Suzhou's autumn hotspot! A complete guide to eating hairy crabs in the past three months, from trying them to enjoying the roe without any pitfalls🦀

As the saying goes, "When the autumn wind blows, crabs itch." Autumn in Suzhou is awakened by the delicious aroma of hairy crabs! From the start of the harvest in late September to the end of December, each month offers its own distinct flavor. This proven guide to crab-eating will help you discover the authentic Jiangnan crab flavor. Late September to early October: A must-try for those who love fresh crabs! Freshly caught Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs imbued with the crisp water, with their turquoise shells, white bellies, golden claws, and yellow hairs, all perfectly presented. At this time, the roe of female crabs is just slightly clumped, and when you bite into them, the roe is oozing with oil, like a fresh, crab-filled soup dumpling. Male crabs have firm, sweet meat, and paired with freshly brewed ginger tea, they warm the stomach and relieve greasiness. We recommend heading straight to Yangcheng Lake Lotus Island, taking a speedboat to the island, and choosing a lakeside crab restaurant. Steaming crabs is the ultimate tribute to fresh crabs, and dipping them in their special crab vinegar will leave you stomping your feet! Mid-to-late October to November: Prime time for crabbing! As the temperature drops, the roe of female crabs begins to clump together, becoming thick and sticky, a mouthful of fresh sweetness. Male crabs also begin to thrive, their roe becoming increasingly rich, sticky, and fragrant, perfectly embodying the old saying, "nine round, ten pointed." Besides Gu Ji Crab Restaurant and Crab Village Thatched Cottage on Lotus Island (book in advance to secure lake views), the Crab King Palace in the city is also excellent. Not only do the private rooms offer lake views, but the crab roe and tofu are melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Paired with farmhouse dishes like scrambled whitebait and eggs and stir-fried snails, it delivers authentic Jiangnan flavors. December: The season for roe! At this time, the roe of female crabs is perfectly solid and clumpy, with a granular, fragrant bite. The roe of male crabs is so abundant that it overflows the shell, making for a truly satisfying bite. If you're not looking to venture far, the 16-year-old restaurant on Fengmen Heng Street in the city center is worth a try. Their freshly steamed hairy crabs are incredibly affordable, and the cooked and drunken crabs, infused with the aroma of rice wine, offer a lingering aftertaste. Don't miss the affordable combo meal at Guanqian Street: 79 yuan gets you four hairy crabs plus a side dish—perfect for students! 💡 Crab-eating tips: 1. Look for the purple, anti-counterfeit crab clasps and avoid street vendors to avoid scams. 2. Driving is the most convenient option: Yangcheng Lake is a half-hour drive from Suzhou city, and a 1.5-hour drive from Shanghai. 3. Besides enjoying the crab, you can also explore the Kengo Kuma-designed Yangcheng Lake Tourism Distribution Center or watch the sunset over the lake from Chongyuan Temple, making for a truly enriching experience. From the freshness of early autumn to the richness of late winter, Suzhou's crab flavor during these three months embodies the most comforting autumn romance. Whether you're dining with friends or traveling with the whole family, a crab feast in Suzhou is the perfect way to truly make the most of this autumn.

Post by _TI***wx | Oct 24, 2025