Best known for its succulent meat and rich creamy roe, hairy crabs are back in season. From now till the end of next month, try it steamed, flambéed or generously stuffed in xiao long baos.
Updated on 17 Oct: Here are 6 restaurants to visit for this decadent crustacean.1. Min JiangHairy crab specials available at Goodwood Park Hotel and One-North till 23 Oct
Master Chefs Chan Hwan Kee and Goh Chee Kong of Min Jiang have prepared hairy crab specials that best showcase the delicate flavours of the exquisite crustacean. Highlights include a variety of a la carte options such as a duo of Steamed Xiao Long Bao with Chilli Crabmeat and Baked Japanese Fresh Scallop with Mentaiko Mayonnaise paired with Chilli Angel Hair Noodles with Truffle Oil and Hairy Crab meat (Each at $28 per person). Two set menus featuring Steamed Hairy Crab and Steamed Hairy Crab with Glutinous rice in a bamboo basket are also available at $108 and $128 per person (min. 2 persons).
Where: Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road, Singapore 228221
Available till: 23 Oct 2014
For reservations: Call 6730 1704 or email min_jiang@goodwoodparkhotel.com.
Note: Hairy crab specials are also available at Min Jiang One-North.
Image: Goodwood Park Hotel2. Hai Tien LoGolden Hues of Decadence is available till 16 Nov
Indulge in the sweet flavours of Chinese mitten crabs at Hai Tien Lo, where Executive Chef Lai Tong Ping presents six hairy crab a la carte dishes and an indulgent six-course prix fixe menu for the season. You can expect creations like Braised Bean Curd with Pine Mushrooms, Hairy Crab Meat and Crab Roe ($28, serves 3); Steamed Minched Pork Dumpling with Hairy Crab Meat and Roe ($6.20 for 3 pieces) ; and from the multi-course tasting menu ($168 per person), stellar picks like Lobster with Hairy Crab Meat and Crab Roe in Thick Broth. This Golden Hues of Decadence menu is available for both lunch and dinner.
Where: Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard Level 3, Singapore 039595
Available till: 16 Nov 2014
For reservations: Call 6826 8240 or email celebrate.sin@panpacific.com.
Image: Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore3. Royal Pavilion“When Classic Meets Contemporary” is available till mid-Nov
Royal Pavilion presents its inaugural Hairy Crab seasonal menu with classic takes and modern renditions. For the traditionalists, go for the full-bodied Steamed Hairy Crab with Egg White & Chinese Wine ($68++). Contemporary creations to look forward to include the Baked Hairy Crab with Wild Mushroom and Sakae in Japanese Style ($68++) doused in a teriyaki sauce, as well as wine-flambéed dishes like Flambé Hairy Crab with Sea Salt served in claypot ($68++) and Flambé Drunken Hairy Crab served with Superior herbal Soup ($68++).
Where: Level 1, Park Regis Singapore, 23 Merchant Road, Singapore 058268
Available till: Mid-Nov 2014
For reservations: Call 6818 8851 or email reservation@rpguandi.com.
Image: Royal Pavilion4. PUTIENTaihu Lake’s Hairy Crabs are available till 30 Nov
Making its annual presence in PUTIEN's Autumn menu are Steamed Hairy Crabs ($35 or $45) from Taihu Lake, known for its succulence and extra sweet notes. Also available are crisp Deep Fried Crab Meat Cakes ($19.80), made with the Hairy Crab’s golden roe, shrimp paste and cabbage.
Where: All outletsAvailable till: 30 Nov 2014
For reservations: Please call the respective outlets.
Image: Pu Tien Facebook Page5. Li Bai Cantonese RestaurantHairy Crab delicacies are available till 30 Nov
Gracing the Hairy Crab season over at Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant are new creations like Braised Bird’s Nest with Hairy Crabmeat and Crab Roe ($88 per person) and Braised King Prawn and Sweet Potato with Hairy Crabmeat and Crab Roe ($36 per person). Adding on to the occasion is an indulgent Hairy Crab wine dinner featuring a $180 Degustation menu, available only on 7 Nov.
Where: Sheraton Towers Singapore, 39 Scotts Road, Singapore 228230
Available till: 30 Nov 2014
For reservations: Call 6839 5623 or email libai@sheratonsingapore.com.
Image: Sheraton Towers Facebook Page6. Peony Jade @ Keppel ClubThe Gold Rush Hairy Crab Menu is available till 30 Nov
The Peony Jade @ Keppel Club culinary team celebrates this autumn with the return of this quality crustacean with a contemporary Cantonese menu. Besides the classics, buttery roe of hairy crabs are married with fresh prawns in dishes like “Mister Crab” Crystal dumpling ($14.80++ for 3 pieces) and “The Golden Charm” ($58++) – a pomegranate-shaped hairy crab meat topped with creamy golden roe, our favourite of the lot. Prices start from S$12++ for ala carte items, S$88++ per person for set menu and S$138++ per person for premium set menu.
Where: Bukit Chermin Road, Keppel Club (Level M), Singapore 109918
Available till: 30 Nov 2014
For reservations: Call 6276 9138
Image: Peony Jade @ Keppel Club
Text: Peh Yi Wen
Main image: Royal Pavilion
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