Chneh Chim - the mangrove crab that swims in seawater

Today , we're having crabs ( yes finally ! ) Chilli crabs to be exact . 2 numbers . Oh yeah .

While we weren't particular about the species they were going to cook for us , it turns out that it was going to be one rarely seen on Penang island but regularly sold in this corner of the mainland .

Known as Ketam Nipah in Malay, if one were to rely on individual fishing enthusiasts snaring these in overnight traps set up along the river , supplies could be erratic on certain days . If the species is available at all times , then it is best to check if you are eating locally farmed or imported ones . 

Currently sought after as a cure for dengue where only the soup is drunk and the meat discarded , we are having none of that .

You can have all of the sauce and we will relieve you of the burden of finishing the flesh , thank you very much .

The good people at Henry Restaurant in Bukit Panchor ( which I'm currently patronising because I feel they are priced quite reasonably ) , informs us that this species is known as Chneh Chim literally translated to mean Green Crabs in Penang Hokkien .

He adds on , that these crabs are to be found a little further out in seawater . Despite the fact that they are essentially mangrove crabs . While this means that they are halal for Muslim customers , it is us Chinese who seek these crabs for enjoyment of the flesh , more than they . They prefer flower crabs , whereas we are the ones with an endless appetite for mangrove crabs .

 Bear in mind , these above crabs were considerably larger in size plus the kitchen had cracked them open with the back of a cleaver for us yet , I found myself struggling a bit to extract the meat out of the countless criss crossing compartments on the body .

Plus side was the huge pinchers ! Fibrous , succulently and sweet as sweetcorn , the 

claws certainly rule .

No eggs to be found but just under the helmet ,was a cooked albumen like layer that tasted very liverish . Vastly different from other mangrove crabs I've had before .

Above were the two accompanying dishes .

Kangkong was overcooked today . Curry prawn in claypot ,  yummy as usual .

As a reference , this is what the crab looks like .

 Picture snapped and cropped from their competitor Hing Lee next door who also offers this on the menu ( you can go try them too ) . The backmost flat flipper is indicative that this crab is a swimmer . A defining feature missing on other mangrove crabs  .

Price we paid for 2 numbers 

: RM 65

Location : Henry Restaurant , Bukit Panchor . Hing Lee next door offers this too .

Tips : Beware of farmed imported species . Check with the kitchen and ask if you can see the crabs first before deciding .

Also there were a lot of flies today at Henry . Very annoying but is actually the best indicator that absolutely no harmful preservatives ( such as formaldehyde ! ) are used on the seafoods , so while I'm actually thankful that there are pesky flies maybe they ought to think of putting up fly traps as other customers may be completely put off  .