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Get your dose of this beautiful crustacean at these establishments this hairy crab season

Also known as Chinese mitten crabs, hairy crabs are lauded for its succulent flesh and creamy golden roe. Typically sourced from freshwater lakes in eastern China, with the most prized crabs obtained from Yang Cheng Lake in Jiangsu province, this Chinese delicacy is best enjoyed between the months of October and November.
 
These crabs are traditionally prepared steamed, to preserve its delicate flavour and texture, and best eaten with ginger and vinegar. But, in recent years, chefs around the island have come up with innovative creations that feature the crab’s sweet flesh and roe. To celebrate the season, various restaurants have introduced a series of refined dishes featuring this pristine crustacean. Here are some to look out for.

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1. Yàn

Tatler Asia

This Cantonese restaurant is celebrating this glorious crustacean with the introduction of new creations. Available on the a la carte menu and as part of a six-course set menu, look forward to a range of dishes that put the spotlight on the autumn delicacy’s sweet flesh and luscious golden roe. You can't go wrong with the classic steamed hairy crab, showcasing its natural sweet flesh. Its flavours are elevated with the addition of minced ginger and vinegar. A new addition and a must-try include the pan-fried carrot cake crowned with hairy crab meat and roe. Opt for the six-course set menu and savour these dishes alongside complementary plates, like the fragrant wok-fried spare ribs and braised fish maw. Available from November 1 to 30. Book here.

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Yàn
Chinese   |   $ $   |  

1 Saint Andrew's Road, #05-02 National Gallery Singapore, S(178957)

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2. Yí by Jereme Leung

Tatler Asia

Revel in succulent hairy crabs with Yi by Jereme Leung’s latest hairy crab a la carte menu. Available from now until November 13, dig into an array of tantalising creations that highlight the crustacean’s rich and creamy roe, and sweet flesh. Start the meal with the chilled hairy crab in Chinese wine brine, a simple dish that brings out the crab’s natural sweetness. It’s served with dried longan, wolfberry and ginger tea jelly. Once your palate has been whet, savour mains like capellini with hairy crab roe and baked Hokkaido scallops crowned with golden hairy crab roe. Book here.

Yi by Jereme Leung
Chinese   |   $ $ $   |  

1 Beach Rd, Singapore 189673

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3. Min Jiang

Tatler Asia

Delight in hairy crab menus at Min Jiang this season. Available for a la carte and as part of its six-course menus, get to sink your teeth into perennial favourites, such as the steamed xiao long bao filled with juicy hairy crab meat; silky homemade tofu topped with hairy crab flesh; and baked hairy crab in mushrooms. Alongside these classic dishes, diners can also savour new plates, among which are the crystal noodles topped with beautifully braised hairy crab meat and decadent roe. Available from now until November 30. Book here.

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Min Jiang
Chinese   |   $ $ $   |  

22 Scotts Road, Goodwood Park Hotel, S(228221)

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4. Shang Palace

Tatler Asia

This year, executive Chinese chef Daniel Cheung has dreamed up a slew of tantalising creations, featuring this seasonal specialty. Go for the six-course hairy crab set menu that begins with a refreshing braised bird’s nest broth with hairy crab roe and bean curd. Then, move on to mains and indulge in the beautifully sauteed lobster with hairy crab roe; and braised inaniwa noodles mixed with hairy crab roe and hairy crab oil. A la carte dishes are also available, like the homemade spring onion pancake pan-fried until gorgeously brown and crisp. It’s generously topped with braised hairy crab and diced bean curd. Have a bite and revel in rich flavours of sweet hairy crab meat. Available from now until November 30. Book here.  

Shang Palace
Chinese   |   $ $ $ $   |  

22 Orange Grove Road, Lobby Level, Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, S(258350)

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5. Yan Ting

Tatler Asia

At Yan Ting, this crustacean finds itself in creative mains like the seafood soup dumpling, filled with hairy crab meat, roe and abalone; and juicy scallops glazed with a salted egg yolk sauce and crowned with hairy crab meat and roe. Can’t decide what to get? Try the seven-course hairy crab set menu, featuring the delectable crustacean, among other signatures. Expect dishes like the steamed Shanghai-style pork dumplings with hairy crab mean; and Japanese somen. The latter comes bathed in an aromatic seafood broth and finished with hairy crab flesh and golden crab roe. Available from now until December 15. Book here.

Yan Ting
Chinese   |   $ $   |  

29 Tanglin Road, Level 1U, The St Regis Singapore, Singapore 247911

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