Every year the Yangcheng Lake hairy crab season begins in September with locals and tourists patiently waiting for the crab season to officially begin. Located three kilometers from Suzhou, Yangcheng Lake is home to the hairy crab. Each year an estimated 5 tons of crab are served up to customers until the winter months. These autumn delicacies also come with a hefty price tag ranging from 680 -700 Yuan per kilogram. Since it’s only a seasonal delicacy dedicated foodies usually don’t mind indulging on the crabs once a year.
The scrumptious crustaceans are famous for its silky roe and tender crab meat. The crabs are prepared by steaming and are then served. Eating the crabs gets a little messy but it’s all part of the fun. If you have never eaten the hairy crab before check out the photos below for a few tips for dissecting and eating the crab.
Although the crabs are delicious it is advised that you eat with caution, according to Chinese Medicine the crab is categorized as a “cold” natured food. Too much “cold” food is not good for the body and it is advised that foods classified as “cold” should not be eaten together. For example eating crabs and drinking beer is a big no along with certain fruits and vegetables. It is advised that ginger tea or Chinese yellow wine should be consumed during or after eating the crabs to “warm” the body.
Best Places in Shanghai to Eat Hairy Crabs
One of the best cities to taste the crabs is in Shanghai, apart from the traditional steamed hairy crab, many restaurants offer other crab inspired dishes that will have your taste buds in a twist. Below are some of the famous restaurants with the best crab cuisine in Shanghai.
Ling Long Ge 凌泷阁
Address: 2/F 951 Hongxu Lu, near Yan’an Xi Lu
Opening Hours: 11:00AM - 2:00PM, 5:00PM – 10:00PM
Telephone: + (86) 21 3207 1177
Fu 1088 福 一零八八
Address: 375 Zhenning Lu, near Yuyuan Lu
Opening Hours: 11:00AM – 2:00PM, 5:30PM – 11:00PM
Telephone: + (86) 21 5239 7878
Xin Guang Jiu Jia 新光酒家
Address: 512 Tianjin Lu, near Guangxi Bei Lu
Opening Hours: 11:00AM – 2:00PM, 5:00PM - 9:30PM
Telephone: + (86) 21 6322 3978