“Eat with the seasons” — this ancient Chinese philosophy comes alive as the highly anticipated Duotou clam season officially begins at Putien, the renowned Fujianese restaurant chain.

Food lovers can now savor the plump, juicy, and irresistibly sweet Duotou clams, harvested from the coastal village of Duotou in Putian, southeastern China's Fujian Province.

Known as the “Emperor of Clams,” the Duotou clam carries a prestigious heritage of more than 600 years. These clams are nurtured in the rare, sand-free black mudflats of the Duotou Village — a geological gift that takes millennia to form. This nutrient-dense soil provides the perfect environment for the clams to flourish.

The result? Each clam grows to about 6 centimeters, with tender, juicy flesh that bursts with natural sweetness. The local seawater, with a salinity level of 18–20 degrees (higher than the usual 10–15 degrees), further enhances their signature crisp and refreshing taste.

But not every clam can be called a true Duotou clam. Putien, officially authorized by the Sanjiangkou Town Government as the “promotion agent of the Fujian Duotou Clams,” adheres to four rigorous quality standards: raised in natural black mudflats, distinguished by their golden shells, plump in size, and characterized by a crisp, sweet, and juicy flavor.

To celebrate the season — which lasts only two months each year — Putien has launched a special menu of time-limited Duotou clam dishes.

Highlights include:

Grilled Duotou Clams with Salt on Iron Plate: A local classic that preserves the clam’s pure flavor, enhanced with Sichuan peppercorns and a dip of sea salt.

Fujian Red Mushroom & Duotou Clam Soup: A luxurious fusion of mountain-grown red mushrooms and sea-fresh clams. The richer the red soup, the deeper the umami.

Putien Farmer’s Slippery Clams: Clams are coated with sweet potato starch to lock in tenderness, finished with white vinegar and white pepper for a tangy kick.

Spicy Marinated Duotou Clams: A bold, appetizing take with a zesty, slightly spicy marinade.

Steamed Duotou Clams with Garlic Sauce: A timeless favorite, with each clam topped with aromatic minced garlic.

Salt & Pepper Duotou Clams with Tea Tree Mushrooms: Crispy on the outside, tender inside — a perfect pairing with drinks.

Stewed Duotou Clams with Bok Choy & Eggs: A heartwarming homestyle dish blending three fresh ingredients: clams, eggs, and vegetables.

Founded in Singapore in 2000, Putien started as a humble street stall on the Jiak Kim Street and has since grown into a global brand with more than 100 outlets across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.

True to its philosophy — “Master the ingredients, present the authentic taste of Fujian” — Putien insists on sourcing seasonal, natural, and high-quality ingredients directly from Putian, including first-harvest seaweed and Xinghua rice noodles.

This summer, don’t miss your chance to taste the fleeting brilliance of Duotou clams at Putien — because some delights are worth waiting all year for.