Dictionary of Ichthyology
shark fin soup = a Chinese soup made of shark fins according to various recipes. May include chicken broth, chicken breast, ham, scallops, mushrooms, green onions, ginger and other seasonings. The fins may need to be boiled for 2-3 days and the cartilaginous elements are tasteless; much of the taste comes from the other ingredients. Can cost $130 a bowl (in 2003). See finning.