Check out the best places to devour hairy crab in Hong Kong 2024

For hairy crab season this year, Mott 32 is showcasing 10 ways to enjoy the delicious delight, which is imported directly from Yangcheng Lake in Jiangsu. Leading the menu is a starter that’s sure to impress: Drunken Crab Meat Salad. It’s inspired by the same crab dish from Jiangsu Province. Another showstopping creation is the Wok-fried Hairy Crab Claw Meat with Chive Flowers. For a heartier main, taste the Hairy Crab Row Claypot Rice with chunks of sweet crab meat and briny roe. Alternatively, diners can also sample the Hairy Crab Roe Shanghainese Soup Dumpling for an explosion of flavours. For dim sum lovers, don’t miss out on the Deep-fried Hairy Crab Roe Puff. The special hairy crab menu is only available until December as an a la carte. There is also an exclusive set menu with yellow wine pairings to further elevate the flavours of hairy crab.

Michelin-starred The Legacy House celebrates the turn of the season with the return of its annual hairy crab menu. Chinese executive chef Li Chi-wah draws on age-old Cantonese cooking techniques to invigorate traditional recipes in new and innovative ways. The menu features hairy crab from Lake Tai (Taihu) in mainland China, also called the “King of Crabs” for its sweet taste and succulent texture. Sample the flavours of eight Cantonese dishes such as Steamed Hairy Crab, Braised Rice with Fish Maw with Hairy Crab Cream, and more. Pair the meal with a specially chosen Chinese wine for a more flavourful dining experience.

This autumn, Hong Kong Cuisine 1983 introduces its hairy crab menu with the prized delicacy from the Jiangsu province. Known for its superior quality thanks to the region’s clear waters and ideal temperature, the hairy crabs are the centrepiece of this limited-time menu. Chef Silas Li curated a set menu and a la carte options that allow diners to explore traditional dishes with modern techniques. For the set menu, try the trio of Hairy Crab Roe which has a salad, egg tart, and broth jelly. Other highlights include the Steamed Chicken with Black Fungus, Hairy Crab Roe and Potato Soufflé. Those who prefer a la carte can try Hairy Crab Roe with Sliced Noodles and sizzling Hairy Crab Roe Dace Fish Cake. As tables get booked fast, make sure to reserve yours in advance.

Shanghainese hairy crab takes centre stage at Man Wah this autumn thanks to executive Chinese chef Wong Wing-keung. The crab is renowned for its sweetness and pearlescent roe, making it the perfect ingredient for the lavish set menus, dim sum specials, and seasonal a la carte dishes. Choose between two set lunch menus that include Braised Bird’s Nest with Crab Meat and Crab Roe as well as Shanghainese Hairy Crab. There is also a dinner menu if you want a more intimate time. Those seeking an elevated experience can opt for the 300-gram Steamed hairy crab available a la carte. The menu also extends to dim sum offerings like the Shanghainese Soup Dumpling and seasonal specialities such as Pan-fried Hokkaido Scallops with Crab Meat and Crab Roe. These special creations start at HKD 198 per piece and make the perfect complement to any meal.

With the weather cooling down, it’s time to savour the freshest hairy crabs in town. One Harbour Road’s executive Chinese chef Chan Hon Cheong has specially created a variety of seasonal hairy crab dishes for diners to enjoy. Go on a culinary journey with its mouth-watering creations such as Deep-fried Amadai Fillet with Hairy Crab Sauce and Pan-fried Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Hairy Crab Sauce. Other not-to-miss dishes include the Deep-fried Chicken Wings with Hairy Crab Meat and Roe, where the wings are air-fried for three hours and stuffed with crab meat and roe. Additionally, the Baked Australian Jade Tiger Abalone with Hairy Crab Sauce boasts a distinct layering of flavours with the added punch of hairy crab sauce. Other than these dishes, the ever-so-popular xiao long bao is also available with hairy crab meat and roe.

The crab season has arrived at Cuisine Cuisine, The Mira! The Michelin-recommended Cantonese restaurant, under the guidance of Chef Edwin Tang, has curated an exceptional eight-course crab feast till November end for dinner. It starts with the Smoked Soft-Boiled Egg in which the rich and creamy yolk is complemented by the delicate earthiness of aromatic termite mushrooms. Further, you’ll taste the Braised Hairy Crab Roe Soup that soothes your taste buds with its hearty and comforting broth. The feast continues with the star of the show, the Steamed Hairy Crab and a lot more to satiate your palette.

