BEST HAIRY CRABS IN SHANGHAI

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

IF YOU  ARE VISITING SHANGHAI NOW, CHECK INTO THE NEW WALDORF-ASTORIA ON THE BUND. BUT IT COSTS AROUND RM 3,000 PER NIGHT SO IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD STAYING HERE, YOU CAN STILL AFFORD EATING HAIRY CRABS IN THEIR CHINESE RESTAURANT WEI JING GE! 

YUMMY!

HAIRY CRAB CELEBRATIONS AT WALDORF ASTORIA SHANGHAI

Shanghai gourmands celebrating the world-renowned Hairy Crab season in October and November will find the finest Hairy Crab feast at Wei Jing Ge, the signature Chinese restaurant of Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund.

Wei Jing Ge’s Master Chef Yuan has created a special Hairy Crab Set Menu and Hairy Crab A La Carte Menu that will be served from 1 October, 2012 until the end of the season.

Wei Jing Ge uses only the finest crab specimens from the deep, cold waters of Yangcheng Lake outside Shanghai – the very lake known to produce the world’s most sought-after Hairy Crabs. Chef Yuan’s masterful dishes elevate the succulent crab meat and roe to a sublime gourmet experience.

The Hairy Crab Set Menu features nine exquisite courses, five of which highlight generous portions of Hairy Crabmeat and roe, such as Hairy Crab Meat Soup with Green Vegetable and Baked Eggplant with Hairy Crab Meat. The menu also includes a whole large Hairy Crab, simply steamed in the classic way and served with vinegar and ginger.

A further 12 Hairy Crab dishes are available on Wei Jing Ge’s A La Carte Menu, including delicacies such as Stir-fried Hairy Crab Roe and Sautéed Turtle with Hairy Crabmeat. The Hairy Crab Set Menu is priced at RMB 688 (RM 350) per person + 15 percent (minimum four diners) and the A La Carte Menu starts at RMB 58 (RM 30) + 15 percent.

Hairy Crabs (da zhaxie), so named because of the hairs on their legs, are harvested from Yangcheng Lake in the late autumn. Each Hairy Crab weighs between 180-250 grams, and the sweet meat and rich orange roe make it a favourite seasonal dish throughout China, and the world.

Wei Jing Ge is located on the fifth floor of Waldorf Astoria’s historic building facing the Shanghai Bund. It serves authentic regional Chinese cuisine, specialising in Cantonese, Shanghainese, Sichuan and Huai Yang dishes.

Beneath a peaked roof of exposed heritage wood rafters, the intimate Chinoisserie-styled dining room is filled with fine art and antiques. Six private dining suites can host between 10 to 20 guests.

Wei Jing Ge is ultra luxurious as I had lunch there with Helen Malgrem the Business Development Manager of Waldord Astoria Shanghai who is Malaysian!

Yummy! Hairy crabs are said to be the most delicious crustaceans and it is true!

The best way to eat Hairy Crabs is to just steam it and enjoy with vinegar and ginger!
  

About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts

WALDORF ASTORIA is Hilton Worldwide’s luxury brand of landmark hotels, with each one as singular and timeless as the brand’s namesake, The Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York. From classic elegance to modern grandeur, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts each represent worldly sophistication and unparalleled guest service. From sumptuous spas and culinary excellence to world-class golf, each hotel & resort offers the exquisite accommodations and signature accoutrements that define refinement and sophistication. Discover Waldorf Astoria by visiting www.waldorfastoria.com.

About Hilton Worldwide                                                                                                         

Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 92 years, Hilton

Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travellers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,700 hotels and 600,000 rooms in 82countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. For more information about the company, please visit www.hiltonworldwide.com.