We’re right on the cusp of autumn, and while that means Halloween and Christmas are coming, it also marks the hairy crab season! This renowned delicacy is a seasonal treat that’s only available during autumn. But what does it taste like? Is it really hairy?
No, the flesh isn’t hairy, we promise! The crab itself is hairy, and the slightly sweet flesh is lusciously fine-textured – but that isn’t the reason why it is so renowned. The star of hairy crabs is its roe, which is oh-so-creamy and buttery – almost like golden balls of happiness.
If you’re a newbie looking to give hairy crabs a taste test, or a fanatic who just needs their yearly dose, check out one of these restaurants that have prepared a hairy crab feast! No hands-dirty preparations needed. Just reserve your table, and enjoy the experience.
1. Hairy Crab Festival at Yàn
This year, Yàn is sourcing the coveted ingredient from Lake Tai in Jiangsu, and presenting it in the form of a-la-carte dishes and a set menu. In the latter, you can expect to be treated to some delicious Cantonese fare.
The star at Yàn, the Steamed Hairy Crab (SGD68++ per crab), is given the highest honour – the crabs are simply prepared and cooked to accentuate its natural sweetness. It is best paired with the Wok-fried Scallops with Prawn Paste, Vegetables and Hairy Crab Meat (SGD48++). Altogether you get the combined sweetness from each seafood within a heart-warming and hearty dish that’s definitely a treat for your taste buds.
What are some other dishes can you expect? Beancurd Broth with Hairy Crab Meat (SGD24++), Poached Noodles with Hairy Crab Meat (SGD16.80++), and even a six-course set menu (SGD128++/ pax). The set menu lets diners indulge in the Steamed Hairy Crab, Poached Noodles with Hairy Crab Meat, and complementing dishes such as Crispy Fried Cod Fish Fillet with House Special Sauce, and Stewed Vegetables with Conpoy, Dried Scallops and Egg White.
Where: Yàn Cantonese Cuisine, 1 Saint Andrew’s Road, #05-02 National Gallery Singapore, S(178957)
When: 11 Nov – 11 Dec 2019, 11.30am – 2.30pm (lunch service) & 6pm – 10.30pm (dinner service).
Price: A-la-carte menu from SGD16.80, and set menu from SGD128/pax
Booking & more info: https://www.yan.com.sg/
2. Hairy Crab Galore at Min Jiang
From 12 Oct to 10 Nov this year, award-winning Chinese restaurant Min Jiang at Goodwood Park Hotel is showcasing its delectable selection of hairy crab dishes – prepared in a myriad of styles. The crabs are sourced freshly from Lake Tai and presented in an a-la-carte menu, as well as two meticulously crafted set menus.
Of course, the main highlight of the a-la-carte menu has to be the signature dish, the Steamed Hairy Crab (SGD80++), which keeps the spotlight on the natural sweetness of the prized crustacean’s succulent flesh.
If you’re a beginner looking to just give the hairy crab a try, then opt for the Hairy Crab Trio Platter (SGD28++), which gives you a variety of seafood – it comes with Min Jiang’s popular Steamed Xiao Long Bao with Hairy Crabmeat, crispy Deep-fried Prawns with Mango Mayonnaise, and the Kurobuta Pork Loin with Coffee Sauce which delivers a flavourful punch.
For the true-blue hairy crab lovers, indulge in the ‘Hairy Crab Indulgence’ Set Menu (SGD168++/pax). It’s an all-rounded epicurean feast with the signature dishes and other decadent dishes such as the Pan-fried King Prawn with Minced Garlic Chilli Sauce, and Braised Sea Cucumber with Stuffed Fish Maw and Broccoli.
Where: Min Jiang, 22 Scotts Rd, Goodwood Park Hotel, S(228221)
When: 12 Oct – 10 Nov 2019, 11.30am – 2.30pm (lunch service) & 6.30pm – 10.30pm (dinner service).
Price: A-la-carte menu from SGD28/pax, and set menu from SGD148/ pax
Booking & more info: https://www.goodwoodparkhotel.com/dining/min-jiang
3. Hairy Crab Indulgence at Shang Palace
Experience the rich, creamy roe and fresh hairy crab with Shangri-La’s seasonal menu crafted by Mok Kit Keung. The highly-desired hairy crab is available in a six-course set menu (which includes a bottle of eight-year-old Chinese Yellow Wine), as well as a-la-carte selections.
In the a-la-carte menu, you can expect both classic and modern takes on the hairy crab – dishes include Steamed Hairy Crab served with Ginger Tea and Braised Fish Maw with Hairy Crab Roe.
A head-turner on the set menu is definitely the Foie Gras with Tomato Jelly, which comes alongside Braised Hairy Crab with Diced Bean Curd served with Spring Onion Pancake. Intriguing? Definitely!
Where: 22 Orange Grove Rd, Shang Palace, S(258350)
When: 1 Oct – 30 Nov 2019, 12pm – 2.30pm (lunch service) & 6pm – 10pm (dinner service).
Price: A-la-carte menu from SGD14, and set menu from SGD218/pax
Booking & more info: https://www.shangri-la.com/singapore/shangrila/offer-detail/dining/hairy-crab-indulgence/
4. Exquisite Crustacean Indulgences at Yan Ting
Indulge in not just the prized Chinese delicacy, but also the Alaskan King Crab, now available at St. Regis Singapore. Yan Ting has created crab dishes done in styles that locals will definitely love – Deep-fried Alaskan Crab Legs with Salted Egg Yolk, Steamed Alaskan Crab with Chinese Wine and Egg White, and Steamed Alaskan Crab Roe. All these mouth-watering treats, and more, will be cooked to perfection by Yan Ting’s Master Chefs.
Where: 29 Tanglin Road, The St. Regis Singapore, Level 1U, S(247911)
When: 15 Oct – 15 Dec 2019, 12pm – 2.30pm (lunch service) & 6.30pm – 10.30pm (dinner service).
Price: A-la-carte menu from SGD212/ pax
Booking & more info: https://www.yantingrestaurant.com/our-menus
5. Hairy Crab Promotion at Cherry Garden
Cherry Garden, an elegant fine-dining restaurant nestled in Mandarin Oriental is presenting a special Hairy Crab menu along with its eclectic offering of Chinese dishes.
The classy restaurant is serving up the hairy crabs sourced from Lake Tai, in a very simple yet delicious manner – steamed with ginger, and served with ginger tea (SGD78++/ crab). For the uninitiated, pairing hairy crab with ginger tea is actually one of the best ways to enhance its natural sweetness and creaminess.
Cherry Garden’s hairy crab dishes fairly stripped down, but that’s so that you can enjoy the hairy crabs in all its glory! On the other hand, a flavourful dish you may be interested in is the braised ee-fu noodles with hairy crab meat. It’ll definitely warm up, not just your belly, but your heart too.
There are two set menus for your choosing – one five-course, and the other, a seven-course menu.
Where: 5 Raffles Avenue, Mandarin Oriental, S(039797)
When: Now ‘till 30 Nov 2019, while stocks last. 12pm – 2.30pm (lunch service) & 6.30pm – 10.30pm (dinner service).
Price: A-la-carte menu from SGD38, and set menu from SGD88/ pax
Booking & more info: https://www.mandarinoriental.com/singapore/marina-bay/fine-dining/restaurants/cantonese-cuisine/cherry-garden
6. Hairy Crab Feast at Shang Social
Chef Gordon Leung, Shangri-La Group’s award-winning Chinese Executive Chef is teaming up with the Shang Social for this limited-run seasonal hairy crab feast! Satisfy your cravings and dig into classic and new interpretations as he creates dishes with the crustacean.
The promotion, which was supposed to end on 15 Oct, was extended ‘till 10 Nov due to popular demand. It’s no surprise with dishes like Braised Crab Meat and Roe Bisque with Shredded Fish, Wok-Fried Prawn and Hairy Crab Meat and Steamed Hairy Crab and Pork Dumpling. Shang Social is also offering a seven-course set menu along with the a-la-carte options.
Where: 78 Airport Blvd, #01-219 to 222, Jewel Changi Airport, S(819666)
When: 14 Oct – 10 Nov 2019, 10am – 10pm
Price: A-la-carte menu from SGD8, and set menu from SGD138/pax
Booking & more info: https://shangsocial.com/promotions/hairy-crab-feast/
7. Hairy Crab Promotion at Imperial Treasure
The Imperial Treasure is taking the prized seasonal delicacy on a trip! Savour fine casts of hairy crabs, in a variety of styles at one of Imperial Treasure’s five outlets. Serving up both nostalgic favourites and new innovations, there’s bound to be something that’ll put a smile on your face. Each outlet offers a different dish, so be sure to check out the different menus before heading to one!
Where: Imperial Treasure Marina Bay Sands, Imperial Treasure Paragon, Imperial Treasure Takashimaya, Imperial Treasure Asia Square 1, and Imperial Treasure Great World City
When: 4 Oct – 30 Nov 2019, while stocks last.
Price: A-la-carte menu from SGD22.80
Booking & more info: https://www.imperialtreasure.com/happening/hairy-crab-promotion-2019/
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