KBRN, Semarang: During Ramadan in Indonesia, a unique dish from Kendal Regency in Central Java often appears: "Ndog Mimi," or Mimi eggs.

The name "Ndog Mimi" comes from the word "ndog," which means egg, and "Mimi," which refers to the horseshoe crab. Thus, Ndog Mimi is a dish made from horseshoe crab eggs, as reported by rri.co.id.

This savory dish has been designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage (WBTB) of Kendal Regency since 2022.

Mimi eggs typically appear during the Dugderan or Tukuder traditions held at the Kaliwungu Kendal Mosque ahead of Ramadan. Merchants usually sell this dish during the event.

Coastal Kendal residents are accustomed to eating horseshoe crab eggs. The horseshoe crab, bearing the eggs, is first boiled.

Once cooked, the horseshoe crab is split open to extract the eggs, which are then coated with a spicy spice blend and served with grated coconut.

Horseshoe crabs are easily found in the Java Sea, especially around Kendal waters.

Philosophically, Mimi Eggs can be interpreted as an eternal couple, like the legend of Mimi and Mintuno. This legend is a Kendal folk tale about a pair of lovers who always accompany each other through life until old age.

Mimi eggs are yellowish-orange in color, similar to the color of flying fish eggs or tobiko, which is found in Japanese sushi.

Some Kendal residents, especially in the Kaliwungu area, consider fasting during Ramadan incomplete if they do not consume Mimi eggs.

Therefore, this culinary delight is considered a typical Kendal dish during Ramadan, which can also be enjoyed during iftar (breaking the fast). ***