Hairy Crab - Crustacean Grandeur in Singapore

While hairy crab menus started as early as October, chef friends let in that November is actually the best time to dig into the Chinese mitten crabs, decidedly named after its furry claws, in 2013. We get our hands messy with the males' praised, orangey crab butter, and females' brilliantly rich roe and slightly sweeter meat, to bring you some highlights.

Szechuan Court, Fairmont Singapore Through 04 November 2013, this seasonal specialty may be savoured either as an à la carte item or as part of two specially-crafted set menus available for both lunch and dinner. For reservations, please call +65 64316156.

The Steamed Hairy Crab with Shiso Leaf  (a la carte $58 male, $76 female) is wonderfully executed - the delicate, sweet taste of meat retained, and accentuated by the subtle Shiso leaf aroma. Also worthy of mention is the scrumptious Braised Bai Ye Tofu (available only in set menu) that's packed with hairy crab meat, sliced pork, and edamame for added layers of textures.

Peony Jade, Keppel Club Available through 30 November 2013, Peony Jade has a wide variety of hairy crab a la carte items that start from $19, and set menus from $98-128 per person. For reservations, please call +65 62769138.

Peony Jade's ingenious Sea Salt Baked Hairy Crab ($68) combines the prized delicacy, cooked in butter and a chicken consomme, with a most adorable, oversized crab-shaped 'golden pillow' - that pairs addictively well with a special mayo. Worth return visits for is the luscious, meticulously layered Steamed Egg White, Spinach Broth, Hairy Crabmeat ($38), topped with fresh scallop.

Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant, Sheraton Towers Available through 30 November 2013, Li Bai offers a highly concise, but brilliant hairy crab menu of only 5 a la carte items. For reservations, please call +65 68395623.

The Braised Bird's Nest is indulgently topped and made comfortingly thick with hairy crab meat and roe for that heavenly blend of flavour, but it was the Braised Beancurd & Prawns ($20 per person) mouth-wateringly smothered with a lush hairy crab meat and roe gravy that sent the table into a contented silence.

Chao Yue Xuan, UE Square A subsidiary of Ah Yat Abalone Group, Chao Yue Xuan presents two highly value-for-money hairy crab set menus, $75 and $99. For reservations, please call +65 62358779.

While the Poached Star Garoupa in Hot Stone Pot doesn't have any hairy crab, the homely concoction packs the flavourful aroma of beer that does well to enhance the freshness of the fish. Available on both set menus, fine Stewed Handmade Ramen is decadently paired with rich hairy crab meat and roe to savour the autumn delicacy at its best.