Kobe beef is a unique variety of meat that comes from Wagyu cattle. To earn the Kobe label, the cattle must be born, raised, and processed specifically in Hyogo Prefecture in western Japan. Their diet contributes to the beef's higher fat content and signature tenderness.
For the meat to be classified as Kobe, it must achieve top marks in both marbling and overall quality. Only 3,000 to 4,000 Kobe cattle are brought to market annually. In Malaysia, Kobe beef is considered a premium delicacy and is priced accordingly.
An authentic Japanese A5 Kobe beef can cost around RM450 to RM500 for a 100g portion, depending on the specific cut and preparation. There are less than 10 certified cattle imported into Malaysia annually, making it an exclusive offering. White truffles, also known as Alba truffles, are among the most expensive truffles worldwide.
Typically, they are shaved over dishes such as pasta, risotto, or eggs to enhance their richness. Primarily found in the Piedmont region of Italy, as well as parts of Croatia and Slovenia, their high price is largely due to their unique growing process. White truffles require a symbiotic relationship with tree roots, where the fungus aids the tree in absorbing water and minerals, while the tree provides sugars to the truffle.
This complex relationship is difficult to replicate artificially, meaning most truffles are foraged rather than cultivated. Their reliance on forest animals for spore dispersal also contributes to their rarity. Beca.