Hairy Crab

Having the prestige of being one of Mainland China’s delicacy, the hairy crab or in pinyin: Da Zha Xie (大闸蟹) is a not to be missed by all tourists and locals. When is it in season you ask? The Hairy Crabs are actually sold in seafood restaurants in Shanghai all year round. However, it follows a seasonal pricing and could cause a whopping amount of up to 200 RMB (~35 USD) per Kati (500g). The Hairy Crabs are usually in season towards end Autumn / early Winter (sometime between October to Nobember).

During the Hairy Crab season, this seafood will be found abundantly at very reasonable price of 25 RMB per Kati. Usually, the Hainan Hairy Crabs will out do the other Hairy Crabs as it deems to have a better breeding. By luck, you may acquire a Hairy Crab which has roe in it. Often during the Hairy Crab season, it is very likely that you’ll be in luck!

The process of eating the Hairy Crab is rather tedious. Firstly you have to remember that its gills are not edible. Why? I really do not know, but having lived in Shanghai for 4 years, that was the custom which I was told and adopted. Now prior to savoring the fleshy and roe-rich Hairy Crab, the first step is to remove its Head. Next is to remove the gills, which were helmeted by its head, then remove the legs. Finally, snap the crab into two halves using both your index fingers and your thumbs; while doing this, you should see the crab roe “oozing” out! And voila! It’s time to Bon Apatite!

Of course, crabs and crab roe are very high in cholesterol, so try not to over indulge yourself in this irresistible delicacy. If you’re ever dropping by Shanghai, or any other parts of China, do not miss out on this Hairy Crab Experience! x