Mr K brings us to the market to buy fish. He ask us to buy the fish we want to eat. My dad is busy choosing fish with Mr. K.
I am more interested with the fish bidding process. This is the first time I see a live fish bidding process.
Mr. K explained that
- most of the Chinese fishermen are "Teo chew" dialect
- fish sellers and fishermen have 2 different job scope
- mackerel / "Tong Ah" fish are usually catch by fish cage.
- Mackerel fish will only be reserved for Muar since it is the main ingredient for Otak-Otak
- Only Mackeral fish that grow in Muar sea bed are the best ingredient for Otak-Otak
- Muar people been experienced with Mackeral fish from other place around Melacca Strait (Example: Pontian). However, the taste just very different.
- Muar folk will only used Muar produced mackeral fish for otak-otak
- If no fish, they will not produce otak-otak. Else otak-otak with squid or shrimp will be produced.
Fresh fish on the third day of Chinese New Year
Fish cleaning process
The fish bidding process are
- Fisherman (uncle wearing white T-shirt with blue collar) will put the freshly caught fish on the floor
- Middleman or fish seller will check the fish
- Fisherman will keep shouting the fish name and asking for bet. ( I don't know "Teo chew" dialect. My mum translates and explains to us)
- middleman or fish seller will whisper their price to fisherman.
- After collect a few price, the fisherman will direct the highest bidder to the table.
- On the spot, middleman or fish seller pay it.
- The bidding will continue with other type of fish.
This process open up my mind. I always thought only Japan practice bidding for Tuna fish. I really learn something new.
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