How Much King Crab Per Person? A Host's Guide

The rule: shell or no shell

Clusters are sold in-shell, and shell is a large share of the weight. Merus and claw meat are shell-free. So the same kilogram feeds very different numbers of people depending on the cut — this is the mistake that ruins portioning.

As a working guide: clusters give roughly two to three servings per kilogram. Shell-free meat goes considerably further per kilogram.

By course

As a main course, with crab as the hero: plan around 400–600g of clusters per person, or a smaller quantity of merus if you are plating.

As a shared centrepiece alongside other dishes: reduce substantially — crab is rich, and guests eat less of it than they expect.

As a starter or canapé: claw or picked meat, small quantities, generous impact.

Two things hosts forget

Crab is richer than it looks. Guests consistently eat less than the host budgeted for, particularly when butter is involved.

Order to the cut, not the headcount. Deciding the cut first — clusters for a feast, merus for a plated course — makes the quantity obvious.

Frequently asked

How much king crab for 6 people?

As a main course with crab as the hero, budget roughly 2.5–3.5kg of clusters. If crab is one element among several courses, considerably less. Shell-free cuts such as merus require less weight for the same servings.

Is king crab filling?

Yes — it is rich and high in protein, and guests typically eat less than expected, especially served with butter. It is better to add a second element than to over-order crab.

Can I order king crab for a specific date?

Yes. Availability is confirmed against the weekly landing list, and delivery is scheduled by appointment across the UAE — which is why we recommend ordering ahead for a fixed occasion.