NZL: The Shucker Brothers
An oyster bar worth shell-ebrating at the historic Ferry Terminal!
Occupying a cosy spot along the bustling waterfront of Auckland, The Shucker Brothers is a compact eatery that's quietly built a strong reputation among seafood lovers. My travel buddy and I sat outside on a wooden table, soaking up the afternoon sunshine as the gentle hum of the harbour created an effortlessly relaxing backdrop for lunch.
Fresh oysters are a permanent fixture on the menu, while the grilled and fried selections rotate regularly. There's a minimum order of three for each style. Pika's advice: Besides oysters, they're also known for plump scallops.
Grilled Oyster (per pc) NZ$8.50 (~S$6.45)
Taste: 8.5/10
My travel buddy isn't a fan of oysters, so I only ordered three pieces for myself. While purists might insist on keeping things raw, I actually enjoyed the grilled ones that came topped with chipotle butter, bourbon and bacon. They were cloaked in a rich, smoky emulsion with a gentle heat that somehow managed to enhance, rather than mask, the natural brininess of the oysters.
Salmon Gravlax with Potato Rosti NZ$30.00 (~S$22.70)
Taste: 8/10
The moment I saw rosti on the menu, I knew exactly what to order. The pan-fried grated potatoes arrived satisfyingly crunchy, although I've had better versions that also had tender, fluffier interior. Layered on top were slices of house-cured salmon that carried a nice balance of the sweet and the salty. A spoonful of horseradish cream added a cool, pungent heat that brought everything together into something quietly indulgent.
King Crab and Prawn Linguine NZ$45.00 (~S$34.00)
Taste: 8/10
The linguine arrived al dente, tossed in an adequate amount of chili and garlic that brought just enough heat to keep things lively without overwhelming the palate. As for the proteins, the king crab chunks were sweet and delicate, while the prawns juicier bites. Rounding everything off was some buttery sauce lifted with a hint of lemon that kept the richness in check.
Gone Bush Cider NZ$13.00 (~S$9.85)
Three Wise Birds is a premium craft cider brand based in Hawke's Bay, a region on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. I had the opportunity to sample its Gone Bush variant crafted from locally grown Braeburn apples. Carrying subtle lime undertones, it was light and refreshing on the palate with lively carbonation.
Melon's Rating
Taste: 8/10
Ambience: 7/10
Service: 7.5/10
Overall: 7.5/10
Raw or cooked oysters - where do you stand?
The Shucker Brothers
99 Quay Street
Ferry Building, West Side
Auckland
New Zealand
(Daily: 11.00am - 8.00pm)
*Prices quoted are nett prices.
Have a nice meal,
Cliff(y)
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