We could say your eating technique doesn’t matter when it comes to oysters but, well, it kinda does. There’s a right way and a wrong way to eat oysters. But worry not, we’re here to guide you along the process. Read on for some top tips on how to eat oysters like a pro:
Is this your first oyster ever? Then these are the rules to follow! When choosing your first oyster to slurp, it’s best to start small. You can also specify whether you want a mild or salty one to make things even more easier. Eat it without any condiments to really taste the unadulterated oyster flavour. You can then decide what you want to add.
Garnish with lemon, champagne mignonette, tabasco or pepper once you’ve tasted the oyster, but use these condiments sparingly. You don’t want to drown the oyster in hot sauce and completely mask the natural flavor!
You can use the little fork for a helping hand if you like. Yes, we know it looks slightly useless (and our personal favorite way is to slurp directly from the oyster). But it does have its purpose. The tiny fork that oysters are served with is there to help you detach the oyster from the hinge and dig all that delicious oyster meat out of the shell.
Slurp up the leftover juices. Once you’ve consumed the meat of the oyster, don’t be embarrassed to down any remaining oyster liquor. There’s a lot of good flavors in there so it’d be a waste to leave it behind.
When you’re done with your oyster, place it face down on your plate so your server knows you’re finished.
So, you’re wondering whether you should chew or swallow your raw oyster? Honestly, there are no hard and fast rules about it. Personally, we’d recommend taking a minute to chew the oyster to savor the flavor and the texture of it, but it all comes down to your own preference!
To really be an oyster eating pro, pair your oyster with the right drink. There are a number of drinks that complement oysters, but champagne, beer, or dry white wine are what most oyster lovers choose. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the popular combination of oysters and tequila.
Now that you know the eating etiquette, want to learn how to shuck oysters from our Oyster Chefs? Find out more about oyster shucking with one of our interactive classes.
