Bafun Uni has a more orange-yellow color with a rich, sweet taste and bolder flavor; Purple Urchin has a lighter yellow color with a refreshing, delicate sweetness and a subtle sea flavor. Bafun Uni has lower production volume and higher prices, while Purple Urchin is more common and offers better value for money.

At Macau wholesale channels like Inari Global Food, Bafun Uni wholesale price is approximately MOP 180–280 per box (about 100g), and Purple Uni is approximately MOP 80–150 per box. Actual prices fluctuate with seasonal supply, with lower prices during peak season.

Bafun Uni's peak season is from March to April (spring), while Purple Uni's peak season is from June to September (summer). During the season, sea urchin roe is full-bodied and freshness is highest, making it the best time to purchase.

Fresh sea urchin should have bright, uniform color with full, intact shape without collapse or mushiness. It should have a fresh sea aroma—if there's a pungent ammonia or fishy smell, it's not fresh. When buying boxed sea urchin, check the packaging date and storage temperature (recommended 0–5°C refrigerated).

The article recommends 8 Macau sea urchin restaurants, covering Japanese sushi restaurants, high-end omakase, and Western-style restaurants offering sea urchin pasta and other dishes. It's recommended to visit during sea urchin peak season (spring/summer) for the most stable quality and supply. Some restaurants offer same-day air-fresh seasonal sea urchin.