PUBLISHED November 1st, 2016 07:00 am | UPDATED December 22nd, 2017 02:10 pm
Singapore, like many countries in the region, may not have autumn, but what we do have is hairy crab season. Each October and November, Chinese restaurants all over the island bring in these luxurious freshwater delicacies – prized for its golden and creamy crab roe – from the rivers of China and serve them to eager customers. Most Chinese believe that these little crabs are “cooling”, or yin, and helps to balance out the yin yang effect in the body. We’re not sure what to think of that, but we know is that these critters pack in a whole lot of flavour in their bodies – here’s 5 restaurants in Singapore that do hairy crabs best.
Szechuan Court
Szechuan Court sources its crabs from the pristine freshwaters of Yangcheng Lake in Jiangsu province. Here, Master Chef Mok Wan Lok delights with classic recipes and modern creations such as the signature Steamed Whole Hairy Crab with Shiso Leaf, cooked to preserve natural sweetness and aroma. For a more umami flavour, try the Stewed Hairy Crab with Aged Chinese Wine, alongside the heart-warming Chef’s Signature Superior Crabmeat Consommé. Dim sum lovers should enjoy the Hairy Crab Roe Scrambled Egg White Tarts, freshly baked and piping hot.
Available: 24 October to 24 November 2016
Set Menu: $138++ (5-course) or $188++ (6-course). Minimum two persons
Szechuan Court is located at Level 3, Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189560, p. +65 6431 6156. Open Mon-Fri 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm, Sat-Sun 12pm – 2.15pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm.
Shang Palace
At Shang Palace, Head Chef Steven uses various traditional culinary techniques to create modern hairy crab dishes like Braised Tofu, Meatball, Hairy Crab Meat and Roe and Pan-Fried Hairy Crab Meat Stuffed Shell with Shrimp Paste and Pork. Of course, the traditional Steamed Hairy Crab served with ginger tea is available as well. The a la carte selection starts from $24++, while a six-course set menu offers more than just hairy crab dishes, including the fatty Barbecued Kurobuta Pork with Shredded Lobster Roll.
Available: 17 October to 30 November 2016
Set Menu: $138++ (6-course) per person
Shang Palace is located at Shangri-La Hotel, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350, p. +65 6213 4473. Open Mon-Fri 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm. Sat-Sun 10.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm.
Min Jiang
At Min Jiang, Master Chef Chan Hwan Kee displays his knowledge of both Cantonese and Sichuan-style cuisine with an exquisite selection of hairy crab dishes. The crustaceans are prepared in just so many ways: Steamed, Baked with Ginger Rice Wine in Lotus Leaf , Steamed with Glutinous Rice in Bamboo Basket, and more. Look forward to a la carte specials such as the Combination of Steamed ‘Xiao Long Bao’ with Crab Meat, or other delectable dishes from two set menus, including Pan Seared Kurobuta Cutlet with Goma Sauce and Black Sesame Glutinous Rice Dumpling in Ginger Tea.
Available: 15 October to 15 November 2016
Set Menu: $118++ or $128++. Minimum two persons
Min Jiang is located at Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road, Singapore 228221, p. 6737 7411. Open Mon-Sat 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm, Sun 11am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm.
Crystal Jade Prestige
Sourcing its crabs from Shanghai, Crystal Jade’s steamed hairy crabs are best savoured au natural – though that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the other tempting dishes that feature these seasonal seafood. Take the Hairy Crab Trio Platter (Suckling Pig with Crab Roe & Biscuit, Steamed Xiao Long Bao with Hairy Crab Roe and Steamed Crab Shell Custard) for one, or the piping-hot Steamed Hairy Crab Meat and Scallop Cube Dumpling with Superior Broth, sure to warm up your body. For the ultimate deal, take the set menu that includes Deep-fried Coral Trout Fillet with Hairy Crab Roe and Egg White and ever-popular Glutinous Rice Dumpling in Ginger Soup.
Available: 10 October – 30 November 2016
Set Menu: $98++ (5-course) per person
Crystal Jade Prestige is located at 8A Marina Boulevard, Marina Bay Financial Centre (Ground Plaza), #02-01, Singapore 018984, p. +65 6509 9493. Open Mon-Fri 11.15am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm, Sat-Sun 10am – 3.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm.
Hai Tien Lo
Enjoy Chef Lai Tong Ping’s exclusive six-course menu, alongside nine a la carte dishes that expound the luxury of hairy crabs. More than just the usual Steamed Whole Hairy Crab with Perilla Leaves, you’re looking at highlights such as Stewed Udon Noodles with Fresh Prawns, Hairy Crab Meat and Roe and Braised Pork Shoulder with Hairy Crab Meat and Roe. There’s also the bite-sized pieces of deliciousness – Poached Dumpling with Prawns, Hairy Crab Meat and Roe in Chilli Oil and Steamed Minced Pork Dumplings with Hairy Crab Meat and Roe.
Available: 17 October – 27 November 2016
Set Menu: $168++ (6-course) per person
Hai Tien Lo is located at Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039595, +65 6826 8240. Open 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm.