‘Tis the season for hairy crab; Grab your mouth-watering portion
If you like bountiful portions of crab roe, rejoice as the season for hairy crab is here once again.
The hairy crab or Chinese Mitten Crab is an Autumn delicacy in regions such as Shanghai, Hong Kong and, of course, Singapore. Named after the exceptional amount of hair it has on its shell, it is prized for the salty roe in both the male and female crabs. It is quite often eaten steamed.
Here are a few restaurants that you can visit, that offer the hairy crab this season.
Peony Jade
These palm-sized treats from the Yang Cheng Lake, in the Jiangsu province of China, come cooked in unique ways at Peony Jade, such as the Sea Salt-Baked Hairy Crab in Golden Pillow ($68++). The entire hairy crab is encased in an adorable crab-shaped, handcrafted bread crust.
Other dishes include hairy crab roe infused xiao long bao and the traditional steamed hairy crab.
Keppel Club, 10 Bukit Chermin Road, Level M, Singapore 109918, Tel: 6276 9138
Min Jiang at One North
Diners at Min Jiang at One North can enjoy the luxurious Hairy Crab Trio Platter ($28 a person); a trinity of delights comprising Pan Fried Scallops with Hairy Crab Meat and Scrambled Milk served with Rice Crisp, Marinated Hairy Crab Meat Salad and Min Jiang Steamed ‘Xiao Long Bao’ with Hairy Crab Meat.
Dishes such as Steamed Hairy Crab with Ginger Rice Wine ($78 a piece) as well as Hairy Crab and Chinese Wine En Papillote ($78 per piece) best showcase the pristine and delicate flavours of the Hairy Crab.
No. 5 Rochester Park, Singapore 139216, Tel: 6774 0122
Jiang-Nan Chun
Fresh from Yang Cheng Lake, from Oct 1 to Nov 15, enjoy a crafted six-course menu ($168++) at Jiang-Nan Chun at Four Seasons Hotel. Beginning with Steamed Minced Pork Xiao Long Bao with Hairy Crab Meat and Ossetra Caviar; then the Double-Boiled Superior Bird’s Nest with Hairy Crab Meat and Shrimp Dumpling before the next two dishes of Baked Crab Shell filled with crab meat, forest mushrooms and onions; and Steamed Hairy Crab, ginger and chang kang vinegar dip.
Following wok-fried rice with crab meat, egg white and crispy dried scallop, the hot ginger tea and cassia flower with glutinous rice dumplings help to restore the body’s Yin and Yang. Of course, an individually-portioned steamed hairy crab is included.
Four Seasons Hotel, 190 Orchard Boulevard, Singapore 248646, Tel: 6831 7220
Paradise Pavilion
For a value-for-money set, try Paradise Pavilion’s six-course set meal ($128++ for minimum two persons), comprising Steamed Xiao Long Bao with Hairy Crab Roe, Braised Sharksfin Soup with Hairy Crab Roe, Sauteed Prawns with Long Jing Tea Leaves, Steamed Shanghai Hairy Crab, Japanese Vermicelli Soup with Hairy Crab Roe, and Hot Ginger Tea with Sesame Ball.
Marina Bay Financial Centre, 8A Marina Boulevard, #02-01, Singapore 018984, Tel: 6509 9308
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