With their distinctive furry legs and pearly orange roe, hairy crabs are definitely a favourite among foodies in Singapore. While you can always head on down to your favourite seafood restaurant for a hairy crab feast, nothing quite beats buying them fresh and cooking the crabs yourself! Wondering where to buy hairy crabs in Singapore in 2022? Check out our recommendations below with convenient options for hairy crab delivery services too!
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What is a hairy crab?
A hairy crab, also known as the Chinese mitten crab, is a medium-sized burrowing crab that is named for its furry claws which resemble mittens. It is native to rivers and other coastal habitats of East Asia countries such as Korea and China. The biggest difference between a hairy crab and an ordinary crab is that it has a sweeter flesh and a golden roe that is creamy and buttery. In particular, female hairy crabs are more prized than male hairy crabs because they contain more roe and taste sweeter. The traditional way to enjoy hairy crabs is to have them steamed and served as a whole.
When is hairy crab season in Singapore?
Hairy crab season in Singapore usually starts in late September and ends in early December. This is when the best hairy crabs come to maturity and migrate from their freshwater habitat toward the ocean. While hairy crabs originated as a delicacy in Shanghai, it has gained popularity in Singapore and other Chinese communities such as Hong Kong and Taiwan over the years as well.
Where to buy hairy crabs in Singapore (2022)
1. Kun Hai Shop
From the trendiest Chinese snacks to fresh produce from China, there’s no need to worry about where to buy hairy crabs in Singapore in 2022 when you’ve got Kun Hai Shop! Although not your typical seafood distributor, their Fresh Yangcheng Lake Hairy Crabs (available on Kun Hai Shop 坤海旗舰店) are easily some of the best hairy crabs thanks to soft inner shells and tender yellow meat. You’ll also love how they are packaged in a gift box that’s sold in 10s or 12s. This makes the perfect gift for your friends or in-laws this hairy crab season in Singapore!
Hairy crab delivery:
Delivers in 2 – 4 days
Free shipping for orders above $45
2. Mamago
As a well-established frozen seafood distributor in Singapore, Mamago is a great online vendor if you’re looking for where to buy the best hairy crabs in Singapore in 2022. Their Mamago Live Hairy Crabs (available on Mamago Sg) are air flown directly from China and specially hand-picked to ensure that only the freshest and tastiest are delivered to customers. What’s more, each purchase comes with condiments such as perilla leaves, vinegar and ginger tea. A set of crab tools are provided too. What a steal!
Hairy crab delivery:
Delivers in 2 – 4 days
Free shipping for orders above $45
3. Tuck Shop
It’s important to verify the authenticity of your hairy crabs to ensure the price you’re paying is justifiable. But where to buy hairy crabs in Singapore in 2022 that are authentic? Tuck Shop, a one-stop shop for fresh and frozen products under Tuck Lee Ice, is the place to go. Their hairy crabs come with an authenticity tag so you can track the source of each crustacean. This takes the guesswork out of your purchase! Moreover, these best hairy crabs are air-flown from Yangcheng Lake for maximum freshness — almost as if you had eaten them by the banks of the lake!
Hairy crab delivery:
Only delivers on weekends
4. Baifu Mart
From chicken feet to baby lobsters, you can always rely on Baifu Mart to curb your cravings for Chinese delicacies. And their hairy crabs are no exception. Affordably priced, their servings of hairy crabs contain a large amount of crab caviar, as well as more crab meat than the roe so you’ll be making the most of your buck! We recommend getting male crabs as they are typically bigger and meatier than female crabs. So if you’re still on the hunt for where to buy hairy crabs in Singapore in 2022, do consider Baifu Mart!
Hairy crab delivery:
Delivers in 2 – 4 days
5. Bite of SG
Seafood in Singapore doesn’t come cheap. This is why many are down for great bargains when they search for where to buy hairy crabs in Singapore in 2022. If you’re a fellow bargain hunter like we are, we’ve got a great deal to recommend. At less than $200 for four male hairy crabs (200g each) and four female hairy crabs (150g each), these Bite of SG Hairy Crabs (available on Bite of SG) are probably one of the more affordable options online. But what sweetens the deal is how these best hairy crabs are delivered with a thermal bag, instant cold pack and crab sauce for your convenience!
Hairy crab delivery:
Thurs & Sat, 8am – 5pm
Free shipping for orders above $45
6. Le Butler
Hairy crab season in Singapore is always a period where friends and family gather to indulge in this delicious seafood delicacy. And there’s no better way to do so than with these Le Butler Hairy Crabs (available on Le Butler)! Coming in a package of 10 crabs, there’s definitely more than enough to go around the dining table. Taste-wise, they pack a punch with their extremely creamy roe and soft inner shells which will leave you craving more. We hope you no longer have to wonder where to buy hairy crabs in Singapore in 2022!
Hairy crab delivery:
Delivers in 2 – 4 days
Free shipping for orders above $45
7. 7rpfoodsg
When it comes to where to buy hairy crabs in Singapore in 2022, you’ll want a package that comes with both male and female crabs for the widest variety. Case in point: these 7rpfoodsg Hairy Crabs (available on 7rpfoodsg) that come with 10 male and female hairy crabs weighing up to 175g. If you’re wondering what the difference is, male hairy crabs have more meat while female hairy crabs have a more gooey roe. Either way, you’re in for a creamy and decadent treat!
Hairy crab delivery:
Delivers in 2 – 4 days
Free shipping
Feast on the best hairy crabs in Singapore (2022)
Now that you know where to buy hairy crabs in Singapore, it’s time to learn how to properly cook them to bring out its flavour. Check out our guide on how to cook and peel a hairy crab (it’s super easy, trust us!) and you’re one step closer to a mouth-watering feast this hairy crab season in Singapore. For more seafood recommendations, check out these online seafood vendors with delivery options or snag some of the best canned abalones!
This article was updated on 21 September 2022. Additional research done by Gabriel Choo.
