Tea of spring offers shanghainese hairy crab for limited engagement

Tea of Spring, the contemporary Cantonese restaurant of Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, Cebu is introducing Shanghainese hairy crabs in its menu until November 8, 2008.

Also known as Chinese mitten crabs, these are medium-sized burrowing crabs that have dense patches of dark hair on its claws. They grown in abundance on October until mid-February, when the chilly weather signals the crustaceans to move less, bulk up with fat, produce roe and begin mating. The flesh of these crabs is white and dense, and the delicate taste complements food of subtle flavors such as bean curd, green vegetables and rice noodles.

In Shanghai, the hairy crab is famous delicacy and entire 10-course banquets and food festivals feature this variety from autumn to winter, in five-star restaurants to street joints. The Chinese believe that the meat, particularly that of the female crab, has a “cooling” (yin) effect on the body.

Guests at Tea of Spring may choose from five ways of preparing the hairy crab: steamed, in soup, stewed, braised or fried. For restaurant reservations and further information, please call (63 32) 231 0288 or email fbcard.mgr.mac @shangri-la.com