
Fish Maw & Mushroom Soup (花胶蘑菇羹)
Earthy, Umami-Rich Collagen Soup for Every Season
At Justs Seafood Restaurant in Johor Bahru, our Fish Maw & Mushroom Soup (花胶蘑菇羹) brings together the deep sea and the forest floor. It combines premium fish maw (花胶) — prized for collagen and silky texture — with assorted mushrooms that lend rich umami and fragrance. The result: a comforting Cantonese-style thick soup that’s both elegant and nourishing.
🌿 A Perfect Balance of Land and Sea
Where other fish-maw soups focus on seafood sweetness, this recipe highlights earthy mushroom aroma. We slow-simmer a clear superior stock of chicken bones and dried scallops, then layer in fresh shiitake, enoki, and button mushrooms, letting them release natural glutamates that deepen the broth. The softened fish maw completes the harmony — a gentle sea essence balancing mushroom earthiness.
🐟 Why Fish Maw Matters
Fish maw — the dried swim bladder of fish — is a culinary gem known for its high collagen, low fat, and velvety texture. Once rehydrated and simmered, it absorbs surrounding flavours like a sponge while adding body to the soup. It’s long valued in traditional Chinese cuisine for beauty and vitality, especially when paired with mushrooms that aid immunity and digestion.
“A bowl that heals inside-out — light on the palate, rich in nourishment.”
🍄 Star Mushrooms in the Soup
- Shiitake (香菇) – deep umami and aroma
- Enoki (金针菇) – silky threads for texture
- Button Mushroom (白蘑菇) – gentle sweetness
- Black Fungus (云耳) – adds crunch and minerals
Each mushroom contributes flavour, bite, and nutritional value — turning a simple broth into a gourmet collagen soup.
🔥 Traditional Preparation
- Soak Fish Maw overnight until soft and sponge-like.
- Simmer Superior Stock using chicken bones, dried scallops, and ginger for 3 hours.
- Add Mushrooms & Fish Maw, simmer until tender and fragrant.
- Thicken Slightly with a cornstarch slurry to create smooth, glossy 羹 texture.
- Season Gently with light soy, Shaoxing wine, and white pepper before serving.
💛 Health Benefits
- Collagen & Protein Boost – from fish maw
- Immunity Support – from mushrooms
- Low Fat, High Fibre – promotes digestion
- Natural Antioxidants – from black fungus and shiitake
- Perfect for recovery or beauty regimens
🍽 How to Enjoy at Justs Seafood
Pair this nourishing soup with:
- 🦀 Salted Egg Crab for a rich contrast
- 🍤 Steamed Sea Prawns for a light pairing
- 🥬 Stir-Fried Vegetables to balance the umami
Ideal for family dinners, corporate meals, or wellness celebrations.
📍 Available Now at Justs Seafood Restaurant
Location: No 31, Jalan Impian Emas 5/1, Taman Impian Emas, Johor Bahru
Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM daily
Contact: +60 19-320 1866
Website: www.justseafood.my
🧠 FAQ About Fish Maw & Mushroom Soup
Q1 – Is this a vegetarian soup?
No. The broth is made from chicken and dried scallops, but it is pescatarian-friendly.
Q2 – What mushrooms are used?
We use a blend of shiitake, enoki, button, and black fungus for texture and nutrition.
Q3 – Is it suitable for children and elderly?
Yes — it’s soft, collagen-rich, and gentle on digestion.
