People who love seafood in Budapest may seek out the best places to buy oysters. Your search is over now! In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about oysters in Budapest and show you the best ways to experience them.
Dining on oysters has long meant enjoyment for those who want the best. Since Budapest does not border an ocean or sea, its restaurants still proudly serve excellent imported seafood. Modern transport and the growing popularity of global dishes in the city allow oyster enthusiasts to get the best oysters flown in from France, Ireland and similar countries. If you’re an experienced eater of oysters or sampling them for the first time, Budapest will give you a wonderful chance to try them.
What Do Oysters Mean?
Both our oceans and freshwater bodies are homes for bivalve mollusks known as oysters. They have a hard shell and inside it is soft flesh. Many people describe oysters as tasting buttery, salty and with a hint of sweetness.
Most of the time, oysters are eaten raw, on the half shell, with a bed of ice. But, you can also cook them by grilling, baking, frying or steaming them if you like. As well as being unique in taste, oysters are considered nutritious. Fish is a good choice if you’re watching calories, as it carries a high amount of protein, along with many vitamins, iron and zinc. Oysters are known to increase feelings of love and excitement, so they appeal to many at romantic meals or special occasions.
What are Different Kinds of Oysters
Budapest has a selection of oysters and every type has a distinct taste. Some frequently available types are mentioned here:
Farms in Shallow Waters:
- Gillardeau: French Gillardeau oysters offer a slightly nutty flavor, plus a plump, richly creamy texture.
- The Belon oysters have a special coppery taste thanks to where they come from in France and are best enjoyed with wine.
- Irish rock oysters come from Ireland and have a strong, salty flavor. People often find that Angelica oysters are bigger than most other types.
- Because the choice of seafood varies with the season, the servers at top seafood places can update you on the freshest options. Savoring oysters served together in a flight is both fun and a great way to learn about their differences.
Finding Oysters in Budapest
You have plenty of places to eat oysters in Budapest. If you’re looking for oysters, these are the top spots to visit:
Oyster Bars
If you’re in Budapest, you can enjoy a variety of oysters at The Oyster Bar which is right in the center of the city. Because of its stylish and pleasant atmosphere, it’s ideal for enjoying raw oysters and a glass of champagne.
Apart from oysters, The Oyster Bar also finds lobster, mussels and caviar on its menu. If you’re not sure what to drink with your oysters, their helpful team can guide you and the wine list has excellent choices to match with your meal. It’s a good idea to see if the restaurant has an oyster happy hour or tasting flight deals.
The central market is called Central Market Hall.
You can find everything a food lover could wish for at the Central Market Hall in Budapest. In this area, you’ll encounter many seafood vendors selling oysters. In this lively market, you can find excellent chances to try delicious local oysters and enjoy some Budapest cuisine.
Although you don’t often find oysters in stores, a few specialty seafood stalls may have freshly prepared or even sampled oysters. You can also discover smoked fish, caviar and many other specialty foods. When you’re in a rental with kitchen facilities, this place is perfect for acquiring oysters to eat at home.
Wine Bars
Many places in Budapest serve both incredible wines and oysters. If you visit some of the city’s famous wine bars, there’s a good chance you’ll find oysters there. There is something divine about having wine and oysters together.
Many seasonal treats are showcased at Kadarka Wine Bar, Cintányéros or Drop Shop. Look on their websites or social media to see if they schedule oyster events. Tokaj and Badacsony sparkling wines and dry white wines make a good match for eating oysters.
Learn How to Eat Oysters
Made with Lemon
One of the easiest and most popular ways to taste oysters is by eating them fresh and squeezing some lemon juice on top. You get to enjoy how the oysters taste, while adding a lively twist of citrus.
Mignonette Sauce
Many people add mignonette sauce to their oysters. The mix of red wine vinegar, shallots and black pepper gives the oysters a sharp and slightly hot taste. Drizzle a bit of mignonette sauce over the crab cakes to discover a burst of different tastes.
Rockefeller-Style
If you’re interested in cooked oysters, try the Rockefeller method. It means charming the oysters with spinach, garlic, breadcrumbs and cheese before baking or broiling them until they turn golden brown. You get an amazingly rich and delicious treat at the end.
If you haven’t eaten oysters before, you could choose a mild variety and experiment with various toppings. A lot of Budapest restaurants include tasting notes to guide you when making your decision.
Eat Oysters Wisely
When you eat oysters, it’s important to notice how fresh they are. Oysters that are fresh should be briny in smell and totally sealed. Don’t eat oysters that are open-shelled or smell badly, since they might already be spoiled.
If you have a preference or allergy, it’s important to check with the person in charge before eating to make sure the food will suit you.
Also, even though properly handled oysters can be safely consumed raw, pregnant people or individuals with a weakened immune system should choose oysters that have been cooked.
Conclusion
Oyster lovers will find a lively scene for testing their food choices in Budapest. Fans of fresh seafood and those who like theirs after cooking will all find something delicious in the city. Start your own oyster-filled adventure in Budapest and taste its amazing dishes.
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