TLDR
The only restaurant in the U.S. serving a signature blend of imported mitten crab and fresh American blue crab. A must-visit for crab enthusiasts seeking rich, flavorful roe preparations.
Instagram Posts References
The reviewer visited Xie Bao Crab House in Hell's Kitchen for a casual dinner. They ordered crab roe over noodles, crab roe xiao long bao, and crab roe pan-fried dumplings. The reviewer praised the generous amount of crab roe in all dishes and particularly enjoyed the noodles and pan-fried dumplings. They also expressed interest in trying the crab roe over rice on a future visit.
Xie Bao Crabhouse is highlighted as a unique dining destination in NYC, specifically in Hell's Kitchen, for its distinctive use of authentic mitten crab imported from China, mixed with fresh American blue crab. The restaurant offers a variety of crab roe preparations, including serving it straight over rice or noodles, mixed with tofu, and incorporated into their XLB. The overall experience is described as 'crab heaven', suggesting a focus on high-quality crab dishes. The post also notes the steamed halibut as a 'sleeper hit', praised for its comforting and simple flavors, indicating a broader menu beyond just crab. The reviewer highly recommends the spot for any crab enthusiast.
Molly Fitzpatrick reviews Xie Bao in Hell's Kitchen, a casual expansion of the popular Flushing crab-roe specialist, highlighting its creamy crab roe noodles, delicious meatballs, and extensive menu including seafood boils and lunch specials.
Details
Xie Bao Crab House is a unique culinary destination in Hell's Kitchen, celebrated as the only spot in the U.S. to serve an authentic blend of Chinese mitten crab and fresh American blue crab [1]. This expansion of their acclaimed Flushing location delivers signature, flavor-packed dishes like creamy crab roe noodles and savory crab roe meatballs [3]. The Manhattan menu is surprisingly broad, catering to both quick lunches and relaxed dinners with diverse options like seafood boils and comforting steamed halibut [1], [3].
Food Overview
Specializing in Shanghainese-style seafood, the restaurant is most famous for its rich, briny crab roe dishes served over rice or noodles [1], [2], [3]. Signature items also include crispy-bottomed crab roe xiao long bao and flavorful pan-fried dumplings [2]. Beyond crab, the menu features 'sleeper hits' like the comforting steamed halibut and the savory shrimp seafood boil [1], [3].
Highlights / Recommended
"The crab roe noodles are widely considered a must-try for their creamy and savory profile [1], [3]. Diners also highly recommend the crab roe pan-fried dumplings and the perfectly crispy whole yellow croaker [2], [3]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •rice(2)
- •crab roe noodles(2)
- •crab roe over noodles(2)
Caveats
While the quality is maintained, some long-time fans note that the Manhattan branch lacks the energetic, bustling atmosphere of the original Queens location [3].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About XIEBAO CRAB HOUSE
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Got A Job At Times Square Any Good Cheap Food
"Xie Bao was listed as one of several dining options in the Times Square area."
NeutralFrom post: Favorite Crab Dish In Nyc
"Recommended crab roe over rice at Xie Bao Crab House."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite Crab Dish In Nyc
"Listed Xie Bao for its crab roe noodles."
PositiveFrom post: Suggestions Chinese Restaurant Around The West
"A user mentioned Xie Bao, known for crab sauce, located on 45th street, as a potential option."
NeutralFrom post: Best Food In Chelseahells Kitchen
"This user recommended Xie Bao for something different, specifically mentioning the spectacular crab roe noodles."
Positive