Top 5 Soft Shell Crab

(As featured in Gram Magazine Issue #3 May 2011)

Few discussions have surrounded soft shell crab. What is it? Is it a type of crab? Guess what? According to Wikipedia, "Soft-shell crab is a culinary term for crabs which has recently molted their old exoskeleton and are still soft". Hence, the name I suppose. Mostly deep-fried in a light batter, this dish is synonymous with Asian cuisine - the Thais, the Japanese, the Chinese, all have their take on it. I don't really know who can make a claim on this dish but I know it's the crispy, crunchy, savoury flavour of it that makes me go back for more. I recently went on a hunt for Melbourne's best soft shell crab and have compiled my list of Top 5 just for you.

1. Khao San Rd
696 Mt Alexandar Rd Moonee Ponds (03) 9372 9113

Named after a famous bustling street in Bangkok, Thailand, this restaurant is an upmarket version of it's namesake. The dark wooden exterior and interior makes this Thai eatery a cosy warm getaway amongst the flurry of pubs, bars and cafes along Mt Rd. Very popular with the locals, this eatery packs up a punch with its spicy curries, zesty freshly baked whole fish and aromatic Tom Yum soups. Most importantly, my personal favourite - the soft shell crab! This dish is ordered as a "soft shell crab salad" comprising of crispy flavoursome lightly battered crab on a garden salad with avocado, vinegar soy sauce and chilli mayo. At $14.50, make sure you order 2 of these to avoid disappointment.

2. Omah's 
136-138 Rouse St Port Melbourne (03) 9676 9918


Omah means "Grandmother" in Malay and what an apt name as Omah's serves up authentic Malaysian cuisine inspired by wholesome traditional Malaysian home-cooking. Some of the must-haves here include the succulent tender beef rendang, the spicy sambal kang kung and of course, the crispy soft shell crab!  At $8.90, the delicately cut up portions of Soft Shell Crab are lightly fried and coated in cracker biscuit crumbs. The wooden tables and bird cages within the restaurant brings you back to the hawker-inspired mamak stalls in Malaysia. Please note that if you go for lunch, they are only open for a short lunch period from 12-2.30pm but are open from 5.30pm to late for dinners 7 days a week.

3. Chocolate Buddha
2 Swanston Street Melbourne (03) 9654 5688

Located in the modern architectural Fed Square, Chocolate Buddha is a fancy Japanese restaurant with a slightly higher price tag - but you pay for top quality ingredients and authentic Japanese cuisine. Try the thinly sliced fresh sashimi with a mix of yellow fin tuna, salmon and yellowtail or the lightly-battered crispy king prawn tempura. But the highlight for me is most definitely the soft shell crab sushi. For $17.50, you get 8 pieces of inside out rolls filled with deep-fried soft shell crab, dusted in potato flour, avocado and cucumber, topped with masago (capelin roe), & served with home-made tartare sauce. Simply delightful.

4. Mahjong
165 Fitzroy Street St Kilda (03) 9534 8833


Modern, cool & clean would be words used to describe this Chinese restaurant in Fitzroy St, St Kilda. Overlooking the Albert Park Lake, whether dining al fresco or within this modish restaurant, guests can enjoy a picturesque view of the lush greenery and clear blue skies. Clean cool concrete flooring complement the row of mahjong tiles displayed across the wall; whilst dark teak tables match the soft grey suede chairs. I was pleasantly surprised by the reasonably priced bites (dim sum) - categorised steam, fried, baked, vegetarian, soups, stir-fried and sweets. Of course, the soft shell crab fell under this category, and at $9.80, you get a whole salt & pepper soft shell crab lightly cooked with finely chopped spring onions, chilli and garlic. Add a dash of soy for perfection! Tip: If you go on weekdays, check out the lunch specials - at $30, you get 2 entrees (chicken san choy bao & assorted dumplings), a main (stir-fried beef on special fried rice) and a glass of wine! Great value considering each of their mains are $30.

 5. Wonton House
181 Russell St Melbourne 03 9662 9882

Located in Chinatown right next to an Asian grocer, Wonton House is a busy cheap eat offering a variety of Chinese dishes from congees to stir-frys to non other than the infamous soft shell crab. The crispy salt and pepper soft shell crab is served in a similar style to Mahjong, but at $6.80 - it offers an even cheaper alternative!  With tasty spring onions, chilli & garlic on a bed of shredded lettuce for a touch of freshness, every bite packs up a crunch. Again, add a touch of soy to complete the experience.