Eat crabs in autumn – Enjoy both hairy crabs and Wanli crabs at Wanyue Lou in New Taipei

▲ Steamed Hairy Crab at Wanyue Lou. (Photo / Provided by Wanyue Lou)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

As autumn arrives, Wanyue Lou (48th floor), located next to Dayeh Takashimaya in Banqiao, is launching “The Beauty of Autumn Crabs” from September 15 to November 15. In addition to using the renowned Wanli crabs from New Taipei City, the menu also features hairy crabs from Taihu Lake. Chef Su Quan-hui employs classic flavor profiles and fusion styles to create a diverse and delicious array of crab dishes.

After conducting market research, Chef Su Quan-hui noted that this year, based on various forecasts, it is expected to be a bumper year for crabs. The artificially farmed hairy crabs from Taihu Lake are expected to arrive in Taiwan for quarantine in late September, with stable supply starting in October. Although the rule of thumb “round in September (choose female crabs), pointed in October (pick male crabs)” guides crab selection, after the Mid-Autumn Festival, as the weather turns cooler, male crabs will have rich, sweet roe and meat, while pregnant female crabs will offer both roe and red eggs. As for the wild Wanli crabs (including flower crabs, three-spot crabs, and stone crabs), thanks to favorable weather conditions and the bonus of a leap sixth month in the lunar calendar, they are also expected to be of high quality. From the end of September to November, it will be a great season for enjoying crabs.


▲ Pearl Tofu with Flower Crab Meat. (Photo / Provided by Wanyue Lou)

The six dishes in Wanyue Lou’s “The Beauty of Autumn Crabs” set menu are: Fresh Crab Meat Pomegranate Balls (NT$580), Spicy Red Oil Curry Stir-fried Three-Spot Crab (a fusion creation, NT$680), East-meets-West Black Truffle Pumpkin Vermicelli Crab (NT$680), intricately prepared Pearl Tofu with Flower Crab Meat (NT$1,580), Steamed Hairy Crab (NT$1,580 per crab), and Jade Shrimp and Crab Meat Dumplings (three pieces per serving for NT$180 / available at lunch).