispy Garlic Hokkaido Scallops with Assorted Seafood and Rice Vermicelli ($52.80) is also a dish not to be missed, it features a harmonious blend of oceanic treasures like buttery scallops, juicy Tiger prawns, and fresh clams steamed alongside vermicelli. Lastly, the Wok Fried Hokkaido Scallops Noodles ($62.80) is a classic well-loved dish of fried ee-fu noodles with a tasteful hint of wok-hei and the addition of fresh and plump scallops. 

Aspiring home chefs who wish to learn a thing or two about whipping up a storm for your Chinese New Year feast can also sign up for a cooking demo and tasting hosted by KEK Seafood’s experienced chefs. Some of the dishes you can look forward to learning are the Signature Moonlight Hor Fun, Marmite Chicken, and Cereal Hae Bee Hiam Fried Ice Cream.

Cooking Demo and Tasting

Date: 24 February 2024, Saturday 
Time: 10 am
Venue: KEK Seafood @ SAFRA Punggol, 9 Sentul Cres, #02-01, Singapore 828654

Stay tuned to their Instagram page to find out more about the prices and how to sign up!

KEK Seafood
Location: 9 Sentul Cres, #02-01, SAFRA (Punggol), Singapore 828654
Opening Hours: 11am to 2pm, 5pm to 10pm daily
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