Shang Palace @ Shangri-La Singapore - Savour the Autumn Harvest: An Exquisite Hairy Crab Feast

This autumn, Shang Palace at Shangri-La Singapore invites diners to savour one of the season's most prized delicacies — the Hairy Crab from Taihu Lake. From 20 October to 30 November 2025, Executive Chinese Chef Daniel Cheung presents a specially curated menu celebrating the golden richness of hairy crab through refined Cantonese creations. Diners can look forward to a Hairy Crab Six-Course Set Menu (S$268++ per person, minimum two diners) or a range of à la carte highlights.

Appetiser 3/5

The meal begins with a quad of appetisers, each offering its own take on the luxurious crustacean:
- Pan-fried Eggplant with Hairy Crab Roe
- Chilled Cucumber Roll wrapped with Hairy Crab and Chicken Oil
- Hairy Crab Roe Sushi Roll
- Sautéed Prawn with Hairy Crab Roe and Black Truffle Sauce served in a Golden Nest

Each item showcases Chef Daniel's delicate hand in balancing textures and flavours. The standout for me was the Sautéed Prawn in Golden Nest, where the briny roe meets the aroma of truffle for a delightful harmony. The Hairy Crab Roe Sushi Roll, however, fell short. The rice was dry and tough. If the kitchen wishes to incorporate sushi into Chinese fine dining, the rice texture could use more refinement to achieve the ideal softness and fluffiness.

Braised Bird's Nest Broth with Hairy Crab Roe and Beancurd 4.2/5

Braised Dried Scallop Broth with Bamboo Fungus and Hairy Crab Roe 4.2/5

Diners can choose between two soups — the Braised Bird's Nest Broth with Hairy Crab Roe and Beancurd, or the Braised Dried Scallop Broth with Bamboo Fungus and Hairy Crab Roe. Both options offer nourishing warmth and oceanic depth, depending on your preference. The bird's nest version leans towards a luxurious, silky texture, while the dried scallop broth adds a savoury profile.

Baked Lobster and Hairy Crab Meat in Shell with Puff Pastry 4.2/5

My favourite dish of the evening is the Baked Lobster and Hairy Crab Meat in Shell with Puff Pastry. Beneath the flaky golden crust lies a mix of sweet lobster and creamy hairy crab meat. Each bite is indulgent, buttery, and aromatic, with a satisfying contrast between the crisp pastry and the succulent seafood beneath. A truly memorable dish.

Steamed Hairy Crab 4/5

No hairy crab feast would be complete without the Steamed Hairy Crab itself. Served with a cup of warming ginger tea, this was the centrepiece of the evening. The natural sweetness of the Taihu Lake hairy crab and the luscious umami of its roe exemplify why this seasonal delicacy is so revered.

Braised Ee Fu Noodles with Egg White, Hua Tiao Wine and Hairy Crab Roe 4/5

Braised Fried Rice with Shredded Fish Maw and Hairy Crab Roe 3.8/5

The meal then rounds off with a choice of Braised Ee Fu Noodles with Egg White, Hua Tiao Wine and Hairy Crab Roe, or Braised Fried Rice with Shredded Fish Maw and Hairy Crab Roe. Both showcase the roe's signature richness, but the noodles won my vote. The egg white adds a light, fluffy texture that complements the springy noodles, while the Hua Tiao wine lends a subtle fragrance. The fried rice, though comforting, felt a little one-dimensional in comparison, more of a canvas for the crab roe rather than a full expression of it.

Chilled Osmanthus Cake with Fermented Glutinous Rice Wine 3.5/5

Sweetened Mixed Bean Soup with Coconut Milk 4/5

Dessert features a comforting duo: Sweetened Mixed Bean Soup with Coconut Milk and Chilled Osmanthus Cake with Fermented Glutinous Rice Wine. The floral aroma of osmanthus and the mellow sweetness of rice wine bring a refined close to the autumn feast.

