Since 1980, Pro Soy Crab has stood out as Korea’s raw crab haven, renowned for its unmatched ganjang-gejang (soy sauce marinated crab). On my latest trip to Korea, I ventured to this iconic spot, eager to taste the famed marinated crab, crafted with a recipe refined over generations.
The Art of Ganjang-Gejang
Pro Soy Crab’s specialty lies in its dedication to the art of ganjang-gejang. This delectable dish begins with the careful selection of mostly female crabs, each laden with precious eggs. The preparation process is a culinary masterpiece, involving the meticulous cleaning of live crabs before they are immersed in a brine solution infused with garlic, rice wine, soy sauce, lemon juice, and a secret blend of other ingredients. These raw crabs are then lovingly refrigerated in the solution for up to three days, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify
The Raw Crab Haven
The menu at Pro Soy Crab is a crab lover’s paradise, offering a variety of crab dishes to satisfy every palate. During my visit, I had the pleasure of indulging in two extraordinary selections: the soy marinated raw crab and the deep-fried soft-shell crab.
The soy marinated raw crab was a revelation. The roe of the raw crab was incredibly fresh, sweet, and a true testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality. For those who wish to experience the roe in a different form, the crab bibimbab is a must-try. This delightful mixture of rice, raw crab roe, raw eggs, and seaweed is a harmonious explosion of flavors.
The deep-fried soft-shell crab was equally impressive. Crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, it showcased the versatility of crab in Korean cuisine. Each bite was a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, leaving me craving for more.
Beyond the Raw Crab Haven
In Seoul’s vibrant heart lies Pro Soy Crab, more than just a dining spot – it’s a culinary adventure that embodies Korean seafood artistry. Despite not tasting every offering from their vast menu, my visit left an unforgettable imprint. If Seoul is on your radar, this haven, with its unparalleled commitment to fresh ingredients and the mastered art of ganjang-gejang, is a gastronomic treasure every food lover must experience.
Prices as follows:
- Crab Roe Bibimbap: 25,000 won, 18.79 USD, 25.67 SGD
- Female Crab (Special Large): 58,000 won, 43.59 USD, 59.55 SGD
- Sliced Live Octopus: 30,000 won, 22.55 USD, 30.8 SGD
- Octopus Soup: 35,000 won, 26.3 USD, 35.93 SGD
- Seaweed Fulvescens Pancake: 20,000 won, 15 USD, 20.5 SGD
- Deep-fried Cutlassfish (belt fish): 45,000 won, 33.8 USD, 46.2 SGD
The Verdict (ave of 2.33 out of 3 thumbs up)
| Ambience | Not comfortable |  Comfortable | Atas |
| Quality of Food | Don’t bother | Good | Worth the extra calories |
| Value for Money | over-priced | average | Worth the money |
| Quality of Service | Fair | Good | Great |
| Returnability | Forgetable | Maybe | Definitely |
| Accessibility | Inaccessible | Accessible | Good for youngs and elderlys |
Details
| Pro Soy Crab |
| Address: 152-56 Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul |
| Tel: +82 2-544-4126 |
| Opening Hours: Mon- Sun (11 AM – 11PM) |
| http://prosoycrabweb.cafe24.com/ |