Hairy crab season in Singapore has arrived! From restaurants to seafood suppliers, here’s where you can get your hands on it.
Ah, hairy crab season in Singapore. Any time autumn rolls around, people flock to enjoy this delicacy. It’s revered for its delicate flesh and buttery roe. Compared to the common mud or flower crabs, the flavour of hairy crabs is of higher quality. Native to Fujian, China, hairy crabs are only available for a short period, making them a highly coveted crustacean. If you’re keen to try, we’ve rounded up the best places to score your hairy crab fix – from seafood restaurants in Singapore to delivery services around the island. Or how about dining on chilli crab in Singapore?
1. Crystal Jade
Crystal Jade goes above and beyond with its hairy crab creations. Its stellar team of chefs have put together seasonal specials you can savour. Tuck into dim sum-style dishes like the hairy crab roe xiao long bao or braised scallop ball with hairy crab roe. Or slurp up an umami bowl of la mian topped with hairy crab roe and shrimp. We’re eyeing the pan-fried Shanghai hairy crab pork bun with conpoy at the Golden Palace outlet!
When: 13 October to 14 December 2025
How much: Price varies with each outlet
Address: Crystal Jade, multiple locations including Crystal Jade Palace, Golden Palace, Pavilion, Hong Kong Kitchen, and La Mian Xiao Long Bao
2. Chamoon Hot Pot
Trust Chamoon Hot Pot to stay committed to the hairy crab season in Singapore because it’s bringing autumn’s finest delicacy back to its restaurant. Tuck into a dish of drunken hairy crabs for a limited time only. Marinated in yellow wine, it’s the perfect appetiser to go with your hot pot meal. We suggest having it with the matsutake mushroom broth!
When: 1 October to 30 November 2025
How much: From $29.80
Address: Chamoon Hot Pot, #03-01/02, Scotts Square, 6 Scotts Road, Singapore 228209
3. Tung Lok Group
Tung Lok Group goes all out to celebrate the arrival of hairy crab with seasonal menus available across its establishments in a variety of preparations. Budget diners can head to Tung Lok Signatures for a la carte dishes featuring hairy crab for just under $20. If you’re looking to splurge, consider the six-course menu ($258) at Tong Le Private Dining, or the set menu ($128) at Tung Lok Seafood.
When: Until 30 November 2025
How much: Dishes start from $18
Address: Tung Lok Group, multiple locations including Tong Le Private Dining, Tung Lok Peking Duck, Tung Lok Signatures, and Tung Lok Seafood
4. Imperial Treasure
Imperial Treasure is known for its exquisite array of authentic Chinese fare, so it’s no surprise that the autumnal delicacy will be available at its restaurants. Only selected outlets will have the hairy crab menu available, so be sure to check before you make your reservations! Dishes you can look forward to include the steamed egg white, thick noodles, or braised vegetables, all topped with hairy crab roe.
When: Ongoing, while stocks last
How much: Dishes start from $28
Address: Imperial Treasure, multiple locations including Paragon, Asia Square, Takashimaya, Great World, and Marina Bay Sands
5. Min Jiang at Dempsey
If you’re looking for a lunch spot away from the city, hop over to Min Jiang’s Dempsey location and feast on its Golden Season of Hairy Crab menu. The hairy crab trio platter is perfect to share, featuring steamed egg with roe and crab meat, fried crab meat with shrimp rolls, and crisp rice with crab meat in egg white. Our top pick is the poached wa wa cabbage with hairy crab roe and meat.
When: 3 to 30 November 2025
How much: Dishes start from $26
Address: Min Jiang at Dempsey, 7A & 7B Dempsey Road, Singapore 249684
6. Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant
Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant is an award-winning eatery named after the revered Tang Dynasty poet, Li Bai, aka the greatest Chinese poet of all time. And we think the name is well-earned because the dishes served up at Li Bai are pure poetry. The two standout dishes you must try for the hairy crab season include the salt-baked hairy crab, crispy sea cucumber with hairy crab roe, and deep-fried cod with hairy crab roe.
When: 1 to 30 November 2025
How much: Enquire for prices
Address: Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant, 39 Scotts Road, Singapore 228230
7. 8 Crabs
If you want to enjoy tasty hairy crabs in the comfort of your home, 8 Crabs is a great supplier. This brand is best known for its year-round crab delivery. Its hairy crabs are flown in live from the famed Yang Cheng Lake in China, which is known for producing crabs with golden roe, creamy milt, and delicate sweet meat. You can pick between a steamed male or female crab, and each order comes with a complimentary tool set and vinegar.
When: Available from September to December
How much: Prices start from $69
Address: 8 Crabs, order online
8. Hairy Crab at Home
The team behind Hairy Crab at Home have over 10 years of experience in the business, so trust us when we say they know their stuff. The brand procures some of the largest hairy crabs in Singapore, air-flown from Tai Hu, which are delivered live to your doorstep. This ensures optimum freshness! You can also check out the brand’s website for a step-by-step process on how to prepare and cook your hairy crab at home.
When: Available from September to December
How much: Prices start from $258
Address: Hairy Crab at Home, order online
There’s no time to waste! Grab hairy crabs in Singapore and get to feasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hairy crab?
Otherwise known as a Chinese mitten crab, it’s a freshwater crab known for its sweet meat and rich roe. The name comes from its furry claws!
When is hairy crab season in Singapore?
The peak season is typically around October to November when the crabs are mature.
Can I buy hairy crab to cook at home?
Yes! Many seafood suppliers such as 8 Crabs and Hairy Crab at Home stock hairy crab during the peak season.
How do I eat hairy crab?
After steaming, serve your crab with vinegar and ginger. The recommended way to eat it is by removing the tail, top shell, and mouth. Then cut the gills away and crack the shell to get to the meat.