Guests enjoying the set menu will receive a complimentary 375ml bottle of eight-year Chinese Yellow Wine and a glass of Veuve Clicquot Brut NV. The mellow sweetness of the yellow wine pairs beautifully with the creamy crab roe, while the champagne adds a bright effervescence. For a touch of indulgence, diners can also opt for the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Flight (S$158++ per person), featuring Veuve Clicquot Rosé NV, La Grande Dame 2018, and RICH NV. The Hairy Crab Menus are available daily for lunch and dinner until 30 November 2025 — a celebration of Cantonese finesse and autumnal decadence not to be missed.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shang Palace
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 6213 4473
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 23 minutes.[Map]

Xia Mi Hao Liao (虾觅好料) @ Jalan Besar - Hairy Crabs and Crawfish at New Hubei-style Chinese Restaurant

Xia Mi Hao Liao (虾觅好料) is a new Hubei-style seafood restaurant that has just opened its doors in Jalan Besar, specialising in hairy crabs and live crawfish. These seafood delights are flown in weekly from China to ensure freshness. Diners can enjoy their crabs and crawfish prepared in one of five ways: Spicy, Signature 10 Spiced, Steamed, Minced Garlic, or Bi Feng Tang style.

The restaurant, which seats 68 guests across two stories, is decked in vibrant, eclectic colours and lively wall paintings. For those seeking a more private dining experience, VIP rooms are available by reservation.

Pickled Cucumbers 3.5/5

We began our meal with the Pickled Cucumbers ($12). Despite its unassuming appearance, these crunchy cucumber strips packed a surprisingly strong kick of heat and a lingering numbness. However, we found the portion size too pricey for what was offered.

Lotus Root Fries 3/5

Next, we tried the Lotus Root Fries ($16). These thick-cut, crunchy fries provided an interesting alternative to the usual potato fries.

Salt & Pepper Crawfish Tail 3.5/5

Another starter we had was the crunchy Salt & Pepper Crawfish Tail ($32), which could be eaten whole, shell included. The seasoning was addictive, but these weren't as fresh and fleshy and felt pricey for its portion. From now until 30 September, the restaurant is offering a promotion of 50% off this dish, with a minimum order of one large portion of live crawfish. This offer is valid for dine-in only.

Steamed Hairy Crab 3.8/5

The first main dish we tried was the Steamed Hairy Crab (Seasonal Price), served in a bamboo steamer. Each crab was fresh and carried a good amount of rich, creamy roe. Although dips of soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger were provided, we preferred to enjoy the natural flavours of the crab on its own.

Steamed Crawfish 3.8/5

Following the hairy crab, we were served a basket of Steamed Crawfish ($48 for S, $90 for L). The bright red crawfish were also served with the same dipping sauces as the hairy crab. The crawfish meat was decent on its own, but the dips helped to enhance the flavour.

Signature 10 Spiced Combo 4/5

We moved on to the Signature 10 Spiced Combo ($125), which was much richer in flavour. This dish featured crabs and crawfish cooked in an oil-stewed 10-spice sauce made from a blend of spices, including star anise, licorice root, and Chinese cinnamon. There's also an option to add instant noodles, which can be tossed in the base red oil, though we found the noodles to be a bit too salty for our liking.

Bi Feng Tang Combo 4/5

The final dish we tried was the Bi Feng Tang Combo ($125). It consisted of a mix of crabs and crawfish coated in deep-fried minced garlic, peppered with chillies and black beans. The aromatic garlic added a delightful crunch.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xia Mi Hao Liao (虾觅好料)
20 Upper Weld Road
Singapore 207377
Tel: +65 8314 5451
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Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar MRT (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 5pm - 1am
Sat-Sun, PH: 1130am - 1am

Direction:
1) Alight at Jalan Besar MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk towards Weld Road. Turn right onto Weld Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

藝 Yi By Jereme Leung @ Raffles Singapore - A Sumptuous Tribute to The Hairy Crab Season

In conjunction with the hairy crab season, 藝 Yì by Jereme Leung at Raffles Singapore presents a refined and artistic line-up of exquisite Hairy Crab Creations from 16 October to 17 November 2023.

