Where To Eat Hairy Crabs This Season

PUBLISHED October 28th, 2015 04:02 pm | UPDATED June 6th, 2016 05:32 pm

It’s that time of the year again, where we break out the crackers and indulge in this seasonal (albeit hairy) Chinese delicacy. That’s right, we’re talking about hairy crabs.

For the uninitiated, these ‘mitten crabs’ (in reference to their small size) are widely prized for their sweet, succulent flesh, and golden creamy roe. Found in the rivers of China, this highly coveted dish is air-flown into our restaurants only during the end of the year, making a much anticipated annual affair. As with most Chinese delicacies, much skill is needed in the preparation and cooking of hairy crabs so we’ve picked out 7 restaurants where you can enjoy these tasty crustaceans.

Shang Palace

At Shang Palace, Master Chef Steven Ng showcases the rich, delicate flavours of hairy crabs with steaming and braising techniques. The a la carte selection comprises of traditional Steamed Hairy Crab with Ginger Tea ($92 per 230g piece); a nourishing Braised Bird’s Nest with Hairy Crab Meat and Roe ($88); and heartier options such as Braised Hairy Crab with ‘Shiso’ Leaves and Glass Noodles ($96) and Braised Tofu, Hairy Crab Meat and Roe ($36). A six-course set menu is available at $138 per person. All guests can enjoy a complimentary bottle of 8-year-old Chinese yellow wine (Hua Diao Jiu) with every four set menus ordered.

Hairy crabs are available till 31 November 2015 at Shang Palace, Shangri-La Hotel, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350.

Summer Palace

Executive Chef Liu Ching Hai and his team at Summer Palace presents a lavish menu of a la carte hairy crab dishes this season, ranging from traditional favourites like the Steamed Hairy Crab ($78), Braised Pea Shoots with Hairy Crab Meat ($38), and the Deep-fried Hairy Crab Roll ($38) to premium plates like the Braised Royal Bird’s Nest with Hairy Crab Meat ($108). For something more substantial, opt for the Stir-fried Rice Noodles with Hairy Crab Meat and Preserved Vegetables ($38).

Hairy crabs are available from 17 November till 28 November 2015 at Summer Palace, Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249715.

Crystal Jade

Specially imported from Yang Cheng Lake in China, Crystal Jade has selected only the biggest crabs. Although the Hairy Crab’s innate flavours are best savoured au naturel with the Steamed Hairy Crab ($42 per 175-199g piece), the chefs at Crystal Jade have crafted a tempting a la carte menu that includes Chilled Hairy Crab with Hua Tiao Wine ($45 per 175-199g piece); Steamed Hairy Crab Xiao Long Bao ($6 per piece) with umami-rich crab stock; and Deep-fried Spring Roll with Hairy Crab Meat ($24 for four pieces) brimming with crab meat, mushrooms and onions. For the ultimate experience, try their 7-course set menu ($118 per person) that includes specialties from the a la carte menu.

Hairy crabs are available till 30 November 2015 (or while stocks last) at Crystal Jade Palace (#04-19, Takashimaya, 391 Orchard Road, Singapore 238873), Crystal Jade Golden Palace (#05-22, Paragon, 290 Orchard Road, Singapore 238859) and Crystal Jade DINING IN (#01-112 VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, Singapore 098585). For more information, please see here.

Min Jiang

Prepared by Master Chef Chan Hwan Kee, Min Jiang at Goodwood Park will be offering specials such as Steamed Hairy Crab ($68 each); Baked Hairy Crab with Ginger Rice Wine wrapped in Lotus Leaf ($68 each); Poached Hairy Crab with Chinese Rice Wine ($68 each); and Combination of Steamed Xiao Long Bao with Crabmeat, Salmon Tartar, and Abalone ($28 per person). Two set menus are available at $108 and $128 per person, with a minimum of two persons dining.

Over at Min Jiang at One-North, the Hairy Crab Trio Platter ($26 per person) comprises of Baked Hairy Crab Meat in Tomato, Prawn Ball stuffed with Hairy Crab, and Steamed Xiao Long Bao with Hairy Crab Meat. Purist? The Steamed Hairy Crab with Ginger Rice Wine ($68 each) is the ideal choice for you. Two set menus are available at $108 and $118 per person (minimum two persons).

Hairy crabs are available till 15 November 2015 at Min Jiang, Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road, Singapore 228221, and Min Jiang at One-North, 5 Rochester Park, Singapore 139216. For enquires and reservations, please call 6730 1704.

Hai Tian Lo

Hai Tian Lo’s talented Chef Lai has created a luxurious a la carte that includes Steamed Whole Hairy Crab with Perilla Leaves ($78); Braised Beancurd with Prawns, Hairy Crab Meat and Roe ($36); and Stewed Boston Lobster with Egg White, Crab Meat and Roe ($62). For those looking to really indulge, partake in a specially-curated 6-course set menu ($188 per person, minimum two persons) that highlights the luscious Seafood with Bamboo Pith, Hairy Crab Meat and Roe in Thick Broth, and Braised Sea Cucumber stuffed with Prawn Paste and Minced Pork in Crab Meat and Roe.

Hairy crabs are available till 29 November 2015 at Hai Tian Lo, Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039595. For enquiries and reservations, please call 6826 8240.

Wan Hao Restaurant

It’s pure gastronomic bliss at Wan Hao Restaurant with an ensemble of a la carte highlights such as Steamed Whole Hairy Crab with Shiso Leaf ($68 each); Wok-Fried Rice with Hairy Crab Meat, Fish Roe & Diced Mushroom ($24); Hairy Crab Meat Broth with Conpoy & Hashima ($22); Baked Whole Hairy Crabs with Shao Xin Chinese Wine ($68); Stir-fried Hairy Crab Meat with Caviar, Fresh Milk & Egg White ($32); Baked Hairy Crab with Cheese ($22), and more. Two special set menus are available at $98 and $108 per person (minimum two persons).

Hairy crabs are available till 30 November 2015 at Wan Hao Restaurant, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza, 320 Orchard Road, Singapore 238865.

Yan Ting Restaurant

Relish scrumptious signature creations by Executive Chinese Chef Tony Wun with an assortment of a la carte dishes – from starters like the Braised Fish Maw with Crab Meat ($78 per person) and Stuffed Chicken Wing with Crab Meat Sauce ($28 per person) to larger sharing plates like Braised Pi Pa Tofu with Crab Meat ($37) and Stir-fried Crab Meat with Steamed Bun ($48). Two 8-course set menus are also available at $148 and $180 per person, with a minimum of two persons dining.

Hairy crabs are available till 15 December 2015 at Yan Ting Restaurant, The St. Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Rd, Singapore 247911). For enquiries and reservations, please call 6506 6887 or see here.