the lobster dish

the crab dish

Who doesn't enjoy a freshly prepared lobster or the tasty meat of a nice and big crab leg?

Unfortunately for those who adhere to the doctrines of religions such as Judaism, eating any type of bottom feeder (shellfish) is strictly prohibited. That means no crab, lobster, shrimp, etc. However, it is all right to eat regular fish... you know, with gills and fins.

Where does this restriction come from? The Old Testament, of course.

Lev. 11:9; Deut. 14:9
Of the things that are in the waters, you may eat anything that has fins and scales.

Are Muslims just as restrictive? Nah.

Qur'an 16:14 It is He Who made the sea subservient to you so that you can eat fresh flesh from it...

Qur'an 5:96 Anything you catch in the sea is lawful for you, and all food from it, for your enjoyment and that of travellers...

Why Don't I Eat Crab or Lobster?

For the same reason that I don't eat a scorpions or spiders' legs. My simple impression of a lobster is a scorpion that loves water. Similarly, I see the crab as a primitive yet armored spider. Imagine picking up some random tarantula, tearing off its legs, shaving the hairy legs, boiling them, cutting the legs open and pulling out the meat, dipping the meat in a warm dish of melted butter, then eating it. No, thank you.

I say if you're willing to eat a crab or lobster, then you're prepared to eat a tarantula or scorpion.