Are you a fan of seafood? These claw-some hairy crab menus in Hong Kong will get you going: holy crab!
Autumn is all about cycling, camping, and hiking. And if you’re looking to treat yourself after all that exercise, a hairy crab feast would be your perfect reward this season. Loved for its umami and its rich, buttery roe, the hairy crab is considered a delicacy in Chinese cuisine. Because hairy crabs are only available for a short time every year (usually at their peak from October to November), the supply is limited and costs can be exceptionally high. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the coveted crustacean, or looking to try it for the first time, these hairy crab menus in Hong Kong will not disappoint.
Best hairy crabs in Hong Kong 2023
1. Sushiyoshi
This hairy crab season, we welcome Sushiyoshi’s chef-owner, Hiroki Nakanoue, to Hong Kong! Permanently relocating from Japan, where he bagged two Michelin stars for his restaurant, Chef Hiroki is continuing to take his culinary vision to the world – starting with the launch of a hairy crab omakase menu in the 852. This 15-course feast features seasonal delicacies, all crafted using top-quality ingredients and infused with Japanese traditional craftsmanship. It’s hard for us to pick a highlight from this new menu, but our personal favourites include the decadent Hairy Crab Sushi with Toro, and the hearty Daikon Chawanmushi with Hairy Crab Broth. That being said, the selections of seasonal sashimi and sushi certainly don’t miss the mark either. Bonus: Chef Hiroki’s friendliness and expertise (plus his iconic marshmallow blue hair!) complete the experience at Sushiyoshi.
Sushiyoshi, 1/F, The Otto Hotel, 8 Cameron Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 2657 0280
2. Jiangsu Club
Freshly delivered from Jiangsu to Hong Kong, the finest hairy crabs are in the spotlight at Jiangsu Club this season. Celebrating the spirit of harvest and abundance, the restaurant is offering 16 hairy crab creations, such as the innovative Hairy Crab Meat and Roe with French Baguette; Pan-fried Rice Roll with Caviar, Hairy Crab Meat, and Roe for the cheung fun lovers; and the show-stopping Baked Hairy Crab with Boneless Free Range Chicken, featuring local three yellow chicken. Other crowd favourites include Stir-fried Hairy Crab Meat and Roe over Green Bean Noodles; Homemade Stewed Meatball with Hairy Crab Roe, and more. Looking for the ultimate hairy crab feast in Hong Kong? The Hairy Crab Set Menu gives you the chance to sample a series of Jiangsu Club’s hairy crab dishes, as well as the restaurant’s most popular signatures. Savour delicacies like Shanghainese Smoked Silver Pomfret; and Fresh Abalone with Hangzhou Chilli – the chefs’ pick!
Jiangsu Club, 2/F, Alliance Building, 130-136 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 6230 8973
3. Duddell’s
For the 2023 hairy crab season, Executive Chef Chan Yau Leung at the Michelin-starred Duddell’s has created an eight-course tasting menu and limited-edition specials. From 30 October to 8 December, crab enthusiasts can partake of the crustacean’s succulent flesh and buttery roe straight from the waters of Lake Tai in Jiangsu. The eight-course tasting menu includes dishes such as Braised Noodles with Hairy Crab Roe in Chicken Soup, and Steamed Whole Jiangsu Crab. Additionally, be sure to order some of the seasonal hairy crab dishes like the Hairy Crab Roe Xiaolong Bao, and Pan-Fried Scallop Stuffed with Shrimp Paste and Hairy Crab Roe.
Duddell’s, L3, 1 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2525 9191
4. Nam Fong, Le Méridien Hong Kong, Cyberport
Contemporary Cantonese restaurant Nam Fong at Le Méridien Hong Kong, Cyberport is introducing an eight-course hairy crab set menu and seasonal dishes to diners until 30 November. Executive Chef Quentin Leung showcases the umami of the buttery hairy crab in a set menu that showcases an array of quality ingredients alongside the irresistible crustacean. For instance, the Deep-fried Fish Maw with Hairy Crab Roe and Hairy Crab Meat, and the Shanghainese-style Soup Dumpling with Minced Pork, Hairy Crab Roe, and Hairy Crab Meat both highlight the succulent flavours of hairy crab. In addition, seasonal dishes featuring hairy crab are available at Nam Fong, such as the Tossed Noodles with Hairy Crab Roe and Hairy Crab Meat, and the Steamed Whole Hairy Crab.
Nam Fong, L3, Le Méridien Hong Kong, Cyberport, 100 Cyberport Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, p. 2980 7410
5. Xia Fei Fei
With two seasonal set menus at Xia Fei Fei – the Hairy Crab Roe Set Menu and the Hairy Crab Roe & Peking Duck Set Menu, you can expect to sample the freshest meat and roe from crabs de-shelled by hand each day. In the Hairy Crab Roe Set Menu, diners can indulge in dishes like the Braised Superior Shark’s Fin with Fresh Hairy Crab Roe, and Braised Pea Shoots with Hairy Crab Roe. Making its debut in the 2023 season is the Hairy Crab Roe & Peking Duck Set Menu, which features hairy crab dishes as well as expertly roasted and carved Peking Duck. Want more? Go a la carte for the Double-boiled Minced Pork Meatballs with Hairy Crab Roe, Green Bean Jelly Sheets filled with Hairy Crab Roe, and other dishes.
