Where is the Best Lobster in the World? A Guide to Finding the Tastiest Lobster

Lobster is one of the most prized and delicious seafood delicacies around the world. With its sweet, succulent meat and rich flavor, it’s no wonder that lobster is considered a luxury ingredient. But with so many places claiming to have the best lobster, how do you know where to find the truly excellent lobster dishes? In this article, we’ll explore some of the top contenders for the best lobster in the world.

What Makes Great Lobster?

Before we dive into locations, let’s look at what makes for awesome lobster. Here are some key factors that contribute to lobster quality

• Water temperature – Colder waters help produce firmer, sweeter meat. The frigid waters of Maine and Atlantic Canada are ideal for lobsters.

• Habitat – Rocky, kelp-filled environments with ample hiding spots allow lobsters room to grow.

• Size – In general, larger lobsters tend to have more tender meat. The hearty claws are particularly prized.

• Cooking method – Optimal cooking enhances the natural sweetness. Popular techniques include boiling, steaming, grilling, baking, etc.

• Freshness – Lobster starts deteriorating quickly after catching, so the freshest lobsters taste the best.

• Special handling – Some regions use special methods like blast freezing to preserve freshness.

The Contenders for Best Lobster

Now let’s look at some of the top places around the world renowned for incredible lobster.

Maine, USA

Famous for its New England lobster rolls and seaside lobster shacks, Maine takes the crown for the United States’ best lobster. A few key reasons:

• Cold, pristine Atlantic waters
• Abundant food supply fosters growth
• Strict conservation regulations
• Delicate sweet flavor and tender meat
• Freshly caught lobsters available year-round

Nova Scotia, Canada

This eastern Canadian province puts up a good fight with its tasty lobsters from the Bay of Fundy and beyond.

• Pristine North Atlantic habitats
• Fishermen pride themselves on quality catches
• Memorable buttery, briny flavor
• Meaty claws stuffed for lobster rolls

Brittany, France

Brittany satisfies cravings for a refined French lobster experience.

• European lobster found in English Channel
• Classic preparations like lobster bisque
• Served alongside fine French wines and cheeses
• Luxurious and elegant dining atmosphere

Tasmania, Australia

Don’t overlook Tasmania when it comes to lobsters from Down Under.

• Cool, clear waters around the island
• Considerable sized lobsters with firm texture
• Sweet, subtle flavor
• Freshly caught from small fishing villages

Hokkaido, Japan

For delicious Asian-inspired lobster, look to Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido.

• Japanese spiny lobsters found in surplus
• Careful handling preserves freshness
• Served as sashimi and sushi
• Large lobsters split for grilling

Other Notable Contenders

While the above regions are among the top tier, several other places around the globe also stand out for exceptional lobster.

• New Zealand – Abundant rock lobster population with sweet delicate meat.
• Spain – Small spiny lobsters from the Mediterranean served tapas-style.
• Bahamas – Caribbean spiny lobsters are a specialty in the sunny islands.
• Vietnam – Affordable and abundant giant mud lobsters.
• South Africa – Spiny rock lobsters known for their dense meat.
• Mexico – Sweet small lobsters served simply with lime.

Important Considerations When Choosing Lobster

When seeking out the best lobster dishes, keep the following key buying tips in mind:

• Live or fresh – Whenever possible, choose live or freshly shucked vs. frozen or pre-cooked.

• Color – Opt for bright red shells and translucent white meat. Avoid black spots or yellowing.

• Size – Heavier lobsters tend to have more meat. Check weight guidelines for each species.

• Smell – Give a sniff test for that ocean-fresh aroma. Avoid any hint of ammonia.

• Movement – Pick active, lively lobsters that move claws/antennae when handled.

• Shell – Pick hard-shell vs. soft-shell for denser texture. But soft-shell has a brief season with exceptional flavor.

• Gender – Females have wider tails but males have bigger claws. Both taste delicious!

• Ethics – Choose sustainable sources with responsible harvesting practices when possible.

How to Prepare Lobster at Home

Want to enjoy lobster at home? Here are some tips for selecting and preparing lobster yourself:

• Choose your cooking method – Boiling, steaming, baking, grilling, etc. All yield delicious results.

• Prep your stations – Have a cutting board, crackers, picks, butter, seasonings, etc. ready.

• Kill quickly – Dispatch lobster humanely right before cooking by piercing through the head.

• Cook properly – Boil or steam 8-10 minutes for 1 lb. lobsters. Adjust time as needed.

• Rest and serve – Let lobster sit for 5 minutes before serving with melted butter or lemon.

• Extract the meat – Use lobster crackers and picks to carefully extract meat from legs, claws, and tail.

• Get creative – Stuff lobster meat into rolls, tacos, pasta, risotto, etc. Lots of tasty options!

The Final Word on the World’s Best Lobster

While there’s no definitive single “best lobster” region, the places we covered rank among the world’s top destinations for savoring these delicious crustaceans. Wherever you travel for lobster, keep an eye out for freshness, responsible sourcing, and local flair. And when in doubt, go straight to the source for a quintessential Maine, Nova Scotia, or Tasmania lobster feast! With delectable preparations ranging from lobster rolls to tempura lobster tails, part of the fun is tasting the diversity of lobster dishes at their origin.