Amuse Bouche 3.5/5

Our amuse-bouche offers a myriad of sour, sweet, and spicy flavors using the technique of pickling, which is an integral part of China’s culinary history. The Pickled Genting Highlands Mini Tomato with Dried Sweet Plum whetted my appetite with its salty-sweet juice, while the rest awakened the senses with their heat, acidity and crunchy texture.

Appetizers 3.5/5

For appetiser, we got to try 2 items from their exclusive Memoirs of Nanyang Menu - Foie Gras Terrine with Calamansi & Organic Perilla Plum and Deep-fried Crab Roll with Malacca Shrimp Paste and Ipoh Guava Salsa. These 2 items highlight the versatility of ingredients native to Southeast Asia, such as the use of the tart Calamasi, the funky yet alluring Malacca shrimp paste and the zesty Ipoh's Guava. In addition, we were also served with a juicy Poached Oyster with Japanese Sea urchin & Kristal Caviar.

Hot & Sour Basil Chicken Consommé 4/5

Before the mains, we were served a soul-warming Hot & Sour Basil Chicken Consommé with Geoduck & Cameron Highlands Stem Lettuce. One could easily be fooled by its clear appearance. The heat level is quite intense, thanks to Sichuan pepper, but it also has a sweet depth to it. The slices of geoduck provided an enjoyable texture, contrasting with the crunchy Cameron Highlands' Stem Lettuce.

Steamed Hairy Crab 4/5

From the Hairy Crab Creations' menu, we sampled the most popular dish: Traditional Steamed Hairy Crab with Taiwanese Mullet Roe & Perilla Leaves, served with Osmanthus & Wolfberry Ginger Tea. The freshly sourced furry-clawed crustaceans from Taihu boasted rich and creamy roe, while every nook and corner of the shell was filled with firm and sweet crab meat. I love the warm and fragrant ginger tea at the side, lending a hint of sweet floral note to the overall taste of the dish.

Deep fried Spotted Groupa with Spicy Hairy Crab Roe 3/5

Another item on the menu we tried was Deep Fried Spotted Groupa with Spicy Hairy Crab Roe, crispy brown rice and Edamame. I found the exterior of the fish too dry and tough.

Hainanese Steamed Bentong Sakura Chicken 4.2/5

On the other hand, the Hainanese Steamed Bentong Sakura Chicken with Fragrant Pandan Rice & Yunnan Wild Fungus received rave reviews at our table. It's a pity that the Memoirs of Nanyang menu ends in just 2 days. The premium Sakura Chicken was exceptionally succulent and tender, and the accompanying rice was a star of its own. Fluffy and aromatic with pandan, the shreds of fungus mixed within further added texture to the rice.

Shao Xing Wine Ice Cream with Yam Paste & Gingko Nuts 4/5

Our sweet ending was Shao Xing Wine Ice Cream with Yam Paste & Gingko Nuts ($18) from the Hairy Crab Creations. The warm yam was velvety with just the right sweetness, complemented by the refreshing ice cream.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


藝 Yi By Jereme Leung
Raffles Arcade
328 North Bridge Road
Singapore 188719
Tel: +65 63371886
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 2pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Junction of North Bridge Road and Bras Basah Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒) @ Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel - “The Return of Sri Lankan Crabs”, Wan Hao’s Limited-Time Offering Till 31 Aug 2023

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant is bringing back its "The Return of Sri Lankan Crabs" promotion, which features twelve crab-centric dishes centred around local and Chinese flavours with modern elements. The menu offers both Dim Sum and A La Carte options, with the Dim Sum offerings exclusively available during lunch hours.

