Cu ky crab specialty, a famous unique delicacy of the coal land

Quang Ninh cuisine always brings you special culinary experiences with dishes that are both unique and delicious. One of the signature ingredients that define the local delicacies of this land is the cu ky crab (stone crab). So, what is cu ky crab and what delicious dishes can be made from it? Let's join the MIA.vn Travel Guide to explore this coastal destination and find out!

1 Cu ky crab - A unique delicacy of the coastal land

1.1 An overview of cu ky crab

Cu ky is also known as cu ky crab, cum crab, or stone crab due to its exceptionally hard outer shell. This specialty is found throughout Vietnam's coastal waters, but is most abundant in Quang Ninh.

Cu ky crabs usually have two large claws, a brownish carapace, and green eyes, often living in warm marine waters. This crab is famed for its firm, flavorful meat, which can be prepared into a variety of unique and exotic dishes. According to many food lovers, although the meat of cu ky is not overly sweet, it is tastier than swimming crab and quite reasonably priced, making it very popular.

The crab gets its Vietnamese name 'cu ky' because of its bulky carapace, claws that curl inward, and rather sluggish movement compared to other sea crabs. Cu ky crabs have a total of 3 pairs of walking legs, one pair fewer than regular sea crabs. In return, they boast two very large and thick claws. These claws contain the primary meat of the crab, in contrast to the body which is rather spongy and contains little meat.

Currently, small cu ky crabs are priced around 90,000 - 110,000 VND/kg (about 9 crabs). Larger ones cost around 120,000 - 170,000 VND/kg (about 5 to 6 crabs). In particular, hairy cu ky crabs are harder to catch and more expensive, usually ranging from 200,000 - 300,000 VND/kg (about 3 to 5 crabs). These prices reflect typical market rates in Quang Ninh. However, these prices are for reference only and may fluctuate depending on the market season.

1.2 Health benefits of cu ky crab

Cu ky is considered a food rich in nutritional value and is widely sought after by food lovers visiting Quang Ninh. This crab contains many essential nutrients such as zinc, phosphorus, iron, iodine, and other minerals. With this rich nutrient profile, cu ky offers notable health benefits:

- Boosts the immune system: Cu ky provides abundant vitamins and essential minerals, helping to enhance immunity and support the body's defense against various illnesses.

- Supports bone and joint health: With a rich calcium content, cu ky helps improve bone and joint function while aiding in osteoporosis prevention.

- Good for cardiovascular health: Cu ky is packed with fatty acids and omega-3, which help reduce bad cholesterol, boost good cholesterol, improve blood circulation, and protect heart health.

- Replenishes essential nutrients: Cu ky delivers high-quality protein and beneficial antioxidants, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

2 Delicious dishes made from cu ky crab

Cu ky crab is a fresh, enticing ingredient unique to coastal regions. What delectable dishes can be prepared with it? Let's explore together with MIA.vn Travel Guide!

2.1 Cu ky crab soup with winter melon

Cu ky crab soup with winter melon is a rustic, beloved everyday dish in the coastal areas of Quang Ninh. After boiling the crab, its meat is extracted and lightly pounded into bite-sized pieces. The meat is stir-fried with shallots and seasonings before being simmered with winter melon. Savoring this dish, you will appreciate the refreshing sweetness of winter melon blended with the savory cu ky meat. This is also a classic cooling summer dish popular among Quang Ninh locals.

2.2 Cu ky crab hotpot

Cu ky hotpot stands out with its flavorful broth made from crab roe and tomalley. This dish utilizes nearly every part of the cu ky crab to produce a rich and unforgettable flavor. The carapaces and bodies are often ground and strained for an aromatic seafood stock that enriches the broth. The roe is sautéed with tomatoes to bring out its fragrance and rich creaminess. Cu ky hotpot is typically enjoyed with sweet potato leaves, banana blossoms, watercress, pork cartilage, snail patties, and more.

2.3 Stir-fried cu ky crab in tamarind sauce

Tamarind-glazed cu ky crab delivers a harmonious sweet-and-sour flavor profile that makes for an irresistible combination. The crab meat is tossed in a rich, tangy tamarind glaze, and can be garnished with fried shallots, cilantro, and culantro to enhance the aroma and taste.

2.4 Cu ky crab noodle soup (Bun cu ky)

Bun cu ky is considered one of Quang Ninh's most famous specialties, highly favored by young travelers and locals alike. This dish features a refined, clear, and naturally sweet broth paired with flavorful, succulent cu ky meat.

The broth for bun cu ky is usually simmered with dried shrimp, dried squid, and crab bodies to develop a deep umami flavor. Steamed cu ky claw meat combined with rice noodles, piping hot broth, and fresh herbs creates an unforgettable dining experience.

2.5 Red rice noodle soup with cu ky crab (Banh da cu ky)

Banh da cu ky is another memorable specialty in Quang Ninh. The dish brings together familiar coastal ingredients: red rice noodles (banh da), cu ky claw meat, crab roe paste (rieu cua), mantis shrimp, shrimp, fried shallots, tofu, and elephant ear stems. Tasting it, you will experience the delicate sweetness of cu ky combined with the rich, savory taste of crab roe, creating a distinct culinary signature.

2.6 Beer-steamed cu ky crab

Beer-steamed cu ky crab is one of the simplest preparations, yet it perfectly preserves the natural, original flavor of the crab. After steaming, the meat remains naturally sweet and aromatic. Dipped in sweet-and-sour chili lime fish sauce, it offers an irresistible flavor.

2.7 Cu ky crab boiled in coconut water

Cu ky crab boiled in coconut water promises to deliver an unforgettable taste. Boiling the crab meat with coconut water infuses it with a delightful fragrance. Enjoying it with lime-pepper salt or green seafood dipping sauce makes for a wonderful flavor pairing.

3 Some great spots to enjoy cu ky crab in Quang Ninh

To enjoy delicious cu ky crab dishes prepared in authentic local style, you can check out the recommendations provided by MIA.vn below:

- Bun cu ky Cong Doan: No. 1, Group 5, Zone 9A, Ha Long, Quang Ninh

- Bun cu ky Huong Beo: 20 Tan Mai, Bai Chay, Ha Long, Quang Ninh

- Co Hau Eatery: 54 Ly Tu Trong, Tran Phu Ward, Mong Cai, Quang Ninh

- Bun Cu Ky - Bun Hai San - Com Sach Co Huong: 33 Tran Quoc Toan, Tran Phu Ward, Mong Cai, Quang Ninh

Cu ky crab is a delightful specialty with an enticing flavor that you can primarily experience in coastal regions like Quang Ninh or Khanh Hoa. If you have the opportunity to visit this land, don't miss out on trying this wonderful specialty across its diverse culinary preparations. We hope that with the insights shared above by MIA.vn, you now have a comprehensive perspective on this renowned coastal delicacy.