Abalone often appeals to women for its skin-smoothening properties, while for others its the high content of protein, vitamin E, selenium and magnesium. The sea creature is also said to be good for human vision and overall body protection.

Still, the taste is the first reason people consume it. In Chinese tradition, serving abalone is a prestigious act that can be traced back to the days of the emperors.

Abalone is also called pao yu in China, awabi in Japan, loco in America, muttonfish in Australia and paua in New Zealand.

From June 15 to 30, The Samudra Shark's Fin restaurant at the Mulia Hotel is promoting "Absolutely Abalone", with prices ranging from Rp 188,000 to Rp 500,000.

Mulia Hotel invited The Jakarta Post to taste the restaurant's approach to abalone. We had the Chilled Abalone with Crab Meat and 3 Caviar, the restaurant's signature dish. There is a proper way to enjoy this. The jelly, abalone, crab meat and caviar should be eaten in one spoonful in order to get the full sensation on the tongue.

The menu consists of Baked Abalone with Sea Cucumber, Braised Abalone and Fish Maw, Braised Abalone and Asparagus Roll, Braised Shredded Abalone and Superior Sharkfin.

At the high end, guests may want to taste the Braised Abalone with Squid Paste or Sauteed Diced Abalone and Prawn.

The must-try item is the Abalone and Duck Liver Combination.

Samudra Shark's Fin Restaurant

at Mulia Hotel

Tel (021) 574-7777

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