The lush crab season returns bigger and better at Wa-En Kappo. The talented chef Masaki Nishioka has handpicked succulent Japanese seafood delicacies for this Fall, paying homage to the flavours of Hong Kong. Guests can enjoy the menu at an exclusive ‘Buy 3 Get 1 Free’ deal as well as a Wagyu hand roll top-up for only HKD 1. The highlights from their autumn menu include Hairy Crab with Black Vinegar Jelly, Tempura Shark Fin and Sweet Potato & Smoked Butter, Monaka. While Wa-En Kappo’s standard 9-course dinner menu is the most popular, you also have options for the 8-course or 10-course menu.

This season, sort your dinner plans with Ming Court’s irresistible umami and buttery dinner delicacies. Wan Chai’s Ming Court invites you to try its ‘The Autumnal Hairy Crab Symphony’ menu, including highlights like Double-Boiled Partridge Soup with American Ginseng and Dendrobium, Braised Boston Lobster in Crab Roe Sauce with Fried Milk, Braised Wagyu Beef Cheek in Port Wine Sauce with Assorted Vegetables, the classic Steamed Whole Hairy Crab and Braised Abalone with Rice Crisps, Fish Maw and Crab Ro. Embracing the cooling autumn weather with Ming Court’s hairy crab delights.

Get ready to dig into the perfectly curated treats at the Michelin-starred Duddell’s. You’ll be offered a refined 8-course tasting menu and an extensive selection of a la carte delicacies, including Stir-fry Milk and Egg White with Hairy Crab Roe, Braised Imperial Bird’s Nest with Hairy Crab Roe, Steamed Garoupa with Egg and Hairy Crab Roe, and more. To elevate your dining experience, you can also opt for an additional wine pairing.

The upscale Shanghai-style restaurant, Yè Shanghai, is all prepared to delight crab lovers with new and classic-inspired crab dishes this season. Some of the most attractive dishes on the menu include the Braised Fish Maw with Hairy Crab Roe, Braised Yellow Croaker with Crab Roe and the Steamed Pork with Cod and Crab Roe. Also on the menu are the unmatched Steamed Pork & Hairy Crab Roe Dumpling and the special Drunken Hairy Crab in Yè Shanghai Tai Diao. Moreover, with every 2-person dinner order, you’ll get a free carafe of Yè Shanghai Huadiao wine.

Porterhouse is bringing you an array of seasonal crab delicacies, with an amazing buy-three-get-one-free crab-themed weekend brunch. Special dishes include the Chilli Crab Scramble, which combines succulent brown crab meat, savoury salmon roe, scrambled eggs, and the Seasonal Hairy Crab Pasta cooked to al-dente perfection. Another comforting addition is the Soft-Shell Crab Burger. The crab-themed brunch buffet is available on Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays, from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm.

Cruise is celebrating the crab season with a Crab-ulous Autumn Afternoon Tea on their stunning rooftop with exquisite harbour views. Devour crab-inspired teatime treats with a glass of welcome Prosecco, unlimited egg waffles and ice cream. Additionally, you can also get complimentary access to the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool. 

Cruise’s furry clawed favourites include the Hairy Crab Xiao Long Bao topped with Hairy Crab Roe, Steamed Egg White with Hairy Crab Roe and Baerii Caviar, Hairy Crab Roe with Egg Noodles and Crispy Conpoy and more. Traditional-styled Steamed Hairy Crab with Zhenjiang Vinegar and Ginger along with sweet treats like Mandarin Chocolate Mille-Feuille, Ginger Pudding with Honey, and Chestnut Dorayaki will also be a part of the expansive menu. 

The Autumn Afternoon Tea set with complimentary three-hour pool access is available from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays.

You can’t miss the unique gastronomic experience featuring hairy crabs at PLAYT. The restaurant has come up with a special buffet dinner, which comprises the chef’s special traditional Steamed Shanghai Hairy Crabs with Dried Perilla, Braised Fish Maw with Hairy Crab Roe, Braised Fish Maw Soup with Hairy Crab Roe, Japanese Udon with Assorted Seafood and Hairy Crab Roe and much more. Additionally, you can also select from a variety of international dishes including freshly shucked oysters, lobster, snow crab legs, and Spanish suckling pig.