Under Bridge Spicy Crab + Roasted Goose (Ju Ji Shao E Huang)
Under Bridge Spicy Crab and Roast Goose are traditional dishes that represent Hong Kong and are especially popular among both locals and tourists. Under Bridge Spicy Crab is a seafood dish characterized by its distinctive spicy flavor, created with generous amounts of garlic and chili peppers. The name comes from its origin under a flyover in the Wan Chai district. On the other hand, Roast Goose is a Cantonese meat dish known for its aromatic and crispy skin. Both dishes are considered symbols of Hong Kong’s food culture and are widely enjoyed, from everyday meals to special occasions.
- Taste Rating
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- Price
- 668 Hong Kong Dollar
- Meal Date
- 9/20/2024
- Food Travel Log
- A garlicky crab delicacy in Hong Kong! Crack open the crispy shell, coat the tender meat in garlic, and enjoy a masterpiece! However, the flavors of the crab and garlic seem slightly disconnected, like a mismatched couple. But when you let the garlic 'cheat' with the beer, it’s a match made in heaven! No matter how luxurious the meal, it seems I can't refine my manners.
AI Gourmet Analysis
Under Bridge Spicy Crab (橋底辣蟹)
Under Bridge Spicy Crab is one of the quintessential local seafood dishes originating from Hong Kong. The name "Under Bridge Spicy Crab" comes from the fact that the dish initially started as a street stall under the flyover on Canal Road in the Wan Chai district ("under the bridge"). The name of the dish is closely tied to the name of the shop itself, and the distinctive spicy stir-fried crab with copious amounts of garlic is frequently featured in Western media and gourmet guides.
Overview and Characteristics
The defining feature of Under Bridge Spicy Crab is the use of live whole crabs, which are freshly parboiled and then vigorously stir-fried over high heat with a special blend of garlic flakes, chili, and aromatic vegetables. Depending on the season and supply, the crabs used may include mantis shrimp crabs (Typhoon Shelter Crab) from the seas around Hong Kong, snow crabs, or king crabs, but they all share the harmonious flavors of fragrant, stir-fried garlic and dried chilies.
The preparation involves the lavish use of crushed garlic, which creates a delightfully crisp texture. Ingredients such as onion, scallion, oyster sauce, and soy sauce are also added, resulting in a complex mix of sweetness, umami, saltiness, and spiciness. The unique "chili garlic crumble" (辣蒜粒) has become synonymous with this dish. Sometimes, the finishing touch includes Sichuan pepper and herbs, allowing diners to fully experience the essence of Hong Kong seafood cuisine.
Food Culture and Historical Background
Under Bridge Spicy Crab emerged in the 1990s, said to originate from a spicy stir-fried crab dish prepared quickly on boats by fishermen seeking shelter during typhoons. Initially served at a humble eatery under an overpass, the dish gained massive popularity through word of mouth and media coverage, eventually becoming an icon of Hong Kong’s dining culture. Today, it attracts not only travelers and locals but also foodies from around the globe. In recent years, the restaurant has expanded to Singapore and mainland China.
Characteristics of Roast Goose (橘底燒鵝皇)
Often served alongside Under Bridge Spicy Crab is "Roast Goose" (橘底燒鵝皇). This traditional Cantonese specialty is as renowned as roast duck, noted in particular for its crispy skin, juicy flesh, and savory sauce. The goose is marinated using time-honored techniques and slowly roasted at a low temperature. This dish, too, stands as a symbol of Hong Kong's unique food culture, and is a staple for celebrations and special occasions among locals.
Roast goose is typically accompanied by a special sweet-and-sour or plum sauce, providing a contrasting flavor profile to the garlicky and spicy Under Bridge Spicy Crab.
Related Items and Hong Kong Food Culture
| Dish | Characteristics | Related Region |
|---|---|---|
| Under Bridge Spicy Crab | Stir-fried crab with garlic, chili, and aromatic vegetables | Originated near Wan Chai, Hong Kong |
| Roast Goose | Crispy skin, juicy meat, roasted goose | Cantonese region (Hong Kong) |
| Chaozhou Cold Crab | Chilled steamed crab, noted for refined seasoning | Chaozhou City (Guangdong Province, China) |
| Peking Duck | Crispy duck, Beijing specialty | Beijing, China |
Under Bridge Spicy Crab is a must-try local gourmet dish in Hong Kong, bringing together fresh seafood, punchy spices, and the energetic spirit of Hong Kong’s street food culture all on a single plate.