蟹叁宝 Xie San Bao Shanghai Review
Hi my lovely readers!
If you eat in Shanghai and skip crab, I am going to need you to explain yourself. 蟹叁宝 (Xiè Sān Bǎo) in 新天地 (Xīntiāndì) is where we went to fix that, and it delivered exactly what a proper crab meal in Shanghai should feel like, indulgent, fresh, and worth every single RMB. We went early on a weekday and walked straight in, which I would highly recommend. This place fills up fast.
What We Ordered and Ate
The must-order, and honestly the whole reason you are coming here, is the 蟹家宴蟹黄砂锅仔 (Xiè Jiā Yàn Xiè Huáng Shā Guō Zǎi / Crab Feast Clay Pot Rice, RMB 188 / SGD 36). This is not just a bowl of crab roe rice, it is the full works. You get 蟹膏 (Xiè Gāo / crab paste), 蟹黄 (Xiè Huáng / crab roe), 蟹肉 (Xiè Ròu / crab meat), and 蟹腿肉 (Xiè Tuǐ Ròu / crab leg meat), all layered into a clay pot so every spoonful has that deep, rich, briny flavour that hairy crab season in Shanghai is famous for.
And then right at the bottom of the pot, 锅巴 (Guō Bā / crispy rice crust). We were not expecting that and it was such a lovely bonus. The contrast between the rich crab on top and the crispy rice underneath is really something.
We went with their set which came with the 蟹家宴蟹黄砂锅仔 (Xiè Jiā Yàn Xiè Huáng Shā Guō Zǎi / Crab Feast Clay Pot Rice), 蟹粉豆腐 (Xiè Fěn Dòufu / Crab Roe Silken Tofu, RMB 58 / SGD 11), 蟹粉娃娃菜 (Xiè Fěn Wáwá Cài / Crab Roe Baby Cabbage, RMB 28 / SGD 5), and three appetisers: 特色木耳 (Tèsè Mù’ěr / Signature Black Fungus Salad, RMB 10 / SGD 2), 韩式包菜 (Hánshì Bāo Cài / Korean-Style Cabbage, RMB 10 / SGD 2), and 开胃豆角 (Kāiwèi Dòu Jiǎo / Appetiser Green Beans, RMB 5 / SGD 1).
The 开胃豆角 (Kāiwèi Dòu Jiǎo / Appetiser Green Beans) was punchy and fresh, and the 特色木耳 (Tèsè Mù’ěr / Signature Black Fungus Salad) had a good tangy kick. At RMB 5 (SGD 1) to RMB 10 (SGD 2) each, they are worth throwing in.
Rice is RMB 5 (SGD 1) a bowl and they top it up for free.
Tip: Order extra rice. You are going to want something to soak up every last bit of that crab roe sauce.
Three of us spent about RMB 238 (SGD 46) total, around RMB 79 per head (~SGD 15 per person). For the quality and amount of crab on the table, that is really good value.
The Vibe
Busy, popular, and the kind of place where tables are always full, which is always a good sign. We went early on a weekday and walked straight in with no wait. Go later or on a weekend and you will likely be queuing, so factor that in when planning your day. [LINK: Getting Around Shanghai & Hangzhou Transport Guide]
If You Are Travelling Solo
Get their 蟹黄捞饭 (Xiè Huáng Lāo Fàn / Crab Roe Mixed Rice, RMB 99 / SGD 19) instead. It is their bestseller in a simpler single-serve format and is the perfect solo order. You still get that signature crab roe flavour without committing to the full clay pot set. Throw in one of the smaller appetisers and you are at around RMB 110 (SGD 21) for a really satisfying solo lunch.
Getting There
📍 马当路388号SOHO复兴广场D座F1-D110 (Mǎdāng Lù 388 hào SOHO Fùxīng Guǎngchǎng D zuò F1-D110 / 388 Madang Road, SOHO Fuxing Plaza Block D, F1-D110), 黄浦区淮海中路街道 (Huángpǔ Qū Huáihǎi Zhōnglù Jiēdào / Huangpu District, Huaihai Middle Road Subdistrict)
🚇 一大会址·新天地站 (Yīdà Huìzhǐ · Xīntiāndì Zhàn / First Congress Site · Xintiandi Station), Exit 4, turn right 50 metres 🕐 Go early on a weekday to walk straight in
📱 Check 美团 (Měituán / Meituan) for deals before you arrive
💰 Around RMB 79 (SGD 15) per head for a group, solo meal around RMB 110 (SGD 21)
Before You Go, Meituan and WeChat
Pull up 美团 (Měituán / Meituan) before you sit down and check for deals. You can purchase on the spot, no planning is needed. That said, if you would rather skip the 美团 (Měituán / Meituan) deal altogether, ordering à la carte gives you more flexibility to get exactly what you want. Full guide on WeChat here [LINK: Essential Apps to Download for China] and payments here [LINK: How to Pay for Things in China].
