Shuck'n Delicious: 5 Epic Oysters to Try in Guangzhou

By Matthew Bossons, 2019-10-16 14:15:00

This ain’t your local buck-a-shuck, Guangzhouers, these are some of the city’s most decadent and bossed-up oysters. In no particular order...


1. The Connoisseur

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Image by Matt Bossons/That

Origin: France
Type: Black Pearl Oyster
Price: RMB38 for one/RMB78 for three/RMB148 for six/RMB298 for 12 pieces and a bottle of Chilean white wine

These delightful oysters come from France’s Belon River and boast a soft, creamy taste with hints of sea salt. A small squirt of lemon is really all you need for these bad boys, although we recommend adding a dash of The Connoisseur’s homemade mignonette sauce.

See listing for The Connoisseur.


2. The Connoisseur

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Image by Matt Bossons/That

Origin: France
Type: Dupont
Price: RMB38 for one/RMB78 for three/RMB148 for six pieces

These delicious marine edibles are baked with crabmeat, feta and capers and topped with a herbed garlic dressing. If raw oysters aren’t really your cup of tea, consider the Dupont oyster your top choice.

See listing for The Connoisseur.


3. Mercato

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Image by Matt Bossons/That

Origin: France
Type: Gillardeau No. 2
Price: RMB58 for one piece/RMB328 for six/ RMB648 for 12 pieces

A popular menu item at Mercato, these firm oysters are delicate and subtly sweet. Eat them on their own, or elevate the experience by adding a squirt of lemon juice and a small spoonful of Mercato’s special sauce, which is made with red wine vinegar and diced onions, carrots, celery and shallots.

See listing for Mercato.


4. Oyster Talks

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Image by Matt Bossons/That

Origin: France
Type: Wasabi and Salmon Roe
Price: RMB208 for six pieces

A true taste of the sea, with a minor, wasabi-induced kick, these oysters come topped with three pieces of salmon roe. The flavors of this particular shellfish are dynamic, starting with a salty smack to the palate, followed by a refined spice and capped off with a lingering creamy taste.

See listings for Oyster Talks.


5. Oyster Talks

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Image by Matt Bossons/That

Origin: France
Type: Tempura Oyster
Price: RMB208 for six pieces

This oyster is a standout on our list, as the only fried option. Velvety French oyster flesh is fried until its coating is golden and crunchy, before being returned to its half shell and topped with wasabi and salmon roe. While we tend to prefer raw oysters, this variety is certainly a tasty alternative.

See listings for Oyster Talks.


For more F&B news, columns and features, check out our Guangzhou Bars & Restaurants section.

[Cover image via That’s]