At a stall in Nangan's Jieshou Market, the stall keeper uses a long-handled round ladle to scoop a layer of rice-yellow bean batter, lays in fresh oysters, an egg, and a small handful of cabbage shreds, then tops it with another layer of batter and lowers the whole ladle into the hot oil. Minutes later a golden round fritter is lifted out — crisp shell, tender and savory oysters inside. This is Matsu's Fuzhou-style morning snack, the oyster fritter, or libing — the signature breakfast of Jieshou Market at dawn.
What Are Oyster Fritters
Oyster fritters are a traditional deep-fried snack originating from Fuzhou; in the Matsu Eastern Fujian dialect they are called "O-pian." The method uses a batter made from a blend of indica rice milk and soy milk; it is poured into a long-handled round ladle, topped in sequence with fresh oysters, an egg, shredded cabbage, and minced scallion, then covered with another layer of batter and the whole ladle is lowered into the deep-fryer for 3–5 minutes. The result is a golden-crisp shell encasing tender, juicy oysters and a full-flavored egg.
Oyster fritters look similar to the Southern Fujian-style oyster fritters found on Taiwan's main island, but Matsu's version follows the Fuzhou recipe: soy milk is added to the batter, giving a denser, creamier texture and a thicker shell, and the fillings are closer to the original Fuzhou standard. Matsu oyster fritters are served primarily at early-morning stalls in Nangan's Jieshou Market and Beigan's Tangqi Market. Although the fritters themselves lack official specialty certification, the Apo Oyster Fritters stall and others at Jieshou Market are the flavors Matsu people have been eating since childhood.
How to Eat It Like a Local
Local Know-How
Verified Third-Party Endorsements (Sponsorship Filtered)
- Oyster fritters are a traditional Fuzhou deep-fried snack; the standard recipe uses a batter of rice milk and soy milk encasing fresh oysters, egg, and cabbage.
- Nangan's Jieshou Market and Beigan's Tangqi Market are the main places to find Matsu oyster fritters.
- The Apo Oyster Fritters stall and others at Jieshou Market follow the traditional Fuzhou recipe and have been a breakfast institution for Matsu locals since childhood.
Visiting Tips
- Oyster fritters are deep-fried and relatively high in calories; those monitoring fat intake should eat in moderation.
- Market stalls often sell out before noon — arrive before 9 a.m. for the widest selection.
- People with oyster allergies should avoid them; some shops may be able to make a version without oysters upon request.
Data compiled from the Lienchiang County Tourism Bureau, Matsu Distillery, and a large volume of public reviews; sponsored content has been filtered out. Photos will be replaced with the channel's exclusive footage after Dio's on-site shoot.