Handy Mandarin Phrases
- 服务员！(Fúwùyuán!) — how you get a waiter’s attention
- 招牌菜是什么？(Zhāopái cài shì shénme?) — What is the must-order dish?
- 我要这个 (Wǒ yào zhège) — I want this one
- 一个／两个／三个 (yī gè / liǎng gè / sān gè) — one / two / three
- 少放盐 (Shǎo fàng yán) — less salt
- 买单 (Mǎidān) — the bill
- 微信支付 (Wēixìn Zhīfù) — WeChat Pay
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 蟹叁宝 (Xie San Bao) worth it for the price? Yes. The 蟹家宴蟹黄砂锅仔 (Xiè Jiā Yàn Xiè Huáng Shā Guō Zǎi / Crab Feast Clay Pot Rice) at RMB 188 (SGD 36) is loaded with four types of crab, including crab paste, roe, meat, and leg meat, plus a crispy rice crust at the bottom. For the amount and quality of fresh hairy crab you are getting, it is a solid value.
What is crab roe rice and why is Shanghai famous for it? Crab roe rice refers to dishes centred on 蟹黄 (Xiè Huáng / crab roe), the rich, golden roe from hairy crabs, prized in Chinese cooking for its intense, briny flavour. Shanghai sits close to Yangcheng Lake, one of China’s most famous hairy crab regions, which is why crab roe dishes appear on menus across the city and are considered a local speciality.
Do you need to book a table in advance at 蟹叁宝 (Xie San Bao)? We walked straight in on a weekday morning. No reservation was needed for us, but the restaurant fills up quickly, especially on evenings and weekends. Going early on a weekday is the safest bet if you want to avoid a wait.
What is the must-order dish at 蟹叁宝 (Xie San Bao)? The 蟹家宴蟹黄砂锅仔 (Xiè Jiā Yàn Xiè Huáng Shā Guō Zǎi / Crab Feast Clay Pot Rice) at RMB 188 (SGD 36) is the signature dish and the reason most people come here. For solo diners, the 蟹黄捞饭 (Xiè Huáng Lāo Fàn / Crab Roe Mixed Rice) at RMB 99 (SGD 19) is their bestseller in a single-serve format.
What is 锅巴 (guo ba) in Chinese cooking? 锅巴 (Guō Bā / crispy rice crust) is the layer of rice that forms at the bottom of a clay pot or wok during cooking. It crisps up from the heat and has a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the softer rice on top. In the 蟹家宴蟹黄砂锅仔 (Xiè Jiā Yàn Xiè Huáng Shā Guō Zǎi / Crab Feast Clay Pot Rice), the 锅巴 (Guō Bā / crispy rice crust) at the bottom is one of the highlights of the dish.
Is 蟹叁宝 (Xie San Bao) good for solo diners? Yes. The clay pot set is designed for sharing, so skip that one if you are eating alone. Order the 蟹黄捞饭 (Xiè Huáng Lāo Fàn / Crab Roe Mixed Rice, RMB 99 / SGD 19) instead and add one of the small appetisers. You are looking at around RMB 110 (SGD 21) for a full, satisfying solo meal. The 新天地 (Xīntiāndì) setting is busy and well-lit, which makes it an easy and comfortable solo stop.
How much does a meal at 蟹叁宝 (Xie San Bao) cost per person? In a group of three ordering the set, we paid RMB 79 (SGD 15) a head, including appetisers, shared mains, and rice. Solo, expect to pay around RMB 110 (SGD 21) for the crab roe rice and a small side.
When is the best time to visit 蟹叁宝 (Xie San Bao) to avoid queuing? Early on a weekday is your best bet. We arrived early in the day and walked straight in. Evenings and weekends are popular and you are likely to wait. If you have a flexible itinerary, plan 蟹叁宝 (Xiè Sān Bǎo) for a weekday lunch to get the most comfortable experience.
Where exactly is 蟹叁宝 (Xie San Bao) in 新天地 (Xintiandi)? The restaurant is at 388 Madang Road, SOHO Fuxing Plaza Block D, F1-D110 in Huangpu District. Take the metro to 一大会址·新天地站 (Yīdà Huìzhǐ · Xīntiāndì Zhàn / First Congress Site · Xintiandi Station) and use Exit 4, then turn right and walk about 50 metres.
Have you tried crab roe rice in Shanghai before, or is 蟹叁宝 (Xiè Sān Bǎo) going on your list? Drop me a comment below! And for everything else on your Shanghai food itinerary, my full food guide has you covered. [LINK: Shanghai & Hangzhou Food Guide]
Links
- [LINK: Shanghai Food Guide & Hangzhou Food Guide]
- [LINK: Essential Apps to Download for China]
- [LINK: How to Pay for Things in China]
- [LINK: Getting Around Shanghai & Hangzhou Transport Guide]
- [LINK: The Ultimate Shanghai Guide & Hangzhou Travel Guide]