Xia Fei Fei, Shop 211, 2/F, Melbourne Plaza, 33 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2522 7611
6. Cafe Rivoli, Regal Hong Kong Hotel
Get lost in a gourmet paradise of hairy crab delicacies at Cafe Rivoli! Available until 30 November, the InCRABdible Dinner Buffet features meticulously prepared dishes that showcase the flavour and texture of the crustacean. Load your plates up with Thai Curry Soft Shell Crab in Pumpkin,;Crab Meat Xiao Long Bao; Typhoon Shelter Stir-fried Crab; and more.
Cafe Rivoli, 1/F, Regal Hong Kong Hotel, 88 Yee Wo Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 2837 1772
7. Deng G
Crab lovers can indulge in a hairy crab feast with Crabfest at Deng G until 30 November. Sourced directly from Yang Cheng Lake, premium hairy crabs will be prepared by skilled hands for a variety of special plates. Chef Deng brings Sichuan flavours to the season with masterful dishes that’ll bring out the fresh taste of crabs in wonderful ways. Enjoy some kick to your crab recipes with the Hairy Crab with Sichuan Pickles and the Sour and Spicy Soup with Crab Flesh.
Deng G, 2/F, Weswick Commercial Building, 147-149 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2609 2328
8. Gold Garden Shanghai Cuisine
Freshwater crab season is celebrated in style at Gold Garden Shanghai Cuisine with the seasonal eight-course “Savour The Hairy Crab and Delicacies” set menu. Only the finest male Jiangsu hairy crabs are featured to ensure the ideal weight and flavour. Along with Steamed Hairy Crabs, diners can enjoy Xiao Long Bao with Hairy Crab Roe; and Steamed Scrambled Egg with Prawn and Hairy Crab Roe. Additionally, Gold Garden Shanghai Cuisine offers a “crab handling” service to help deal with the inedible parts of the crab, so that even inexperienced diners can delight in the crab meat and roe without hassle – how considerate!
Gold Garden Shanghai Cuisine, Shop 3202, 3/F, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, 25 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 2116 8328
9. Essence, Novotel Citygate Hong Kong
This autumn, dig into the Crabalicious Buffet at Essence to revel in hairy crab galore! Until 30 November, you can indulge in a delicious array of crab dishes along with a complimentary hairy crab. The Crabalicious Buffet features a selection of delicacies like the French Brown Crab and the Canadian Snow Crab. Embark on a worldwide tour of the coveted crustacean with plates like the Hairy Crab Steamed with Ginger and Basil; Singapore-style Black Pepper Dungeness Crab; Blue Crab Thermidor; and more.
Essence, Lobby Level, Novotel Citygate Hong Kong, 51 Man Tung Road, Tung Chung, Hong Kong, p. 3602 8808
10. The Legacy House, Rosewood Hong Kong
Celebrate the return of hairy crab season with the annual Hairy Crab menu at The Legacy House, created by Chinese Executive Chef Li Chi-Wai. From mid-October until the end of the season, enjoy innovative recipes made with age-old Cantonese cooking techniques. A la carte dishes like the Steamed Hairy Crab; Wok-fried Lobster; and Braised Green Bean Noodles with Hairy Crab Paste are available, as well as an exclusive seven-course Legacy House Set Menu. Only premium freshwater crabs from Lake Tai in Mainland China are used and are delicately prepared to accentuate their mild sweet taste and succulent texture.
The Legacy House, Level Five, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 3891 8732
11. Ru, Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West
This hairy crab season, Ru at Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West is going all in with not one, but two special menus. The Premium Hairy Crab Set Menu and Deluxe Hairy Crab Set Menu both showcase the delectable flavours of autumn and its hairy crabs. Until the end of the season, the menu at Ru will be dominated by classic Cantonese dishes crafted by Executive Chinese Chef Edmond Ip, featuring high-quality hairy crabs from Jiangsu province. Items like the Hairy Crab Coral Soup Dumpling; Braised Tofu with Hairy Crab Coral and the Whole Steamed Hairy Crab will be delivering the freshest tastes from the sea to your palates.
Ru, 7/F, Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West, 8 Yeung Uk Road, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2280 2923
12. Mott 32
With the autumn breeze comes the return of the hairy crab menu at Mott 32. From 1 November to 12 December, Executive Chef Lee Man Sing is bringing a curated selection of dishes, featuring hairy crabs sourced from Lake Tai in Mainland China. 12 delicately prepared freshwater crab dishes like the Hairy Crab Roe and Minced Pork Shanghainese Soup Dumpling; and Wok-Fried Crab Claw Meat and Osmanthus will be available. With fresh ingredients to complement the creamy crab roe, each bite will highlight the juiciness and mild sweetness of the crustacean, bringing you a truly satisfying dining experience.
Mott 32, Standard Chartered Bank Building, 4-4A Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2885 8688