Oyster mee sua is a popular Taiwanese street food dish that has gained popularity in many parts of the world. This dish is a hearty and comforting bowl of wheat vermicelli noodles served in a thick, savoury broth with oysters and other delicious ingredients.
Originating from Taiwan, oyster mee sua has a rich cultural significance and is often served during special occasions such as weddings and birthdays. The dish is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the person who eats it.
Preparing oyster mee sua is relatively easy and can be done in under 30 minutes.
The key to a good bowl of oyster mee sua is the broth, which is usually made with chicken or pork bones and flavoured with soy sauce, garlic, and other aromatics.
The vermicelli noodles are then added to the broth and cooked until tender before being topped with fresh oysters, pork intestines, and other toppings.
Key Takeaways
- Oyster mee sua is a popular Taiwanese street food dish that has gained popularity worldwide.
- This dish has a rich cultural significance and is often served during special occasions.
- To prepare oyster mee sua, you need to make a flavourful broth and top it with vermicelli noodles, oysters, and other toppings.
Origins and Cultural Significance
Historical Background
Oyster mee sua, also known as Taiwanese oyster vermicelli, is a traditional Taiwanese dish that originated in the Fujian province of China.
It is believed that the dish was brought to Taiwan by Hokkien immigrants, where it became a popular street food and a staple in Taiwanese cuisine.
The dish is made using thin wheat vermicelli noodles, which are cooked in a rich broth made from pork bones and dried bonito flakes.
The broth is then thickened with potato starch and seasoned with soy sauce and other spices.
The dish is then topped with fresh oysters, pork intestines, and homemade chili sauce.
Popularity in Taiwan
Oyster mee sua is a beloved dish in Taiwan and is often served during special occasions such as birthdays and weddings.
The dish is believed to symbolize longevity and good health, as the thin vermicelli noodles represent a long life.
There are many restaurants and street vendors in Taiwan that specialize in oyster mee sua, each with their own unique twist on the dish.
One of the most famous and largest brands of oyster mee sua in Taiwan is 金正好吃麵線, with franchised outlets throughout the island. The founding stall is in Zhonghe district, Taipei.
Oyster mee sua has also gained popularity outside of Taiwan, with Taiwanese restaurants around the world featuring the dish on their menus.
In Singapore, seafood mee sua is a similar dish that is popular among seafood lovers.
Preparing Oyster Mee Sua
Ingredients Overview
To make oyster mee sua, you will need the following ingredients:
- Oysters: Fresh or frozen oyster meat can be used.
- Mee sua: Also known as wheat vermicelli, this is a type of starch-based noodle.
- Chicken broth: This is the base for the gravy.
- Black vinegar: Adds a tangy flavour to the gravy.
- Fried shallots: Adds a crunchy texture and savoury flavour.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent flavour to the gravy.
- Chilli: Adds a spicy kick to the dish.
- Sweet potato starch: Used to thicken the gravy.
- Bonito flakes: Adds a smoky flavour to the gravy.
- Braised pig intestines: Optional ingredient that adds a chewy texture to the dish.
- Salt and pepper: To season the dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Cook the mee sua according to the instructions on the packet and set aside.
- In a pot, heat some oil and fry the garlic until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth, black vinegar, bonito flakes, and sweet potato starch to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Add the oysters and braised pig intestines (if using) to the pot and let simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
- In a separate pan, fry the shallots until crispy and set aside.
- To thicken the gravy, mix cornstarch with water to form a thick paste and slowly add it to the pot while stirring constantly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the mee sua in bowls and pour the gravy on top.
- Garnish with fried shallots, chopped coriander, and sliced chilli.
Serving Suggestions
Oyster mee sua is best served hot and can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side dish. It pairs well with a cold glass of bubble tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best oyster mee sua in Taiwan?
If you're in Taiwan, you can find oyster mee sua at many local eateries and night markets.
Some of the most popular places to try this dish include Ah-Zong Mian Xian, Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle, and Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice. These places are known for their authentic and delicious oyster mee sua.
How do you prepare a traditional oyster mee sua dish?
To prepare a traditional oyster mee sua dish, start by boiling the mee sua noodles until they are soft.
Then, prepare the soup by cooking oysters, pork intestines, and other ingredients in a broth made from chicken or pork bones.
Once the soup is ready, pour it over the noodles and garnish with coriander, garlic, and chilli oil to taste.
Could you suggest a place to get oyster mee sua in Singapore?
If you're in Singapore, you can try oyster mee sua at many local hawker centres and food courts.
Some popular places to try this dish include Putien, Mee Sua Geng, and Oyster Mee Sua. However, taste is subjective, so we recommend trying out a few different places to find your favourite.
What's the average cost of a bowl of oyster mee sua?
The cost of a bowl of oyster mee sua can vary depending on where you are and the ingredients used.
In Taiwan, you can expect to pay around TWD 50-100 (approximately £1.20-£2.40).
In Singapore, a bowl of oyster mee sua can cost around SGD 5-10 (approximately £2.80-£5.60).
Can you list the main ingredients for making oyster mee sua at home?
The main ingredients for making oyster mee sua at home include mee sua noodles, oysters, pork intestines, chicken or pork bones, garlic, coriander, and chilli oil.
Other optional ingredients include soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger.
Is eating oyster mee sua considered nutritious?
Oyster mee sua can be a nutritious dish as it contains protein from the oysters and pork intestines, as well as carbohydrates from the noodles. However, it is also high in sodium and fat, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.