The Spirit of Gourmet

Chapter 305 Red Crab Badge
No need for much chewing; just a slight press of the tongue against the palate and the crab meat lion's head meatballs will unfold, releasing the broth inside and filling your mouth and nose with a burst of fresh flavor.

The umami flavor of the pork did not overpower the umami flavor of the crab; on the contrary, it brought out the unique umami flavor of the crab, just as green leaves support red flowers.

The delicate freshness of a touch of cabbage is like the finishing touch, or the adhesive between two different flavors, perfectly blending them together.

It was a bright and unique blend of freshness, carrying a wonderful feeling that went straight to the soul, which made Ren Qiu slowly close his eyes.

He slowly chewed the lion's head meatball in his mouth. The crab meat and pork, which had been thoroughly blended during the hour-long stirring, were tender and soft, almost melting in his mouth, and continuously releasing new flavors.

The slightly chewy bits of fatty meat, after being stewed for a long time, have completely lost their greasiness and instead have a unique texture that is both chewy and bursting with juice.

Even the chopped water chestnuts added to the dish tasted so fresh to Ren Qiu's palate; the slight graininess was just right, making it irresistible.

After taking a bite, Ren Qiu slowly opened his eyes, a look of approval and amazement on his face. "I've eaten quite a few meatballs."

"But this is the first time I've ever had meatballs with this kind of texture."

"This dish has a truly unique flavor, and what's even more remarkable is that the fresh and delicious tastes of the pork and crab meat are perfectly blended together."

Ren Qiu looked at Qin Lang, her expression becoming serious. "This should be the most amazing crab dish I've eaten this year."

Hearing such high praise, the others could no longer contain themselves.

There were also many small urns on the dining car, and everyone very consciously picked up one, took out their spoons, and began to taste it.

"I want to see how this crab meat lion's head is better than my crispy fried crab!" Ren Xi muttered to herself, scooping up a piece of lion's head with crab roe on top and putting it in her mouth.

The next instant, her eyes widened suddenly.

Because of the addition of crab roe, the taste that Ren Xi experienced was different from that that that Ren Qiu experienced. The unique umami flavor and slightly sandy texture of the crab roe intertwined with the amazing taste of the lion's head meatballs, making it even better.

This kind of taste...

A hint of ecstasy appeared in Ren Xi's eyes, and she quickened her pace without hesitation.

"Great! It's all meat!" Cao Dongdong scooped up a large piece and put it in his mouth. After savoring it for a while, he swallowed it along with the broth, his face full of joy.

Although it wasn't quite what he expected—all crabs—the satisfying feeling of a mouthful of meat instantly won him over.

"This crab meat lion's head is absolutely delicious!" Zhao Qian exclaimed as she tasted it, giving Qin Lang a thumbs up.

This was the first time she had ever tasted meatballs with such a delicate and refined texture; they were as elegant as a traditional Chinese ink painting, making her feel refreshed and happy.

Fatima, standing to the side, ate in small, refined bites, but at a surprisingly fast pace. After a few bites, she let out a soft sigh.

"This dish is far superior to my lake crab dish."

She used different colored sauces and edible seasonings to create the effect of lake water and crabs, but after tasting Qin Lang's dishes, she was surprised to find that Qin Lang had also made the same painting.

The essence of this dish lies not on its surface, but in the heart of every diner.

In comparison, the difference is obvious.

"Gulp gulp gulp~" Zuo Ge had already finished eating all the lion's head meatballs and the garnished bok choy. He picked up the small jar and drank the remaining soup in one gulp. Then, holding up the jar, his eyes gleaming, he said, "Give me another serving!"

"No problem." Qin Lang smiled slightly, picked up the small urns from the first layer of the food cart and placed them on the table one by one, and then opened the second layer of the food cart.

There, too, was a generous layer of crab meat lion's head meatballs.

Seeing the gleam in everyone's eyes, Qin Lang smiled.

"Take as much as you want, there's plenty."
-

"Hiccup~"

Cao Dongdong let out a burp, leaned back lazily in his chair, and patted his stomach contentedly. "I can't eat anymore."

"Someone said they were going to have a big meal, but they're already done after only four servings?" Zhao Qian covered her mouth and laughed, unable to resist teasing her.

Cao Dongdong looked distressed. "Who knew this crab meat lion's head meatball would be so big?"

A lion's head meatball weighs half a pound and is about the size of a fist. The fact that Cao Dongdong could eat four portions already shows he has a very good appetite.

He glanced at Zuo Ge, who was still engrossed in showing off, and couldn't help but ask, "Zuo Ge, which one is this?"

Zuo Ge was so focused on showing off that he just made a random "6" gesture.

Cao Dongdong: "...6".

This legendary scholar and poet not only looked like he was about to starve to death every day, but his appetite was also considerable.

"Don't eat too much." Qin Lang put down the small jar in his hand, which was his second serving. "I'm going to make crab-stuffed oranges later."

"It's alright!" Zuo Ge waved his hand. "After we finish this serving, we can use the crab-stuffed orange juice to sew it up later, it'll be just right."

Qin Lang: “…”

Using crab-stuffed oranges as a sewing technique, such niche writing.

"I really enjoyed the meal today!"

Ren Qiu laughed and put down his spoon.

Even he, the food recommender, couldn't resist eating three servings of lion's head meatballs before he stopped.

Slowly rising, Ren Qiu took out a badge and handed it to Qin Lang.

"This is my token, the Red Crab Badge."

"Your dish has won my approval."

"Now, I bestow it upon you."

"Thank you, Mr. Ren Qiu!" Qin Lang carefully accepted the gift and examined it.

It was a badge with a background of lakeside aquatic plants, and in the center of the badge, a large, bright red crab leaped out, lifelike.

"This should be your first badge in Mingjing State, right?" Ren Qiu smiled. "I believe it represents a new beginning."

"Ok!"

Qin Lang nodded emphatically and carefully put away the badge.

"Besides the badge, there's this too."

Ren Qiu took out another item.

It was a lake-blue card with a carefully designed background and the words "Delivery Card" in large letters.

Ren Qiu had more than one of these gift cards.

"For chefs I admire and approve of, I often give them a gift card from Donghu Crab Farm," Ren Qiu explained with a smile. "With it, they can purchase the highest quality Yuehu crabs from Donghu Crab Farm at a 50% discount."

"That is, the kind you are using today."

"In addition, if Yunhu crabs are officially produced in the future, this gift card can also be used for purchasing."

As he spoke, he distributed the cards in his hand to Qin Lang and the other four.

"Huh?" Cao Dongdong's eyes widened. "We have that too?"

“Of course.” Ren Qiu laughed. “Although you didn’t participate in the food recommender assessment, your actions saved Yuehu City.”

"Appreciation and recognition don't necessarily have to be based on culinary skills. Your courage and kindness have earned my recognition!"

"This is my personal commendation to you!"

(End of this chapter)