In a spectacular event that captivated seafood lovers, a colossal 100kg grouper caught off the coast of Indonesia was filleted in front of an eager crowd at FairPrice Xtra in Ang Mo Kio, Singapore. The event, which took place on June 17, showcased the impressive size and freshness of the giant fish, drawing numerous onlookers and seafood enthusiasts.
The giant grouper, measuring approximately 178cm in length, was caught on June 12 and transported to Singapore by ship. When it arrived at the supermarket on June 16, it required careful planning and a team of four people to handle the fish due to its massive size. Meat specialist Mike Foo, who has 24 years of experience working with seafood, was tasked with the challenging job of filleting the fish.
“It was very difficult to do the filleting because the fish was huge, the meat was very thick and the bones were very hard,” said Mr. Foo. “This is the first time in my 24 years of working with seafood that I’ve seen such a big fish, so I was very surprised”.
The filleting process, which took about an hour, was performed in front of a crowd of shoppers, many of whom took pictures and videos with their mobile phones. The event was a rare spectacle, as FairPrice had never before filleted a grouper of this size for sale to its consumers.
“We required four people to carry the fish, and we didn’t expect the length of the fish to be about 178cm,” said Bryan Tan, department manager of FairPrice Xtra AMK Hub.
Among the crowd was Madam Tracy Mui, 72, who was thrilled to see the giant fish. “I was excited to see the fish, and this is the first time in my life I’ve seen a huge fish like this,” she said, posing for a picture with the fish, which was longer than her arm span.
The event also caught the attention of George Xu, 33, who was on a grocery run with his girlfriend, Liz Liao, 28. “The fish is bigger than my girlfriend,” exclaimed Mr. Xu, while Ms. Liao added that the fish “looks super fresh” and they planned to cook tom yum soup with the portion they got.
This was not the first time FairPrice organized such an event. The last filleting session with an audience took place on May 1, when a 51kg giant grouper was carved up at the same location. However, the 100kg grouper was a record-breaking catch that left a lasting impression on all who witnessed the event.
The giant grouper filleting event at FairPrice Xtra AMK Hub not only highlighted the supermarket's commitment to providing fresh and unique seafood to its customers but also created a memorable experience for the community. Events like these bring people together and offer a glimpse into the fascinating world of seafood, making grocery shopping an exciting and educational activity.
For seafood lovers and curious shoppers alike, the sight of a 100kg grouper being expertly filleted was a rare and unforgettable experience. It showcased the skill and expertise of the seafood specialists at FairPrice and underscored the supermarket's dedication to offering high-quality, fresh seafood to its customers.
