Hairy Crab Season in China: A Beloved Autumn Food Festival
In China, Hairy Crab (Cua Lông – 大闸蟹) is more than just a dish – it is a true culinary festival season all on its own.
Why Hairy Crab Is So Famous
Hairy Crab has earned its reputation for several delicious reasons:
- Sweet, firm meat with a very distinctive aroma.
- The rich, creamy crab roe (fat) that is uniquely fragrant and indulgent.
- Considered a premium delicacy, often used for hosting important guests or as an elegant gift.
- Anyone who has tried it in peak season tends to crave it long after.
Best Time to Enjoy Hairy Crab
The most delicious season for Hairy Crab is:
- Lunar calendar: from the 9th to the 11th month.
- Peak time: usually around October to November in the solar calendar.
During this period, the crabs are at their fattest, packed with roe, with an intense natural sweetness – this is when you are enjoying Hairy Crab "the right way."
Famous Dishes Made with Hairy Crab
From street eateries to fine dining, Hairy Crab appears in many beloved dishes:
- Steamed whole Hairy Crab – the most classic and iconic way to eat it.
- Steamed crab served with black vinegar and shredded ginger.
- Noodles tossed with rich crab roe sauce.
- Rice or congee with crab roe.
- Crab roe filling used in premium buns and dim sum.
A Seasonal Cultural Experience
It is no coincidence that when Hairy Crab season arrives, restaurants from Shanghai and Suzhou to Hangzhou all hang signs announcing "it is crab season."
Eating Hairy Crab means eating in the right season, in tune with the culture, and in the true spirit of Chinese gastronomy.
Hashtags and Foodie Vibes
Some fun tags often used with Hairy Crab season content:
#CuaLong #HairyCrab #DaZhaXie
#AmThucTrungQuoc #ChinaFood
#MuaCuaLong #FoodCultureChina
#ShanghaiFood #SuzhouFood
#DanAnUong #FoodieLife
Reference Price for Fresh Hairy Crab
As a rough guide, fresh Hairy Crab usually ranges from about 600,000 to 900,000 VND per kilogram (around 6–9 crabs per kilogram), depending on the time of season and the supplier.
