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Hairy Crab
大闸蟹 · Dàzháxiè
Yangcheng Lake mitten crab — the autumn delicacy of the Yangtze Delta. Eaten steamed with vinegar dip.
Hairy crab (Chinese mitten crab) is the autumn delicacy of the Yangtze Delta, particularly the Yangcheng Lake variety from Suzhou. Eaten in October–November when the female crabs carry roe and the males are fat with hepatopancreas (the most prized part). Served whole, steamed with perilla leaves; eaten with a vinegar-and-ginger dip and warm Shaoxing rice wine. The labour of disassembly is part of the ritual.
Where to try
Suzhou and Shanghai restaurants in October-November; Yangcheng Lake side specialists.
Dietary notes
Shellfish; significant allergen.
Cities to try Hairy Crab
Other east dishes
- Beggar's Chicken叫花鸡
A whole chicken stuffed with aromatics, wrapped in lotus leaves and clay, then slow-baked until the meat steams in its own juices.
- Beggar's Chicken — Jiaohuaji叫花鸡 (江苏式)
A Jiangsu-province variation of clay-baked chicken with a lotus-leaf wrap and a mushroom and pork stuffing.
- Dragon Well Tea龙井茶
China's most celebrated green tea — pan-fired flat leaves from Hangzhou's West Lake district with a sweet, chestnut flavour.
- Drunken Chicken醉鸡
Chicken steamed and marinated in Shaoxing rice wine, served chilled. A Shanghai banquet starter.