Unveiling Hidden Shellfish in Asian Soups & Pastes: A Must-Read for Allergy Sufferers

For diners with shellfish allergies, Asian cuisine presents unique challenges. Shellfish derivatives often lurk unseen in foundational ingredients like soups and pastes, posing serious risks. Understanding these hidden sources is crucial for safe dining.

Why Shellfish Hide in Plain Sight

Many Asian dishes build flavor using concentrated pastes or complex broths where shellfish isn't visibly apparent. Ingredients like shrimp paste or oyster sauce blend seamlessly into recipes, while dried shrimp or crab shells may fortify stocks without obvious traces.

Common Culprits to Watch For

1. Soups & Broths

• Pho/Japanese Ramen: Broths simmered with dried shrimp or crab shells.
• Tom Yum/Laksa: Often contain shrimp paste (belacan) or fish sauce with shellfish cross-contact.
• Miso Soup: Some variations use dashi made with bonito (fish) and occasionally shrimp.

2. Flavor Pastes & Sauces

• Curry Pastes (Thai/Indian): Frequently include shrimp paste for umami depth.
• XO Sauce: Premium versions contain dried scallops and shrimp.
• Oyster Sauce: Direct shellfish derivative, ubiquitous in stir-fries.
• Fish Sauce: May be processed in facilities handling shellfish.

3. Under-the-Radar Risks

• "Seafood Broth" or "Ocean Delight" menu terms signaling potential shellfish.
• Kimchi (some recipes use shrimp paste) and dim sum items like steamed buns with hidden fillings.

How mm food App Makes Dining Safer

Our revolutionary app tackles this invisibility problem head-on:

1. Instant Menu Translation: Scan or upload any menu to see ingredients translated clearly into your language, exposing terms like "belacan" (shrimp paste) or "dried scallop."
2. Allergen Detection AI: Enter your shellfish allergy in the app. Our AI cross-references dish descriptions with a vast allergen database, flagging high-risk items—even when menu descriptions appear ambiguous.
3. Custom Alert System: Get real-time warnings about broths, pastes, or sauces that typically contain shellfish derivatives. Avoid dangerous guesswork.

Pro Tips for Extra Safety

• Always ask if broths are vegetable-based or contain seafood.
• Specify "no oyster/fish sauce" even in vegetable dishes.
• Use mm food's "Double-Check" feature to capture custom chef notes during ordering.

Dine Confidently

Shellfish surprises in soups and pastes needn’t ruin your culinary adventures. With mm food, you transform uncertainty into empowerment—savor authentic flavors without compromising safety.