It’s that time of the year when we eagerly await the arrival of the Chinese mitten crab, known for its creamy goodness. Whether you prefer dining out or cooking at home, we curated a list of places to savour hairy crab in the city will fulfil your cravings this fall. Stay tuned as we add more updates until the end of the month.
Jiangsu Club
Freshly imported from Jiangsu, these delectable crustaceans take centre stage in the restaurant’s 16 limited-time dishes. From Hairy Crab Meat and Roe with French Baguette to the show-stopping Baked Hairy Crab with Boneless Free Range Chicken, you will not be disappointed. Their Hairy Crab Set Menu features chef’s picks like Shanghainese Smoked Silver Pomfret and Fresh Abalone with Hangzhou Chilli.
When: Until end of season
Where: 2/F, Alliance Building, 130-136 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan
Book: Visit website
Mott 32
As the autumn breeze rolls in, Mott 32 is bringing back their hairy crab menu. Executive Chef Lee Man Sing has curated a selection of 12 dishes featuring these seasonal hairy crabs sourced from Tai Wu Lake. From the traditional steamed whole hairy crab to special creations like the Hairy Crab Roe & Minced Pork Shanghainese Soup Dumpling, don’t miss out on these limited-time delights.
When: November 1 – December 12, 2023
Where: Standard Chartered Bank Building, 4-4A Des Voeux Rd Central, Central
Book: Visit website
Pici
The popular pasta bar is back with an exciting limited-time dish – Pici Hairy Crab. Available from mid-October at all 9 Pici locations, this pasta dish is a true delight, featuring a harmonious mix of hairy crab roe and meat, fragrant ginger clam stock, punchy garlic, and aromatic Shaoxing wine. Upgrade your experience with the tasting menu and don’t forget to end on a sweet note with their fresh Ginger Gelato topped with candied ginger.
When: October 16 – November 19, 2023
Where: all Pici locations
Book: Visit website
RÚ
Starting October 16, 2023, treat yourself to their Premium Hairy Crab Set Menu and Deluxe Hairy Crab Set Menu. Executive Chinese Chef Edmond Ip has hand-picked the finest hairy crabs from Jiangsu province to create a mouthwatering array of Cantonese delicacies. Highlights include the flavourful Hairy Crab Coral Soup Dumpling and the fresh Whole Steamed Hairy Crab.
When: From October 16, 2023
Where: 7/F, Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West, 8 Yeung Uk Road, Tsuen Wan
Book: Visit website
Sing Yin
Executive Chinese Chef Simon at Sing Yin has curated an exclusive menu featuring Jiangsu hairy crab, weighing approximately six taels each. Indulge in mouthwatering dishes like the Stewed Fried Rice with Abalone and Hairy Crab Roe in a Stone Clay Pot, a delightful combination of premium abalone, perfectly cooked rice, and rich crab roe.
When: October 1 – November 30, 2023
Where: 1/F, W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Road West, West Kowloon
Book: Visit website
The Legacy House
Rosewood Hong Kong’s signature Chinese restaurant, The Legacy House, is bringing its annual Hairy Crab à la carte specials and set menu back, showcasing the finest hairy crabs from Lake Taihu. Apart from the classic Steamed Hairy Crab, try the well-balanced Braised Green Bean Noodles with Hairy Crab Paste (HKD2,880), which requires a two-day advance order. Pair the meal with specially chosen Chinese wines.
When: Mid-October until end of season
Where: Level Five, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Book: Visit website
The Merchants
Located at Forty-Five in LANDMARK, the Shanghai-inspired The Merchants is now serving up limited-time Hairy Crab tasting menu and à la carte specials until the end of the year. At HK$2,280/person, the tasting menu features Braised Fish Maw Soup with Hairy Crab Roe, and the star of the show, 350g of Whole Steamed Hairy Crab. Besides, the à la carte specials provide a total of 14 dishes and 3 soups for selection, including Stir-Fried Hairy Crab Roe with Clay Pot Rice (HK$1,288), a sizzling Cantonese-style clay pot rice that features freshly harvested crab roe and meat.
When: October 23 – December 27, 2023
Where: 43/F, Gloucester Tower Landmark, Central
Book: Visit website
Header image credit: Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West
FAQ about hairy crabs in Hong Kong
What is so special about hairy crabs?
This Chinese delicacy is known for its sweet meat and creamy and buttery golden roe, which is only available for two months of the year. This limited supply makes it coveted and therefore expensive.Â
When is hairy crab season?
Fall season, specifically the ninth and tenth lunar months are known to be Hairy Crab season.Â
Where to eat the best hairy crab in Hong Kong?
You can’t go wrong with any of the restaurants on the list but Ying Jee Club is in our opinion, the best.Â
Header image credits: Ming Court
