When summer arrives, crayfish season follows. In Baoshan district's Youyi Road subdistrict, five restaurants are serving up fresh, flavorful crayfish that keep locals and tourists coming back for more. Here is where to go.

Hongluyuan Hotel

Address: No 40 Youyi Road

Hongluyuan's signature dish, Hongji Crayfish, was once recognized among China's top 10 crayfish dishes. The restaurant is also the only designated Xuyi-style crayfish restaurant in Baoshan. With three decades of experience, this long-established favorite is known for serving live crayfish cooked to order. Each batch goes through three rounds of cleaning to ensure hygiene and freshness.

A proprietary blend of more than 30 spices is used to create a variety of flavors, including iced, thirteen-spice, garlic, and plum wine-infused. The crayfish are tender, rich in roe, and easy to peel.

Zhouji Renjia

Address: No 26-28 Youyizhi Road

A well-known local name with over two decades of history, Zhouji Renjia is famous for its yellow wine-iced crayfish. The live crayfish are soaked in aged yellow wine and a secret brine, giving them a refreshing, slightly sweet taste with a rich aroma.

Huxiaopang Shanghai Crayfish

Address: 3F, Building F, No 1255 Mudanjiang Road

Ranked No 1 in the Wusong area for crayfish, Huxiaopang is known for its iced and garlic-flavored varieties. The crayfish are cooked to order and served piping hot, with tender, springy meat and rich flavor. The restaurant also offers parking, private rooms, and large tables, making it a good choice for group gatherings or family meals.

Liu Dongliang Dapaidang

Address: 1F, Building B, No 1238 Mudanjiang Road

This lively spot specializes in crayfish, Sichuan-style dishes, and barbecue. Its signature thirteen-spice crayfish is a must-try, featuring large, meaty crayfish generously coated in a rich, savory sauce. After finishing the crayfish, it is highly recommended to mix the leftover sauce with noodles for an extra layer of flavor.

Haibaba Dapaidang

Address: 1F, No 1001 Mudanjiang Road

With a broad menu of late-night dishes, Haibaba serves generous portions prepared with fresh ingredients. Alongside crayfish, diners often order skewers, clay pot porridge, and other wok-fried dishes.

Prices remain affordable, making it a strong choice for those seeking good value without compromising on taste.

Sources: Baoshan district government, restaurants mentioned above