Dubbed "The Season for Palates", autumn is finally here and with it comes the best time for indulging in quality crabs. Between October and November every year, crabs are most plump and juicy while also brimming with scrumptious crab roe inside. Savouring fine wine while moon gazing atop a platform purged high up in the sky, Li Bai, the Tang poet, described crabs as “golden drops of heaven.” Crab season is a treat for the palate that you definitely do not want to miss!

 

Traditionally, smaller-sized and round-shaped female crabs are eaten during September on the Lunar calendar, known for their aromatic, thick, and textured crab roe. On the other hand, larger-sized and pointy-shelled male crabs are enjoyed during Lunar October, loved by many for their silky smooth, umami, and fragrant roe. Therefore, there is a traditional saying: "September for the rounded, October the pointy."

 

Many avoid eating crabs just because they think dressing them is too complicated. If done correctly, not only is dressing a crab an easy task, but you are also rewarded with a mouthful of fresh and juicy crab meat! Go for the legs first, then the body, and finally the roe. Twist off the legs and claws before cutting off the flap at the body's base. Put your thumbs against the shell and push upwards to release the body from the carapace, making sure to discard the mouth and the greyish-white lungs on both sides. Then, hold the two ends of the body and firmly snap it into two halves, removing the white heart in the middle. You are all set to dive into the sweet golden roe and the tender meat! Lastly, cut near the joints of the legs and claws, then poke out the delicious meat with a skewer.

Remember to remove the six non-edible parts of the crab: the heart, the lungs, the stomach, the belly, the intestines, and the mouth. Be sure to prepare a cup of ginger tea to warm your soul after devouring the delectable crabs.

 

Multiple restaurants at Lee Gardens have introduced seasonal crab feasts for families and crab lovers to enjoy. Whether you are looking for traditional hairy crabs or a variety of uniquely crafted autumnal crab dishes, Lee Gardens Areais the place to satisfy the palate and enjoy the taste of autumn.

Many avoid eating crabs just because they think dressing them is too complicated. If done correctly, not only is dressing a crab an easy task, but you are also rewarded with a mouthful of fresh and juicy crab meat! Go for the legs first, then the body, and finally the roe. Twist off the legs and claws before cutting off the flap at the body's base. Put your thumbs against the shell and push upwards to release the body from the carapace, making sure to discard the mouth and the greyish-white lungs on both sides. Then, hold the two ends of the body and firmly snap it into two halves, removing the white heart in the middle. You are all set to dive into the sweet golden roe and the tender meat! Lastly, cut near the joints of the legs and claws, then poke out the delicious meat with a skewer.

Remember to remove the six non-edible parts of the crab: the heart, the lungs, the stomach, the belly, the intestines, and the mouth. Be sure to prepare a cup of ginger tea to warm your soul after devouring the delectable crabs.

Multiple restaurants at Lee Gardens have introduced seasonal crab feasts for families and crab lovers to enjoy. Whether you are looking for traditional hairy crabs or a variety of uniquely crafted autumnal crab dishes, Lee Gardens Areais the place to satisfy the palate and enjoy the taste of autumn.

The Classic Hairy Crab Feast – West Villa Restaurant 

Situated in Lee Garden One, Michelin-Recommended West Villa Restaurant is the ultimate destination for high-class dining. Not only is West Villa Restaurant renowned for its signature Char Siu, but also for the seasonal dishes crafted with the best ingredients scoured from all over the world. On its "Grand Hairy Crab Feast" menu are seasonal hairy crabs, signature side plates made with crab roe, sumptuous seafood dishes, and soul-warming ginger tea – bound to impress the most discerning of diners and the most discriminating of palates.

A Crab Feast straight from Japan –  Kanizen

Also located at Lee Garden One, Kanizen is Hong Kong’s first restaurant specialising in crab cuisine with fresh crabs from Hokkaido, Japan. Equipped with Hong Kong’s largest in-house tank, the restaurant receives air deliveries of “the famed trio of crabs” from Hokkaido weekly, specifically King Crabs, Matsuba Crabs, and Horsehair Crabs. The tank is also fitted with a professional-grade filtering system to maintain the quality of the live crabs, allowing crabs to be prepared, cooked, and served fresh to order! In this crab season, Kanizen is introducing a “Horsehair Crab Hotpot Set”, preparing a plethora of dishes with live crabs. Unlike Chinese hairy crabs, these Japanese counterparts are known more for their subtle and fresh sweetness. Therefore, various preparation techniques are used to highlight this distinct taste and texture, including poaching, grilling, tempura-fried, tea-bowl-steamed, and sashimi. Come and enjoy the essence of Japanese crab cuisine at Kanizen.

Order Online – hy! Lee Gardens

Would rather enjoy the comforts of home with family and friends? Order a variety of crab feasts available online! Take advantage of the hy! Crab Feast discount to shop at designated tenants* between 17 October and 11 November 2022. New members can enjoy a 50-dollar welcoming discount by entering [NEW50]. A crab feast awaits!

 

*Designated tenants: West Villa Restaurant (Lee Garden One), The Graces Restaurant (Lee Theatre Plaza), Seoul Recipe (Lee Garden Two), and Heywood Tea (Hysan Place)

Consolidated list for Crab Menu 

 

Lee Garden One

West Villa Restaurant － King Hairy Crab

An Nam－Wok-fried Tamarind Crab

Kanizen – Whole Horsehair Crab Shabu Shabu Set

 

Lee Garden Two 

10 Shanghai－Seasonal Shanghai Hairy Crab Feast

 

Lee Theatre Plaza

The Graces Restaurant－Hairy Crab Special Set

Victorian Era－Seafood in Sake Broth with Gold Foil

Zither Garden－Autumn Crab Special Set

Tsui Hang Village－Authentic Hairy Crab Feast

The Starview－Shanghainese Hairy Crab Set Menu