Global Grub: Crabs

Chances are, if you're near the water, you're near a place where people eat crabs. It doesn't matter what culture, from Japan to France, there is a place in the cuisine for everyone's favorite crustacean.
Above, you'll see some of our favorites, Maryland Blue Crabs; steamed and heavily seasoned with old bay, with some corn and beer on the side. For me, its the best way to eat crabs. But not everyone agrees. Click through to see how different cultures enjoy their crabs.

In the Pacific Northwest, the Dungeness crab is king. It's got a sweeter flesh than many crabs, which is reflected in the way it's used: in chowders, stuffed inside mushrooms, and plain and cold. Just like the Pacific Northwest itself, it's good because it's a little different.

In Singapore, you've got the cuisine of many different cultures, all coexisting in a small space. But when it comes to crab, you've got two main contenders: Black Pepper Crab (seen above) and Chili Crab. From my personal experience, both are delicious. You can get huge hunks of rock crab, heavily seasoned. Which ever way you go, be prepared to get messy.

As with most crabs, you've got to be careful with your fingers when you're handling them. Wrapping them up like they did in this photo is brilliant. But, what do you do with the crabs after you've gotten them from the market? If you're in Brazil, you might want to try Casquinha de Siri, which is a dish that is popular all over, but the exact recipe varies from region to region.

When you think of French cuisine, you don't typically think of crabs. But when you see these huge critters, you may think again. If you're ever in Toulouse, head to the market and pick up some "Crabe Royale."

Ah Ecuador, when I think I've seen every type of crab out there, you bring me this. I wonder what they taste like? After looking up how people in Ecuador eat their crabs, I'm interested to taste what Cangrejo Criollo is like. It sounds like a creole version of Maryland crabs, which would suit me just fine.

Japan is well known as a seafood-loving nation, which gives a crab lover a multitude of options when indulging their addiction. Here, we see a fellow compatriot indulging in deep fried crab legs from the Chinatown market in Kobe.

Indonesia is a nation of more than 17,000 islands, which offers an amazing amount of space to crab. Crab and a banana leaf, what more could you ask for?

What's your favorite place to eat crabs? Let us know in the comments below...