Autumn’s arrival means one thing in Shanghai: hairy crab season. A local delicacy known for its sweet flavor, impenetrable shell and shaggy claws worthy of a Just So story, Shanghai hairy crab and its famous roe are only in season during the ninth and tenth lunar months of the year. We’ve created the Hairy Crab Feast food tour to celebrate this delicacy while its in season.

On this new tour, you’ll find out why Tang Dynasty poets immortalized these crabs in verse millennia ago with this hairy crab feast. At two seated stops through Shanghai’s Old Town, you’ll sample a range of dishes that feature the hairy crab – from xiaolongbao (steamed soup dumplings) to lion’s head meatballs. You’ll also learn the multi-step process to cracking open the crab, and discover the Traditional Chinese Medicine reason why you should pair it with plenty of huangjiu (Chinese brandy).

We’re running the Shanghai Hairy Crab Feast only four times this year, and tickets are limited.

Price: US$80

Duration: 2.5 hours

Dates & Time:

Oct 7 5:30pm

Oct 28 5:30pm

Nov 11 6:30pm

Nov 25 6:30pm

Where: Near Laoximen Metro. The exact tour meeting point will be emailed upon booking.

Max Group Size: 8 guests + 1 guide. For larger groups, please contact us about private tours.

Transport: Walking

Inclusions: 5-6 Hairy Crab Dish Tastings + 1 Whole Crab + 2 Classic Shanghainese Non-Crab Tastings • Chinese Brandy, Beer, Soft Drinks & Bottled Water • Hair Crab Eating Demo • Welcome Packet • Awesome Bilingual Guide

 

Tour Preview

EXPLORE OLD TOWN

You’ll see how locals live (and eat) in some of the city’s oldest neighborhoods on the outskirts of Shanghai’s former walled city – before the wrecking ball turns this area into high-rise apartment buildings.

LEARN ALL ABOUT SHANGHAI HAIRY CRAB

From telling the difference between the sexes (and which one is in season) to what bits NOT to eat of the crab to what “catadromous” means, we’ll walk you through the whole process and turn you into a hairy crab expert by the end of the night.

GET UP CLOSE & PERSONAL WITH YOUR FOOD

Eating a hairy crab requires special knowledge – you can’t just crack into these delicacies willy-nilly! We’ll show you the steps to eating them like a Shanghainese, and give you a recipe to try at home.

SAMPLE MULTIPLE HAIRY CRAB DISHES

From xiaolongbao to lion’s head meatballs to wontons, you’ll taste the most delicious ways locals integrate the delicious hairy crab meat and roe in their cuisine when autumn arrives.

SIP LOCAL CHINESE BRANDY

There’s a reason why Shanghainese diners always pair their hairy crab dishes with ginger, vinegar and brandy. First, it tastes delicious. Second, Traditional Chinese Medicine!

*Each tour has 2 seated stops offering a tasting of 8 dishes.

 

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS:

We cannot cater to those with shellfish allergies or vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free guests on this tour.