Celebrate Hairy Crab Season with these New Menus and Specials in Hong Kong

As autumn arrives in Hong Kong, it's not just the changing leaves and cooler breezes that mark the season; it's also the arrival of hairy crabs! While some opt for home-cooked feasts, others seek the finest dining experiences in the city.

Named for their furry claws that resemble mittens, these crabs are celebrated for their tender, sweet meat and sumptuous buttery roe. From September to December (the eighth to tenth months of the lunar calendar), hairy crab season is in full swing, and aficionados in Hong Kong eagerly await this seasonal delicacy. Here's a roundup of Hong Kong's top restaurants to savour the delicacy this autumn.

Ah Yung Kitchen, Nina Hotel 

Nestled in Nina Hotel Causeway Bay, Ah Yung Kitchen presents two enticing seasonal menus, offering a delightful array of crab dishes that let you savour the exquisite richness and sweetness of hairy crabs. Choose between the Deluxe Hairy Crab and Abalone Feast (HK$1,888 per person) and the six-course Hairy Crab Degustation Menu (HK$980 per person) to embark on a culinary journey led by Chef Lam Wai-leung and his team.

Premium Jiangsu hairy crabs are carefully selected to craft a range of delectable crab delicacies, including Braised Shark’s Fin with Hairy Crab Meat and Crab Roe, Braised Yoshihama Dried Abalone, and Stewed Superior Bird’s Nest with Rock Sugar.

Where: Ah Yung Kitchen, Nina Hotel, 18 Kings Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

The Merchants at Forty Five

Experience the rich flavours of Taihu freshwater hairy crabs at The Merchants at Forty-Five. From Oct. 23 to Dec. 27, indulge in limited-time Hairy Crab menus that pay homage to these exquisite crustaceans.

The Grand Hairy Crab Feast tasting menu (HK$2,280 per person) is a blend of traditional techniques and modern innovation, highlighting Taihu freshwater hairy crabs' unique qualities. Additionally, the Chef's Hairy Crab Roe A la Carte Specials menu is available during this period, offering a selection of dishes that showcase the delectable roe of Taihu hairy crabs.

Where: The Merchants, Forty Five, Gloucester Tower, Landmark Hong Kong, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Sing Yin, W Hotel

From Oct. 1 till Nov. 30, Sing Yin Cantonese Dining at the exclusive W Hotel invites you to savour the delicacies of the season with their exclusive Jiangsu hairy crab menu. Executive Chinese Chef Simon has curated a selection of dishes that showcase the succulent meat and distinctive flavour of these renowned crabs.

Whether you prefer traditional or innovative crab plates, Sing Yin is the perfect place for a memorable “crab” rendezvous with family and friends. Dishes like Crispy Shrimp with Hairy Crab Roe and Pan-fried Stuffed Fish Maw with Shrimp Paste are sure to warm you up for autumn.

Where: Sing Yin, 1/F, W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station, Kowloon

Pici

Pirata Group’s lovable pasta bar Pici is serving up a feast for crab lovers across its nine locations. Available from Oct. 16 to Nov. 19 after 6 PM, enjoy the Pici Hairy Crab (HK$280), featuring a delightful mix of crab roe and meat, enhanced by a fragrant ginger clam stock, garlic, and Shaoxing wine.

This mouthwatering dish can also be upgraded with a tasting menu for HK$98. To round off the meal, enjoy a refreshing Ginger Gelato (HK$60) dessert with candied ginger.

Where: Pici, multiple locations across Hong Kong