How do you eat a lobster in the shell?

How do you eat a lobster in the shell?

Anyone traveling through Atlantic Canada will almost inevitably encounter it sooner or later: lobster. In Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and on Prince Edward Island, it's a staple in many restaurants. And that's precisely where the same uncertainty begins for many. Should you order a whole lobster if you don't even know how to eat it in the shell?

On our culinary journey through New Brunswick, we encountered this very question ourselves. Lobster sounded like a typical Canadian experience. At the same time, the uncertainty remained: Would it truly be a delightful moment or rather an expensive meal where you're battling claws, shells, and splashes?

On this tour you will learn how to eat a lobster.

On a tour with Lobster Tales in Shediac, we learned how to open a lobster and what's important the first time. Since then, we see lobsters in their shells differently. It's not just about technique. What's more important is whether this food suits you, your travel day, and your way of enjoying it.

A whole lobster can make for a special evening. But it can also be the moment you realize that a lobster roll or a lobster stew would have suited you better.

This is how you eat a lobster in its shell.

If you opt for a whole lobster, a few simple steps will help. You don't need to look elegant. Eating lobster in Atlantic Canada is often a rustic experience involving cracking, pulling, and peeling.

1. First, loosen the tail.

Grasp the lobster tail from below and gently move it back and forth until it separates from the body. There's a lot of meat in the tail, which is why it's the easiest part for many people to start with.

2. Open the scissors

Next, separate the claws and joints. Use lobster crackers or a suitable tool to crack the shell. Remove the meat with a small fork. There's often more meat in the claws than you'd initially expect.

3. Don't forget your legs

There's flesh in the legs too. You can squeeze it out, almost like squeezing a tube. It takes a while, but it's part of the experience.

4. Check the front of the body

Often, some food gets left behind in the front part of the body the first time. During our tour in Shediac, we were shown where edible pieces are hidden there. Without this explanation, we would have missed quite a few.

Most importantly: plan ahead. A whole lobster is not a quick dinner. Knowing this beforehand makes the plate seem less intimidating.

How do you eat lobster? Video

Is a whole lobster worth it for you?

A whole lobster is especially suitable if you want to not just taste regional cuisine, but truly experience it. Those who enjoy seafood, don't mind a little mess, and have time for a slower meal often find eating lobster in its shell to be a particularly delightful experience.

This meal is perfect for a quiet evening by the sea, after a day at the beach, or during a trip where regional cuisine is already a focus. Then, the meal can take its time. Cracking the shell, removing the meat from the bone, and eating with your hands are all part of the experience.

When a whole lobster is probably not the right choice

A whole lobster is less suitable if you arrive tired, are very hungry, or prefer a simple meal at a restaurant. On long travel days, the dish can also quickly become more tiring than you need at that moment. Then, the focus shifts from the taste to the effort of preparing the plate.

Then there's the price. Lobster isn't a casual dish in many restaurants. If you're already doubting whether it's something you'd really enjoy just by looking at the menu, it's worth taking a moment to reflect: Do you want an experience today, or do you primarily want a relaxed meal?

What to order if you want to try lobster but are unsure

Not everyone has to order a whole lobster in its shell the first time. In Atlantic Canada, there are often easier ways to get acquainted with the taste. A lobster roll, a lobster stew, or pre-shelled lobster meat will take away much of the uncertainty.

Especially for a first attempt, this is often the smarter choice. This way you quickly find out if you like the taste. At the same time, the evening remains more relaxed because you don't have to deal with peeling, scissors, and other small tasks first.

Even a lobster that's already opened or halved can be a good compromise. You can try the delicacy without the whole evening being tied up with the technical aspects.

What you should know before your first lobster meal in Atlantic Canada

A whole lobster in its shell is not an elegant gourmet dish in the classic sense. It involves cracking, pulling, and peeling. Sometimes some of the contents splatters onto the plate or table. That's why many restaurants provide bibs.

During our tour with Lobster Tales in Shediac, we realized how much you can miss the first time. They showed us where meat is hidden, even in the legs, joints, and forebody.

It was also interesting that our companion Darrell told us he himself only ate his first lobster in its shell when he was over fifty, even though he grew up in New Brunswick. That takes a lot of the intimidation out of it. Even there, eating lobster isn't automatic for everyone.

When a simpler dish is the better choice

Sometimes a simpler dish is simply the better choice. This is especially true if you're trying lobster for the first time, are tired from traveling, or don't want to spend a lot of time with tools and shells in a restaurant.

Dishes with prepared lobster meat have a clear advantage. You get to know the taste without the technique of eating it dominating the evening. This is also often the more pleasant approach for travelers who don't want to feel awkward in a restaurant.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with choosing not to order the whole lobster in Atlantic Canada. A moment of enjoyment isn't enhanced by being complicated. It should suit you.

Why lobster isn't the right culinary experience for every Canadian vacation

Lobster holds great symbolic value in Atlantic Canada. This is precisely why one quickly gets the impression that eating it is a must. However, this isn't true. Not everyone travels for seafood. Not everyone likes the texture. Not everyone wants to handle lobster with their hands, tools, and shells in a restaurant.

Furthermore, a whole lobster often requires more attention than other dishes. Those who prefer a calm and effortless dining experience might be happier with fish, chowder, or another regional dish.

This is an important distinction when traveling. You don't have to order a specialty just because it's typical. What matters is whether it fits your trip and whether you actually want it at that moment.

Questions and answers about how to eat lobster

Is it worth eating a whole lobster in its shell the first time?

This is especially worthwhile if you want to experience regional cuisine, like seafood, and have some time to spare. If you're unsure or prefer a more uncomplicated meal, a simpler option is often the better choice.

Is eating lobster in Canada more of an experience or a pleasure?

It's usually both. However, the experience aspect is greater than many people realize before ordering. You don't just get a plate served to you; you also have to engage with the bowl, tools, and techniques.

How much time should I allow for a lobster?

For your first time, plan on having plenty. If you've never cracked a lobster before, you'll eat more slowly and take it slowly. That's why this meal is better suited to a leisurely evening than a quick stop on the road.

Where do I begin when eating lobster?

The tail is usually the easiest part to start with. It's easy to remove and contains a lot of meat. After that, you can work your way towards the claws, joints, and legs.

What should I order if I want to try lobster but am still unsure?

A lobster roll, a lobster stew, or shelled lobster meat are often better choices for beginners. This way you can get to know the taste without the shell getting in the way of enjoyment.

What should I avoid when eating lobster for the first time?

Don't order a whole lobster on an evening when you're tired, hungry, or in a hurry. The experience will quickly become tedious, and the price will weigh more heavily on you.

Travel Arrangements

How to Arrive

Compare and book flights here*. Air Canada, Condor and Icelandair fly from Germany to various airports in eastern Canada.

Rental car

Tips for booking a rental car for your holiday

Hotels

The hotels in Shediac * as well as others New Brunswick hotels * here.

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Do you also know...?

• Eating lobsters in Atlantic Canada
• Canadian recipes for home cooking: Lobster stew
• Charlottetown PEI restaurants
• Slow Food in Canada: lobster and caviar
• Prince Edward Island: Oysters, Clams and Quahogs
• Eastern Canada trips for connoisseurs
• Culinary travel: how does that work?

Source: How to eat lobster: our own on-site research, with kind support from Tourism New Brunswick and the Canadian Tourism Commission. Our opinions, however, remain our own.

Text How to eat lobster: © Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline, Travel blog for connoisseurs
Photos: © Copyright Monika and Petar Fuchs as well as TravelWorldOnline and Unsplash
Video: © Copyright Monika and Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline