Where to Enjoy China's Favorite Luxury Autumnal Food: Hairy Crab

If you haven't heard, hairy crabs are a big f-ing deal in China. Native to Eastern China, the most sought-after specimens come from Yangcheng Lake in Jiangsu province, and people pay small fortunes to feast on the creamy and buttery golden roe within.

Named after the fine hair on their claws, hairy crabs (大闸蟹 dàzháxiè) can only be caught for two months each year – around late September to November. Their short season and resultant limited supply make the crabs highly lucrative for sellers and ruthlessly hunted at the dinner table by almost everyone else.

Despite the fact that we are quite far from the source, and that there are plenty of "fake" crabs out there, Beijing restaurants are stocked to the rafters with the good stuff. Here are our picks for some of the best places to enjoy this seasonal delicacy in Beijing – get them at their prime time!

Park Hyatt Beijing

This season, Park Hyatt Hotel is promising hairy crabs stuffed with decadent roe and juicy meat, steamed as well as cooked in a variety of other creative methods to bring out the full flavor of the meat. Prices start from RMB 128 and reservations can be made via WeChat (ID: parkhyattbeijing) or by calling 8567 1795.

Made in China

Over at Made in China, Chefs Kent and Kang "have selected the tastiest hairy crabs from Tai Lake and customized them with their own particular cooking methods." Prices start at RMB 328 and bookings can be made at fb.reservation.beigh@hyatt.com or 6510 9024.

The Opposite House

Jing Ya Tang at The Opposite House invites diners to embrace the golden season with a hairy crab menu created by Chef Li Dong. The menu is composed of traditional favorites as well as some innovative flavors for good measure, all the while following the traditional cooking methods of Guangdong, Shanghai, and Fujian. Call 6410 5230 for prices and bookings.

Puxuan Hotel

Puxuan Hotel has whipped up a seven-course set menu spanning the full gamut of Yangcheng Lake hairy crab dishes, including a whole hairy crab steamed with brandy (valued at RMB 198 by themselves or as part of the RMB 788 set menu). Click here for more information and to make a reservation.

Rosewood Beijing

Rosewood Beijing invites you to savor an exquisite hairy crab menu in their House of Dynasties restaurant. Premium ingredients have been selected to match and enhance the crab’s delicate flavors, with highlights that include famed snow mountain baked hairy crab with salt, and fried crab meat soup with shrimp. Make reservations at beijing.diningreservations@rosewoodhotels.com or call 6536 0066.

Ying Chinese

Offering an array of Cantonese specialties, stylish Ying Chinese in Sanlitun also jumps on hairy crab season, offering a seven-course tasting menu with a fine selection of wines and Chinese teas. Bookings can be made via 8516 0066.

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Photos courtesy of featured restaurants