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 2024
1. PlayT, The Park Lane Hong Kong, a Pullman Hotel
Get ready for Hong Kong hairy crab season as PlayT’s buffet spread gets a crustacean makeover! At the Hairy Crab Delights in October – Buffet Dinner (available until 3 November), indulge in platefuls of clawsome delights like Braised Fish Maw Soup with Hairy Crab Roe, and Japanese Udon with Assorted Seafood and Hairy Crab Roe. Don’t miss out on the main event: Steamed Shanghai Hairy Crabs with Dried Perilla Leaf. Each guest is only allowed to snag two of them, so make sure to savour every bite!
PlayT, 1/F, The Park Lane Hong Kong, a Pullman Hotel, 310 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 2839 3311
2. Man Wah, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
Savour the finest of the season with the Michelin-starred Man Wah’s Shanghai Hairy Crab Feast. Lavish set menus highlight all the delicate flavours and parts of the crab, from its sweet yolk to its umami-rich roe. Meanwhile, the autumn a la carte menu brings this vibrant crustacean centre stage with plates such as the 300g Steamed Shanghainese Hairy Crab, where you can sample this delicacy in its purest form.
Man Wah, 25/F, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2825 4003
3. Fumi
Autumn is looking crab-tastic at Fumi, with its new tasting menu, a la carte dishes, and a live cooking demonstration, all available throughout October. Tasting menu highlights like the Egg Custard with Hairy Crab Coral, and Hairy Crab Coral with Himi Udon Noodles explore the luxurious flavours and buttery texture of hairy crab coral. You can also order the Steamed Chinese Hairy Crab from the a la carte menu and sink into its tender flesh. Whip your cameras out for some tableside action, too, as the chef gives a live cooking demonstration of freshly imported Hokkaido snow crab and Hokkaido king crab!
Fumi, 6/F, California Tower, 30-36 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2328 3302
4. Ming Court, Wan Chai
Wan Chai’s Ming Court is putting flavour first in its seasonal celebration with the The Autumnal Hairy Crab Symphony set menu. Dishes like the Braised Abalone with Rice Crisps, Fish Maw and Crab Roe, and Braised Boston Lobster in Crab Roe Sauce with Fried Milk feature creative combinations of flavours and textures. Of course, the Steamed Whole Hairy Crab steals the show with its impressive size of five taels – which can even be upgraded to six or seven taels!
Ming Court (Wan Chai), 2/F, Great Eagle Centre, 23 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2878 1212
5. Duddell’s
Mark the beginning of autumn at Michelin-starred Duddell’s by digging into the refined Hairy Crab Tasting Menu, offered until 30 November. Guests will be able to taste all the intricate flavours of this seasonal delicacy in the eight-course experience. The hairy crab also finds its way into Duddell’s a la carte menu, with favourites including the Hairy Crab Roe Xiaolongbao and Braised Imperial Bird’s Nest with Hairy Crab Roe. Love a bit of wine? Take your meal to new heights by adding on the wine pairing.
Duddell’s, Level 3, 1 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2525 9191
6. Wa-En Kappo
Ring in the hairy crab season in Hong Kong at Wa-En Kappo, where only the killer views rival the fantastic seafood dishes! Wa-En Kappo not only honours the hairy seasonal delicacy, but also pays homage to local flavours with the freshest Japanese seafood, handpicked by the chef himself. This October, crustacean devotees can try the Hairy Crab with Black Vinegar Jelly in the new autumn menu.
Wa-En Kappo, 29/F, Connaught Marina, 48 Connaught Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2117 3735
