Autumn crabs are here: The "Wanli Crab" from New Taipei is in season

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, reported by Chen Guanxin

With autumn arriving, the crabs that whet the appetites of foodies have also entered their peak season. New Taipei City’s Wanli District, the largest producer of sea crabs in Taiwan, accounts for 80% of the island’s total sea crab catch. This year, local fishermen have joined forces with government authorities to name the crabs after their origin, branding them as “Wanli Crabs.” They have also partnered with 12 restaurants in Wanli District to offer seasonal delicacies such as Wanli Crab Congee and Spicy Pickled Wanli Crab, along with “Wanli Crab Fisherman’s Dishes”—meals that were once only available on fishing boats. These dishes require minimal preparation to showcase the natural briny flavors of the fresh sea crabs. Currently, the retail price at the source is around NT$450–600 per catty for flower crabs, NT$250–500 for three-spot crabs, while the stone crab catch remains sporadic and will enter peak season after October.

The fishing ports of Wanli, Yehliu, Gueigou, and Dongao in the Wanli areaand other harborscurrently have about 50 fishing vessels operating in the “Northwest Fishing Grounds” off Taiwan’s northwest coast, primarily catching flower crabs, stone crabs, and three-spot crabs. Among them, the three-spot crab—with its distinct three dark purple-red spots on the back, soft and thin shell, and extremely tender meat—is hailed by Wanli fishermen as the “finest of all crabs.” The flesh of the “flower crab,” which is firm and plump, simply needs steaming or boiling to bring out its natural briny flavor. As for the stone crab, with its hard, thick shell and granular bumps, its large claws are packed with meat, and its smooth, rich-textured flesh is best complemented by bold seasonings—stir-fried crab legs being a common dish.

In addition to savoring delicious autumn crabs, visitors to Wanli can also join a unique crab-focused culinary tour pioneered by the local Maoluan Fishing Village Cultural Life Association, in collaboration with local historians and crab fishermen. Guided by Yehliu fishing village cultural interpreters, tourists can learn about the fishing gear and methods used to catch Wanli crabs, visit the over 80-year-old historic fishing cottage “Maoluan Ju” to explore old fishing village artifacts, and appreciate the effort behind the delicious dishes on their plates.