For Dim Sum, you can expect creations such as Pan-Fried Chilli Crab Bun ($3.80 per piece) and Black Pepper Crab Meat Spring Roll ($3.80 per piece), while the A La Carte dishes include Stewed Crab with Shallot & Sha Jiang in Claypot ($15/100g), Braised Luffa Gourd with Crab Meat & Crab Roe ($48) and more.

Hairy Crab Xiao Long Bao 4/5

From the Dim Sum menu, we sampled the Hairy Crab Xiao Long Bao ($4.80 per piece, min. order of 2 pieces). The xiao long bao broth carried a more savoury-sweet flavour profile, deviating from the usual porky richness.

While I found the portion a bit small considering the price, it was quite an indulgent treat with the morsels of crab meat.

Wok-Fried Prawn with Egg White & Fresh Milk in Crab Roe Sauce 4/5

The Wok-Fried Prawn with Egg White & Fresh Milk in Crab Roe Sauce ($48) featured a smooth and custardy egg white topped with crunchy prawns. The crab roe and its sauce added a buttery richness, though the fried piece carrying the ingredients could be done significantly better. It lacked crunch and, unfortunately, gave a tad oily aftertaste, which affected the overall experience.

Braised Iberico Pork Ball with Hairy Crab Superior Stock & Bok Choy 4.2/5

A standout for us from the A La Carte menu was the Braised Iberico Pork Ball with Hairy Crab Superior Stock & Bok Choy ($38 per pax). The golden stock was rich and savoury, complementing the packed yet tender pork ball. The addition of crunchy water chestnut bits added texture, while the crab meat lent a subtle sweetness.

Salted Egg & Chicken Floss Crab 4.5/5

The batter on the Salted Egg & Chicken Floss Crab ($15/100g) was perfectly executed. It was skillfully done thin enough to thoroughly coat the crabs and pick up the salted egg and chicken floss. There was even a generous amount of crunchy batter bits all around.

Although the salted egg flavour was less robust than expected, this decadent combination will appeal to the local palate. The crabs themselves were incredibly fresh with plump meat. I was thoroughly impressed by the amount of crab egg roe found in the shell - it was packed!

Steamed Crab Roe with Wok-Fried Glutinous Rice 4.2/5

We concluded our crab feast with the Steamed Crab Roe with Wok-Fried Glutinous Rice ($16/100g). Personally, I prefer steamed crabs, especially when they are fresh, as it allows its natural sweetness to shine through. The lightly seasoned glutinous rice studded with Chinese sausage was a great accompaniment to the firm crab meat.

If you are a crab enthusiast, Wan Hao’s crab creations are worth a try before their seasonal menu comes to an end.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒)
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 6831 4605
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Path Restaurant @ Marina Bay Financial Centre - Celebrates 1st Anniversary With New Menu And Whole New Dinner Format

Time flies, and Path Restaurant celebrates its first anniversary with a new menu and dining format. Back then, the menu was more communal, and which is hard for customers to try everything on the menu. Now, two new prix fixe menus allow diners to explore Chef Marvas's interpretation of East Asia flavours through French fine-dining techniques and presentation.

Aubergine Sphere 3.5/5

Lamb Beignet 3.8/5

I had the eight-course Expedition Menu ($228++), starting with a trio of Amuse Bouche comprising of Aubergine Sphere, Abacus Seed Skewer and Lamb Beignet. The Aubergine Sphere is made with graffiti eggplant puree served atop a housemade parmesan sable tartlet. The Lamb Beignet is like a croquette encased with hand-shredded braised lamb shoulder in teriyaki sauce.

Abacus Seed Skewer 4.5/5

My favourite is the Abacus Seed Skewer which surprised me with its modern execution of the traditional Suan Pan Zi. The abacus seed is grilled on binchotan and topped with dried shrimp ragu and winter truffle shavings.

Japanese Katsuo 4/5

Next, I had the Japanese Katsuo featuring dry-aged bonito fish. Bonito fish trimming is chopped, mixed with quinoa and soy sauce, and topped with bonito fish slices. It is then garnished with caviar, beetroot flower and nashi pear cubes. While it is a tartare dish, it felt more like having sushi. It is a new and interesting way of having tartare.

