Shanghai, China Mainland
From Michelin Guide
A household name among hairy crab lovers, this restaurant runs its own farm to ensure quality and a stable supply. Their crabs have flavoursome flesh, with their shells brimming with creamy yellow roe. Try the array of hairy crab dishes on offer, including drunken crabs steeped in Shaoxing wine for a month. Each serving of steamed meringue on stuffed crab shell uses the meat and roe of three hairy crabs and is sinfully satisfying.
From Visitor Experiences
Own crab farm for quality and stable supply: Cheng Long Hang operates its own farm to ensure the quality and consistent availability of their signature hairy crabs, which is uncommon for restaurants and highlights their dedication to ingredient control.
Drunken crabs steeped for a month: They offer a unique dish of drunken crabs that are marinated in Shaoxing wine for an entire month, imparting a deep, complex flavor that distinguishes their preparation from typical crab dishes.
Steamed meringue on stuffed crab shell using meat and roe of three hairy crabs: This indulgent dish creatively uses the meat and roe from three hairy crabs combined into a single serving of steamed meringue on a stuffed crab shell, showcasing an unconventional and luxurious presentation.
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored and signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred Cheng Long Hang (Huangpu) in Shanghai are:
Hairy Crab: The restaurant is renowned for its high-quality hairy crabs, which have flavorsome flesh and shells filled with creamy yellow roe. Hairy crab is the star ingredient, featured in various dishes such as steamed crabs and drunken crabs steeped in Shaoxing wine for a month.
Crab Roe: The creamy yellow roe from the hairy crabs is prized and used generously, for example in the steamed meringue served on stuffed crab shells, which uses the meat and roe of three hairy crabs to create a rich, satisfying dish.
Shaoxing Wine (Yellow Wine): This traditional Chinese rice wine is used to marinate the drunken crabs, enhancing the crab’s flavor and adding depth. It is also the customary beverage pairing for hairy crab dishes, believed to complement the crab’s delicate taste and offer medicinal benefits.
These ingredients are central to Cheng Long Hang’s signature dishes and reflect the restaurant’s dedication to authentic Shanghainese crab cuisine. The focus on fresh, high-quality hairy crab and its roe, combined with traditional Shaoxing wine preparation, defines their culinary identity.