Hongkongers nip over to mainland China to save on hairy crabs, with some sellers offering to deliver seasonal delicacy
- Residents drawn by price, freshness and wide variety can also have their crabs cooked on the spot in Shenzhen supermarket
- Some are being sold for as little as 27 yuan, a fraction of the price paid in Hong Kong for seasonal delicacy
Hongkongers are heading across the border to dig into cheap hairy crabs, with mainland Chinese merchants tapping into the booming demand and offering to deliver the seasonal delicacy to residents in the city.
At the Hema Xiansheng supermarket in Shenzhen’s Wongtee Plaza on Friday morning, about 50 Hongkongers jostled around the seafood section, picking out fresh hairy crabs.
They were drawn by the low prices, freshness and wide variety, with many saying they had made the trip after reading recommendations online.
Crabs of unknown origin were going for as little as 27 yuan (US$4) apiece, while some labelled as originating from Yangcheng Lake in Jiangsu province cost more. A female crab weighing about three taels (150 grams) cost 55 yuan.
For 10 yuan more, customers could have the crabs cooked on the spot and served in the supermarket’s dining area.
In Hong Kong, a similar crab costs HK$80 (US$10) at vendor New Sam Yung.
Hairy crabs, also known as the Chinese mitten crabs, are a seasonal delicacy prized for their sweet flesh and creamy roe.