“I love oysters. My panelist profile picture on the panelists page attests to that!
Nothing is better than a good oyster: fresh, plump and creamy.
But alas, nothing is worse than a bad one either: dehydrated, thin, stale, sandy and shelly.
Many times price is not a good indicator of quality. So getting a good oyster can be like russian roulette sometimes.
One of my pleasurable missions in 2022 was to find the best oysters in my home country of South Africa. I’ve scoured the coastal and inland towns of South Africa, looking to the perfect oyster. Ok, well thats not entirely true. What I’ve really done is order oysters as a starter in all restaurants where they have been available throughout 2022… Most were mediocre, a few were good, and two were noteworthy. Runner up is Kabeljoes, a harbourside casual seafood restaurant in the fishing town of Kleinmond, about 100km east of Cape Town accessed along the spectacularly beautiful R44 coastal road, also known as Clarence drive (voted one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world). Kabeljoes also serve the largest portions of salmon sashimi I have ever seen! Excellent value. Their oysters are large and fresh, and the view of a working harbour area adds to the authenticity of the eating experience.
But the big winner here, in first place is The Knysna Oyster Company, in Cape Town proper, at the famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. This innovative oyster outlet is housed in the on-the-go artisinal V&A Food Hall, a vibrant, multi-level complex with vendors for local gourmet goods and international street food. The great thing is there is food for every taste here. So, if your family doesn’t like oysters which are often considered an acquired taste, there is a world of alternative choices for them, while you munch down on these creamy and succulent morsels.
But back to the oysters:
The Knysna Oyster Company serve a variety of sizes. Make sure to order the “Super-Giant”. I estimate these creamy beauties are volumetrically four times larger than regular small oysters, and they are infinitly more unctuous and buttery. They originate from one of the best areas for cultivating oysters, Port Elizabeth, along the east coast of South Africa.
And what’s more, oysters are exceptionally healthy. They are full of protein, healthy omega 3 fats, and zinc which is essential for hormonal synthesis and function. You can trust me, I’m a pharmacist.
So for a guilt-free creamy and plump treat, that’s healthy for you, nothing beats The Knysna Oyster Company at the Food Hall in the heart of the hustle and bustle of the V&A Waterfront.”
2022 Top 5 Winner: THE KNYSNA OYSTER COMPANY written by Brent M – one of the international Thacks Awards panelists, living in South Africa. Travel, theatre and food are what Brent, a pharmacist by trade, lives for. If he’s not enjoying a restaurant meal after a musical, you’ll find him in the kitchen experimenting on his cooking toys.
SEE THE REST OF 2022’s ‘THACKS AWARDS’ WINNERS HERE.
SEE THE 2021 ‘THACKS AWARDS’ WINNERS HERE.
MEET THE INTERNATIONAL PANELISTS HERE.
READ ALL THE BLOG POSTS HERE.
Thacks Awards 