Okay, finally got my arse around to blog about Causeway Bay Spicy Crabs. Thanks to KY, I got the opportunity to try out their menu and to say that I was impressed is a gross understatement. Granted it’s a little on the pricey side, but this place has possibly become one of my top choices for eating crabs. The truth is that after you have finished your meal, you’d feel that every cent you paid into the making of the dishes was worth it.
Originated from Causeway Bay in Hong Kong, the restaurant is located in Desa Sri Hartamas, just behind Souled Out. The menu is extensive and we got confused what with hunger and all so we decided to let the amiable manager to order his best stuff for us.
The first dish to arrive was the signature Typhoon Shelter “Bei Fung Thong” Crabs. Buried under a mountain on fragrant deep fried minced garlic was a couple of humongous Sri Lankan crabs. I like the natural taste of crabs so I was a little skeptical at first seeing so much garlic. I was almost sure the garlic was going to overpower the taste of the crabs.
# – Typhoon Shelter “Bei Fung Thong” Crabs.
My fears were unfounded. The crab flesh was fresh, juicy, flaky and pleasantly flavoured with a hint of garlic. It was especially delicious to eat the flesh with a sprinkle of the deep fried minced garlic – sweet crabmeat with a crunchy bite.
# – Humongous crab claw.
If you’re into that sort of things, which I am, then you’d love the duck tongues. My experience with duck tongues is few and limited but I almost never miss a chance to try these suckers out whenever the opportunity arises.
# – Duck’s Tongue with Garlic Chives.
The duck tongues were flavourful and surprisingly fleshy (maybe they got really fat ducks) and I loved that it was served with generous amount of garlic chives. I love garlic chives. Duck tongue is an acquired taste so if you’re not a lover of exotic animal parts, I’m probably wasting my breath trying to explain how it’s so awesome to you. On the other hand, if you appreciate eating anything with backs facing the sky that is not a chair, you probably don’t need any further convincing from me ;)
And then there’s frogs. I love eating frogs, especially exquisitely cooked ones. Causeway Bay Spicy Crabs serve one such exquisite dish, the Sauteed Frogs in XO Sauce.
# – Sauteed Frogs in XO Sauce
How did they managed to get the outside of the flesh crispy and the inside still juicy and sweet is beyond me. I could eat a few plates of this EVERYDAY, I’m not kidding you. I am convinced that it would convert a staunch frog hater like Suan, if only she was willing to take a bite. Just one tiny bite!
Next up, something almost poultry – chicken gristle lightly stir fried with chilli and salt.
# – Chicken Gristle with Chilli and Salt
What can I say? Another beer snack winner! Personally, I think it would be blasphemy to eat this with rice. It should be eaten out of a large grease soaked paper bag, right in front of the television. Very tasty and very addictive!
And how can you miss out on squid in a seafood restaurant?
# – Fried Squid Rings with Salted Egg Yolk.
Causeway Bay Spicy Crabs presented to us their version of ham (switch to malay now now now)dan sotong. It was good but a little ordinary against the other dishes for sure. A sure hit with the kids.
It’s a restaurant with the word crab in its name, so of course they’re going to serve us more crabs. Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to the most delicious crab porridge I have ever tasted.
# – Crab congee.
I’ve always avoided ordering crab porridge because it tends to be a generally bland dish. Not with the one from this restaurant though. The crabs were boiled together with the rice to make a super flavourful, super smooth, super tasty pot of crab porridge. I was half expecting the crabmeat to be all shrivelled up and dry but that was not the case. I was unable to stop myself.
Last but not least, a plate of tofu to cleanse the palate.
# – Steamed Fried Beancurd with Egg White and Seafood.
This was no ordinary plate of tofus, they were stuffed with all kinds of good stuff like prawns, scallops and mushrooms! The tofu was silky smooth but did not disintegrate upon contact with my pair of chopsticks. It was a nice break from all the rich food we had been stuffing ourselves silly with.
Overall, it was a very nice experience at Causeway Bay Spicy Crabs. I would definitely go back again especially for special occasions, such as a sudden crab craving. The atmosphere was nice and comfortable, it was packed when we were there but it did not feel like we were stuffed in a tin of sardines.
# – Horng and Suan devouring the Typhoon Shelter crabs.
# – KY and Haze. Not making out, fortunately for us.
# – Me and ST. Check out the size of the claw!
Certainly highly recommended!
Causeway Bay Spicy Crab
26 Jalan 30/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas,
50480 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 60-3-6205 2280
GPS: 3.16347, 101.64898
E-mail: info.kl@spicycrab.com.hk