Jinshan Big Bowl Crab

Review

Jinshan Big Bowl Crab sits on Jinbaoli Street in Jinshan Old Street, and its name says it all: a big bowl of seafood porridge with a whole crab inside. Supertaste lists it as a popular seafood stop on the Old Street, and bloggers treat it as a must on any stroll there. In reviews it is one of the most consistently crowded shops along the whole street; sources mention no branches.

The signature is the three-spot crab seafood porridge: besides a whole crab, it has shrimp, squid and clams, and the rice soaks up their sweetness. The menu also lists red mud crab porridge and white pomfret rice noodles, plus fried items and cold side dishes to go with them. Portions are large; diners often say one bowl suits two or three adults, and staff will top up the broth.

Praise centers on fresh seafood, generous ingredients and relatively fair prices, with the cold side dishes, fried shrimp and fried oysters singled out by some. There is plenty of seating and a self-serve sauce bar for adjusting flavors. On the downside, some found a fried fish dish unpleasant, others note the steamed fish is bony, and the room gets crowded on busy weekends.

Hours are about noon to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekends. You mark your order on the menu or order at the counter, and staff then seat you. Weekend mealtimes often have queues; Supertaste suggests arriving early or choosing weekday off-peak hours. Takeaway bags are provided. Crab size and prices change with the day's catch, so a blogger advises checking menu prices on the spot.

It suits friends or families wanting a seafood meal on Jinshan Old Street, with two or three sharing a bowl being the best value. First-timers can order the three-spot crab porridge as the main dish, plus a cold side and one fried item. To skip the crowds, go right at opening on a weekday, or get takeaway to eat while you stroll.