Shanghainese Hairy Crab Roe 5/5

Hands down, the Shanghainese Hairy Crab Roe is everyone's favourite dish for the night. The umami hairy crab roe is served on a bed of soy curd, together with fresh crab meat and crispy rice. The dish comes with mini French baguette, allowing you to mop up the deliciousness.

Deep Sea Fish Maw 4.2/5

The Deep Sea Fish Maw is a dish I enjoyed on my previous visit. This is version two of the dish. Due to supply issues, Chef Marvas changed the fish maw supply but retained the desired textural enjoyment. It is served in a bright and vibrant beurre blanc sauce that lifts the enjoyment of the fish maw that has been double-boiled in sake and dashi broth.

BBQ South African Abalone 4/5

Next, we had the BBQ South African Abalone served on top of a bed of risoni. It felt like a Chinese rice dish with the risoni pasta substituting the rice grain pan-fried in teriyaki sauce. The abalone grilled over binchotan is firm and tender, topped with burnt seaweed emulsion and pickled Huaishan.

Oriental “Bouillabaisse” 4/5

The Oriental "Bouillabaisse" comes in a tofu bag, also known as money bag, filled with diced Australian sea cucumber, shrimp, bamboo shoots and Beijing cabbage packed with contrasting textures. What intrigued me was the soup's complex flavour. The soup is made by coming prawn and fish stock, followed by adding tomatoes into it for a tang fish.

Pork Trotter “Crepinette” 3.8/5

It is a creative and unique way of recreating the classic pork trotter in the form of a Pork Trotter "Crepinette". The pork trotter is chopped into small pieces and mixed with mushroom ragu. The mixture is moulded into a ball and wrapped in caul fat. It is then pan-seared until crispy and paired with housemade Mei Cai sauce. I would enjoy the rendition even more if the mixture was less fatty.

15 Days Dry Aged US Duck Crown 4.8/5

The meal's highlight has to be the 15 Days Dry Aged US Duck Crown. The beautiful red meat is dry aged, hung on top of a charcoal grill to infuse with the smokey flavour, slow roasted and finished with deep frying before serving. It is paired with eight different condiments, showcasing how the duck is appreciated differently in Asia.

Heirloom Tomato 4.5/5

After all the savoury dishes, the Heirloom Tomato creates the bridge to the dessert. It is sweet and refreshing, finished with fresh strawberries and oolong tea foam.

Mongolian Milk Curd 4/5

The Mongolian Milk Curd is an uncommon dessert made using whole milk enriched with Valrhona white chocolate, Greek yoghurt and extra virgin olive oil. Fresh blueberries and chopped pistachio nuts are added for extra texture and taste profile.

Petite Four - Red Date "Sorbet"

Petite Four - Citrus "Bonbon"

Last but not least, we ended our eight-course menu with the Petite Four consisting of Red Date "Sorbet", Citrus "Bonbon", Hawthorn "Gummies", and Lotus Seed "Madeleine". It is a perfect ending to an impressive and delicious meal. My favourite is the citrus "bonbon" and the lotus seed "madeleine".

Petite Four - Hawthorn "Gummies"

Petite Four - Lotus See "Madeleine"

Chef Marvas has also refreshed the lunch offerings – one prix fixe menu titled “Gourmet Lunch” and a curated a-la-carte lunch menu. While a few dishes parallel those of the dinner menu, most items are unique to the lunch hour and vice versa.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Path Restaurant
Marina Bay Financial Centre
Tower 3
12 Marina Boulevard
Singapore 018982
Tel: +65 64430180
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Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Marina Bay (CC, NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 2pm, 6pm - 9pm
Sat: 6pm - 9pm
(Closed on Sun & PH)

Direction:
1) Alight at Marina Bay MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to traffic junction Boulevard Central and Marina Way. Cross the road. Walk to Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Straits View. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]