Shanghai Nights - Fu Mao Mini Lobster 复茂小龙虾

I was passing through Shanghai last month, and at every stage of my journey, was extremely full because of the 12-course meals that we had to sit through (there was also massive drinking but that's a story for another day). However, I managed to sneak away from the group late one night to meet up with an old classmate.

When I last visited Shanghai in 2005, I remembered the most exciting place that she brought me to back then was a shop that sold spicy boiled mini lobsters, or 小龙虾. These are more like yabbies or crayfish though - with a huge head, and very little meat. So after a night coffee, I suggested going there for a late night snack - apparently they're open till 4am.

The shop is called Fu Mao （复茂), and they have branches all over Shanghai, and some in Hangzhou. I went to the Fuxing Road outlet.

Outside looking in - and getting very excited

What a menu! Trays and trays of mini lobster and crabs! Since my friend had I had both had dinner, and even dessert, we felt rather limited in our options.

So we decided to go with a half tray of mildly spicy 小龙虾, which cost us RMB28 (approx S$5.60). This was finished in a flash.

And we ordered 2 hairy crabs. Each cost RMB 25 (or S$5!!). I was so excited at seeing this. It didn't matter whether this crab was from the famous lake or not...for 5 bucks a crab!

Turning it upside down to tear the crab apart

Taking off the shell

All ready to dip into vinegar

And....shamefully, we were so greedy (ok I was so greedy) that we ordered another tray of hairy crabs to share, cooked in mildly spicy stock as well. At RMB 68 (S$13.60), this was a steal! These were smaller than the earlier ones, but again, no complaints.

Address: 595 Fuxing Road 复兴路 (near South MaoMing Road 茂名南路口)

Tel: 86-(0)21-64370370
Website: http://www.xiaxie.com/benyue.asp

or if you're linguistically challenged, you can also view http://www.gudumami.cn/en/shop/cs06527/menu1.htm （which features another branch)