Text & photos by scenic spot expert Zhang Yawen
When talking about the “appetite autumn,” it’s once again the peak season for New Taipei City’s “Wanan Crabs.” These autumn crabs are plump and of excellent quality, especially those freshly caught from the sea. Many people visit seafood restaurants near the fishing port, but hidden among the unassuming tin-roofed buildings along the North Coast Highway is a seafood gem known only to true foodies. Fresh sea crabs are served right after being steamed, bursting with natural sweetness that’s impossible to hide.
Autumn is the season for Wanan crabs.
This seafood stir-fry eatery, “A-Jiao’s Wanan Crabs,” located on Jijin Highway, may not boast an eye-catching decor or much advertising, but its high-value, delicious seafood has gradually earned a solid reputation through word-of-mouth every year, becoming a hidden hotspot for Wanan crabs.
Despite its modest appearance, it’s become a hidden favorite—so popular that queues start forming as early as 11 a.m. on weekends.
Upon entering, you’ll first need to queue up at the entrance to choose your crab before being seated by the staff.
The crabs are sourced daily from the nearby Wanan Fishing Port, coming from the northwest fishing grounds. With the autumn harvest season and local cooking methods, steaming is the best way to showcase their freshness. The meat is so abundant that the shells resemble piles of bean sprouts, tender and clean-textured, offering a richly sweet flavor with every bite. Every year, many people make special trips just to eat the crabs here.
The combination of local freshness and great value means it’s common to see customers ordering plenty—tables piled high with mountains of crabs.
Tools are also provided to help you crack the shells with ease.
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