The Boiling Crab: A Seafood Paradise in Shanghai

The Boiling Crab has opened a second location in Shanghai! This massive seafood boil chain, with numerous locations in Texas and California, launched its first Shanghai spot in 2020. If you love seafood, you're in for a treat!

An Authentic Experience Awaits

It gets very, very messy, but that's part of the authentic experience. Be prepared to ditch the knife and fork. You might feel a bit grossed out after the whole experience, but hey, at least it's better than stuffing yourself at a buffet. Plus, it's so good!

With a flashy exterior that catches your eye more than the jewelry and fashion shops next to it, The Boiling Crab (TBC) pulls you in. The neon letters, the hanging statue of a shark, and the sports jerseys on the wall make you question whether you're in a restaurant or an antique shop.

Fresh Seafood at Your Fingertips

Of course, you can't be a seafood boil restaurant without fresh seafood! When you order their seafood options, they'll pluck the lobster or crab right out of the tank and cook it for your boil. Everything in the restaurant is either A) related to the ocean somehow or B) chaotic. I really enjoyed sitting there with country music in the background, feeling transported somewhere far from Shanghai.

The walls remind you to avoid pretentiousness and go for the seafood boil with your hands. So, that's exactly what I did!

Dishes That Delight

Let's start off with something less intense. For 58 RMB, The Boiling Crab serves a delicious fried catfish with Cajun seasoning. A thin layer of crispy, almost crunchy, batter coats the fish inside. It's a more sophisticated form of fish fingers, although it'd almost be an insult to compare the two. Once you dip it into that ranch on the side, the taste of fish is gone (which might be a good or bad thing depending on your taste buds). The fries on the side were okay, but nothing to write home about.

With a rich tomatoey base and a hot sauce/okra/sausage combination, the gumbo for 38 RMB is a staple I'd recommend. Representing the multicultural influences in Louisiana, gumbo is a classic dish. Although the flavor itself is delightful, the small portion served on a metallic plate took away from the comfort of the dish.

Now, let's get into the main event. They bring out your seafood boil in massive food-safe plastic bags. Then, they elegantly place it onto your plate—

Nope. They pour it straight onto the tablecloth. The cost of each seafood boil will vary, and here’s what my family and I chose to include (bearing in mind that crawfish was sold out when I visited):

• Frozen Crab (we didn't think the price for the fresh crab was justified; it's around 100 RMB more) - est. 188 RMB for the full portion
• Shrimp - 58 RMB
• Mussels - 58 RMB
• Potatoes - 8 RMB
• Sausage - 28 RMB
• Corn - 8 RMB
  
  

Total = 348 RMB

This combo was pretty filling for three people, with the right ratio of seafood to other ingredients. There are so many options, from abalone to scallops, or even lobster if you're feeling fancy. So, maybe think ahead before you go.

You can definitely tell that it's an American chain by how sweet the drinks are. However, the passion fruit guava iced tea for 28 RMB was a nice refresher from all that heavy Cajun seasoning.

A Unique Spot in Shanghai

The Boiling Crab is a unique spot amidst Shanghai's international food scene. There are so many places that serve generic Western food, from burgers to pizzas and salads. There really aren't many restaurants serving regional specialties from the U.S., aside from the Texas barbecue spots that we've covered earlier. If you like seafood, come for the seafood boil. If you don't, I'd still recommend visiting for their sides and mains.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Boiling Crab offers an exciting dining experience that stands out in Shanghai. The vibrant atmosphere, fresh seafood, and unique dishes make it a must-visit. Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking for something different, this place will not disappoint.

Address:

Dingxiang Rd. no. 858 (1st floor of Dingxiang International Plaza)