'Sea Cockroach' Giant Isopod 80,000 KRW per kg
Chewy Texture and Sweet Taste Contrary to Appearance
The giant isopod, known by various names such as sea cockroach, giant sea beetle, and sand flea, is gaining popularity among gourmets and is being sold in Vietnam at prices higher than lobster.
According to Vietnamese media VN Express on the 6th (local time), the giant isopod is currently being sold in Vietnam at up to 1.5 million VND per kg (approximately 80,000 KRW), which is a 20% increase compared to the same period last year. Smaller specimens weighing about 500g are relatively easy to purchase, but larger ones weighing over 1kg are rare and their prices are rising.
The media reported, "Market prices range between 600,000 VND and 1.5 million VND per kg depending on size," adding, "Most giant isopods sold weigh less than 1kg, as 1 to 2 kg specimens are rare. To purchase a large giant isopod, one must place a reservation order and wait a long time."
The giant isopod lives on the deep sea floor and cannot be farmed. It mainly inhabits the deep waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. As a carnivorous animal, it feeds on the carcasses of marine animals such as whales and squids, earning it the nickname "cleaner of the sea." This creature does not appear in Korean waters.
Despite its somewhat repulsive appearance, the giant isopod has a chewy texture and a sweet taste, as well as being rich in fat, making it very popular among enthusiasts.
A local named Hoang told VN Express, "Although the price is high, larger ones have firmer meat and a stronger sweetness, so I prefer the bigger specimens." Another local, Lan An, said, "I used to be scared by its appearance, but after trying it, I found it tastier than lobster," adding, "Even though it is expensive, I eat giant isopods every season."
Earlier in May, a ramen specialty restaurant in Taiwan gained attention by offering ramen topped with a whole giant isopod as a limited edition.
The restaurant shared images of the giant isopod ramen on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, describing the giant isopod as a "dream ingredient." The restaurant explained about this menu, "When steamed and eating the white meat part, it has the texture and aroma of lobster and crab," and "The overall taste is surprisingly fresh and sweet." The price of this ramen is known to be 1,480 Taiwanese dollars (about 60,000 KRW). Since the ingredient is hard to obtain, it is sold only to regular customers.
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