Evechinus Chloroticus

What in the name is that? New Zealand sea urchin roe! It is also known as kina in the Maori language.

Kina a.k.a sea urchin roe in a tub

Walked into Georges Fisheries located on Victoria Avenue to buy some fish and noticed this tub with the words 'Kina Roe' written on it. Wondered what it was, read it carefully and realized it was sea urchin roe. Bought a 200gm tub the week after for NZD15.50 and made pasta aglio olio with sea urchin roe.

Sea urchin

The sea urchin in the tub were harvested from the Coromandel Peninsula. It was kept in clear Pacific waters. From observation, the color of New Zealand sea urchin is not as bright nor yellow as sea urchin or uni we get in Singapore. On the nose, I could only smell the sea water. On the tongue, it had a mild "seaweed" taste with a sweet aftertaste. It has a soft and creamy texture.

Sea urchin on a plate

Decided to make pasta aglio olio with kina for two. While the pasta was cooking in a pot of hot boiling salted water, sliced garlic was fried in a pan with hot olive oil. Once the pasta was al dente, transferred it into the pan & tossed it. Before serving, threw in all the kina into the pan & tossed the pasta again.

Pasta aglio olio with creamy kina

The kina melted with the heat & became like a creamy sauce. I could still taste the taste of the sea. The pasta went well with a New Zealand white wine.

On the verge of an adventure

Pilgrim is about to undertake one of the most exciting adventure in its life. The journey will take Pilgrim thousands of miles from home.. following the pillar of smoke by day and fire by night. It will be exciting... scary.. filled with extremes of emotions and everything else in between. Sad to leave loved ones and family behind, but Pilgrim is grateful that God has given the opportunity to travel and experience new cultures, hopefully make new friends and cherish old ones left behind.

Oath taking at ICA

After submitting all the necessary documents to the Malaysian High Commission, you will be issued a temporary Certificate of Renunciation within 10 working days. The actual certificate (Form K) will be issued 2 years later.

Your appointment with ICA to take the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty is stated in the Singapore citizenship application letter of approval. If you cannot make it on the given date, you may change it online provided you have attended the National Education Experience (NEE).

When you attend the NEE, you must be dressed appropriately - no jeans, shorts, t-shirt, slippers etc - instructions are given clearly in the letter of approval. Reason for proper attire - you will enter the Parliament building & dressing appropriate is a sign of respect.

On the day of your appointment at ICA, go to 6th floor with:

• Singapore citizenship application letter of approval
• Temporary Form K
• Singapore pledge card obtained at NEE
• Singapore blue IC
• Passport photo x 4
• Deed poll (if necessary)
  

After taking the oath in front of a Commissioner of Oath, you will be given a temporary Singapore IC. You may apply for a Singapore passport the very same day. The passport will be ready within 4 working days. Your pink IC will be issued with 3-6 months. You will receive a letter to notify you about the date & venue.

Read the letter from ICA carefully and the process at ICA will, relatively, be a breeze.