On the shelf

1 The Dydo JAL Skytime yuzu drink is refreshing, with the bright, distinctive taste of the Japanese citrus. We like it so much we used to ask friends coming from Japan to put some in their suitcases for us. Fortunately, we've found an easier source - it's being sold for HK$12.50 a bottle at City'super (Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2506 2888; for other locations, go to www.citysuper.com.hk).

2 Making shellfish oil isn't hard but it can be time-consuming. The shells need to be crushed then slowly infused with the oil to extract flavour. Ferguson Australia lobster oil is made with extra-virgin olive oil, tomato paste, herbs, onion and lobster shells and is a beautiful orange-red colour. Add a little salt and drizzle it over a seafood soup or stew, or mix with home-made mayonnaise for seafood salads. It costs HK$105.90 for 100ml at Great, Pacific Place, Admiralty (tel: 2918 9986).

3 Japan-based Itsuki Foods may have come up with a contender in our quest to find the best instant noodles. Its version has a dashi base of kombu (dried seaweed) and katsuo (dried bonito). The noodles are meant to be eaten tsukemen-style - with the broth served in a separate dipping bowl. We did it our own way,by diluting the broth further and serving everything in one bowl. A pack serves two and sells for HK$28.50 at Fresh Market, Sogo, Causeway Bay (tel: 2833 8338).