Lava Shrimp Balls

I pulled out the first package, labelled 熔岩蝦球, and whispered, “It’s showtime.” Tossing the golden orbs into sizzling oil, I watched as the outer crust bubbled and crackled, transforming into golden perfection. The aroma? Heavenly-like a reunion of forgotten childhood Sundays. This transformation was not just in the food but in me, as I was taken back to those days of no care.

The first taste was a revelation. The crispy tempura coating shattered like glass, giving way to a luscious, gooey center of molten cheese and salted egg yolk. The rich, buttery lava and the shrimp cradled my tongue. Oh, the shrimp! Its bounce reminded me of running barefoot on the beach, carefree, before the weight of adulthood turned my gait into a limp.

I sobbed mid-bite. Not the cute, delicate sobs of a romantic movie heroine—oh no. These were the ugly tears of a girl who finally tasted the love she’d been running from. It was as if every strand of shrimp fibre was whispering, “Welcome home.”

Tempura Shrimp Balls

Next up: Tempura Shrimp Balls. These golden nuggets of joy needed no thawing. I take them straight from the freezer, into the hot oil they went, their crust puffing up like childhood dreams finally realized.

I took a bite, and the simplicity of the flavours slapped me. Hard. The shrimp paste was firm yet tender, seasoned just enough to let the natural sweetness of the sea sing through. The tempura crust was a whisper-thin armour, crispy yet delicate, like the fragility of the bond between a runaway teen and the surrogate family that loved her unconditionally. That first bite was a revelation, a burst of umami and sweetness that filled my mouth, wanting more.

As I chewed, I was transported back to my friend’s family dinners. I recall sitting at their table, feeling an imposter amongst all that warmth. I wished I could yell, “I don’t deserve this shrimp! I am a runaway!” Instead, I silently nibbled on some, swallowed down shame along with world-class shrimp.

A Tale of Two Shrimp

These shrimp balls are not just food; they are a therapy of sorts. Every bite reflects love, unspoken, unwarranted, and quite undeserved, but enough to heal through the hurts of yesteryear, bring comfort in the present, and inspire hope in the future. For that, indeed, they prove to be a testament to just how transformative food can be. A simple meal turns into a journey of healing and self-discovery.

熔岩蝦球 is for the moments when you want to relive the extravagance of being spoiled, even when life has robbed you of everything else. It’s bold, indulgent, and a little messy—like my life, but also like my mom’s love, poured unconditionally into every shrimp she cleaned for me.

Tempura Shrmp Nall is a love letter to simplicity. It is the shrimp you eat when you just need to feel seen, valued, and quietly reassured. It is the friend who feeds you shrimp without asking why your eyes are red or your cheeks are hollow. It is a warm, comforting embrace in the form of a shrimp ball.

Final Verdict

These shrimp balls are worth every tear, every calorie, and every childhood flashback. They’re not just shrimp—they’re a time capsule, an edible diary of love, sacrifice, and second chances. They take you on an emotional journey, making you feel deeply connected and understood. They are a reminder of the people who picked out the ‘intestines’ of life for you, the ones who fed you when you couldn’t feed yourself.

To anyone debating whether to buy these: Stop debating. Let these shrimp balls remind you of the people who picked out the “intestines” of life for you, the ones who fed you when you couldn’t feed yourself.

And if you cry while eating them? Don’t worry. You’re in good company.