If you've heard anything about Taiwanese food, oyster omelette is probably one of them. And even if not, this a deliciously unusual dish you should try. Quick to make and lots of flavor.

Taiwanese oyster omelette on plate with oyster shells and scallions behind

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When we went to Taiwan a few years ago, I read up on things a fair bit before we went so I had an idea of what I wanted to do and what things to try, particularly food. Unfortunately a late season typhoon messed with some of my plans and so I didn't get to hike on the coast, as I had hoped, but I did get to try a good range of food.

I remember a few things I read before I went that I knew I needed to try - oyster omelette, 'stinky tofu' and tea up in the hills by Taipei.

Taiwanese oyster omelette viewed from overhead with oyster shells above plate

I managed to try all of them - the tea was great and a wonderful experience in the tranquil hills so close to the bustling capital. Stinky tofu...well let's just say I won't be rushing back to have more. I almost didn't manage to have oyster omelette, but managed to sneak it in on the last day.

close up view of omelette showing filling with sauce dripping over top

Unfortunately my now husband became ill so while he would have managed to join me doing some sightseeing at the end of our trip he was stuck in the hotel room. Although since we have since found he seems to have an intolerance of oysters, it's maybe just as well (I do at least benefit in managing to enjoy things like oysters Rockefeller all to myself when I made them).

I, meanwhile, managed to track it down in one of the night markets and after a bit of pointing and nodding to make my order, got to watch it being made before my eyes.

stages making Taiwanese oyster omelette - noodles, adding oysters then greens

How to make oyster omelette

It's not a difficult dish to make, and doesn't take long to cook, but you do want to get everything ready before you start cooking as it goes pretty fast and there's no time to chop last minute.

Most recipes use a kind of starch slury, like tapioca or potato starch mixed with a bit of water. For some reason I remembered noodles in there, but it seems this may have been a mistake. Personally, I liked it made with thin rice noodles and think it is probably easier for a Western palette to like (and easier to source), but do try both and see what you prefer.

Some serve this with sweet chili sauce, but I think the more traditional is closer to what I have here, where ketchup is doctored to give it a more sweet-savory umami thing. It's hard to describe but it works well!

close side view of Taiwanese oyster omelette with sauce over top

While this Taiwanese oyster omelette is traditionally a quick street food snack, I think it deserves a place on a plate too so that you can enjoy the simple but delicious flavors that bit longer. You'll be wanting to make it again soon, too.

Try these other egg-based favorites:

Bacon lobster omelette
Kuku sabzi - Persian herb frittata
Menemen - Turkish scrambled eggs
Plus get more Chinese recipes in the archives.

plate with Taiwanese oyster omelette topped with sauce

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