The Oyster Cart has been one of many main purveyors of on-site oyster shucking and supply providers since 2013. The Oyster Cart caters to a spread of occasions — from intimate at-home dinner events to convention occasions with attendees that run into the 1000’s. The Oyster Cart goals to ship a novel occasion expertise that company gained’t quickly neglect by providing solely the best and freshest oysters for a fuss-free indulgence, paired with a service commonplace that’s inimitable. Founder Adam Lavatory shares the story behind this distinctive idea, the model’s dedication to freshness and sustainability and what lies forward for this beloved purveyor of premium oysters.
As a Singapore-based model, what impressed the creation of The Oyster Cart
The Oyster Cart started with a easy concept: to convey recent oysters and an unforgettable expertise straight to individuals — wherever they have been. Again in 2013, stay oyster shucking at personal occasions was just about unparalleled in Singapore. I began with a small pushcart, retrofitting an IKEA trolley right into a cellular oyster station.
The inspiration got here throughout a backpacking journey by Europe, the place I noticed distributors paddling oysters from carts alongside the streets. That picture caught with me, and after I returned, I made a decision to recreate that magic right here — and title the corporate The Oyster Cart.
Beginning out was a mixture of enjoyable and hustle. I cycled round neighbourhoods, handing out flyers and introducing the idea. What started as a facet hustle has grown right into a full-time pursuit — bringing oysters to occasions, providing same-day supply, and now internet hosting dine-in experiences.
What are the primary sorts of oysters present in nature?
There are 5 fundamental oyster species generally consumed worldwide: Crassostrea gigas (Pacific), Crassostrea Virginica (Jap), Oyster edible (European Flat), Crasostrea roof (Kumamoto), and Oyster Lurida (Olympia). Every species brings distinctive textures and flavours, which differ even additional relying on their atmosphere — very similar to wine grapes expressing terroir.
The place do oysters get their flavour or “merroir” from?
Oysters tackle the traits of their rising atmosphere — salinity, mineral content material, water temperature, algae, and tidal motion. This distinct flavour profile is named merry — the marine equal of terroir. That’s why the identical species can style utterly completely different when grown in France, Japan, or Eire.
What sorts of oysters are mostly utilized by The Oyster Cart?
We predominantly serve Crassostrea gigas (Pacific oysters) from France and Eire, chosen for his or her versatility, clear end, and broad flavour enchantment. For discerning shoppers, we sometimes characteristic Oyster edible (European Flats), prized for his or her daring brininess and deeper complexity. Seasonal varieties are additionally rotated all year long to spotlight distinctive merroirs and farming practices from world wide.
Our choice isn’t based mostly solely on origin or species — it’s additionally formed by steady suggestions from our clients. A lot of them have exceptionally refined palates, and their preferences play a key position in guiding our curation. In that sense, the oysters we serve should not solely a mirrored image of the farms we belief, but additionally of our shoppers’ beautiful style.
Importantly, we by no means use frozen oysters. A very good oyster ought to at all times be served stay. Freshness is non-negotiable — and it’s a typical we uphold in each piece we serve.
How lengthy can oysters stay recent after harvesting?
Reside oysters can keep recent for as much as seven days from harvest when saved correctly in a cool, humid atmosphere. As soon as shucked, freshness is dependent upon approach. A correctly shucked oyster — with the shell intact, meat unpunctured, and brine retained — is greatest consumed inside 3 to 4 hours. That’s why we at all times shuck to order, even for deliveries.
What are the dietary advantages of consuming oysters?
Completely. Oysters are extremely nutrient-dense. They’re low in energy and excessive in protein, zinc, vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. They’ve earned their fame as a superfood — delivering indulgence and well being advantages in a single shell.
How would you describe the flavour profile of an oyster? What tasting notes ought to one anticipate?
An excellent oyster begins with a clear burst of ocean brine, adopted by layers of flavour — sweetness, nuttiness, minerality, and even hints of cucumber or melon, relying on its origin. Texture issues too — from plump and creamy to crisp and snappy. Each oyster is just a little snapshot of the ocean it got here from.
How do you preserve constant high quality requirements at The Oyster Cart?
We work solely with farms which have wonderful security data and traceability. We additionally favor partnering with family-owned farms that take satisfaction within the oysters they produce. Each batch is inspected upon arrival, and our group is rigorously skilled in hygiene, cold-chain administration, {and professional} shucking. For shucked oysters, we’re uncompromising — if one thing isn’t excellent, we discard it. We solely serve oysters we’re proud to place our title on.
Is there a great technique or etiquette in the case of consuming oysters?
Uncooked, freshly shucked, and ideally unadorned — maybe with a contact of lemon or a splash of mignonette. However we at all times encourage our company to attempt the primary oyster plain, to understand its pure flavour. And at all times chew — slurping is simply half the story; chewing unlocks the oyster’s full character.
Which beverage do you consider greatest enhances the flavours of oysters — a crisp white, sake, or maybe Champagne?
Champagne is the timeless traditional — its acidity and bubbles superbly complement an oyster’s richness. That stated, a crisp Muscadet or a dry Junmai Ginjo sake may pair exquisitely, relying on the oyster and the temper. It’s all about steadiness and concord.
Provided that your oysters are sourced from Europe, how do you uphold sustainability and biodiversity all through your provide chain?
We work with farms that practise accountable aquaculture — no chemical feeds, minimal ecological disruption, and powerful commitments to biodiversity. Oysters themselves are regenerative filter feeders: they clear the water and assist restore marine ecosystems. For us, sustainability isn’t a development — it’s the muse of what we do.
Wanting forward 5 years, the place do you see The Oyster Cart, and what key milestones do you intend to succeed in?
We’re aiming to develop past Singapore by strategic regional partnerships. On the identical time, we’re growing extra oyster appreciation experiences — like guided tastings and pairing periods — to assist individuals higher perceive merroir, seasonality, and the craftsmanship of shucking. Our aim is to construct a deeper connection between individuals and the story behind each oyster.
Inform us extra about your on-line oyster ordering service obtainable to clients in Singapore.
Sure! Our web site makes it simple to pre-order oysters for same-day or next-day supply, or self-collection. Every order is freshly shucked simply earlier than dispatch, fastidiously packed, and delivered chilled — able to take pleasure in. Whether or not it’s for a celebration or only a quiet indulgence, we make oyster enjoyment seamless, recent, and fuss-free.
Which oyster selection is your private favorite?
That’s like selecting a favorite baby — but when I needed to title one, it will be Louët-Feisser oysters from Carlingford, Eire. They strike an ideal steadiness of salt and sweetness, with a nuttiness and that signature adductor crunch I personally love. Elegant, constant, and deeply satisfying.
In case you might title one mentor who has formed your profession, who wouldn’t it be?
Mr. Robin Pho — a mentor whose coronary heart is actually larger than the ocean. His generosity, environmental management, and dedication to uplifting the neighborhood have left a long-lasting impression on me. He’s supplied invaluable recommendation and opened many doorways through the years. I deeply respect his values, each in enterprise and in life.
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