Baked Spider Crab is a favourite in Donostia / San Sebastián because of its sweet seafood flavour and delicate texture. The Txangurro al horno at La Cepa de Bernardo is served perfectly, honoring the main quality ingredient.
Quick facts about Txangurro al horno
- Also known as: Baked Spider Crab
- Definition: Txangurro al horno is a Spanish tapa made with crab and vegetables, usually baked, served hot, and known for its creamy texture.
- Where we ate it: La Cepa de Bernardo, Donostia / San Sebastián
- Context: Spider crab – or Txangurro – is very popular in Donostia / San Sebastián, especially served in its shell.
- Served: hot
- Texture: creamy while still feeling the crab meat
- Flavour: savoury
- Pronunciation: chan-goo-rro al or-no
- One-line verdict: One of the must-try tapas in Donostia / San Sebastián
Why it’s worth ordering
Txangurro al horno from La Cepa de Bernardo is one of those tapas you share with friends and family to understand a local ingredient from Donostia / San Sebastián. It comes in a fun format – inside the crab’s shell – which looks interesting and creative. Definitely something you can take a photo of to send to your friends back home!
More than that, though, this baked spider crab is delicious. You’ll want to get it again, especially if you are a seafood lover.
Taste and texture
Whether you put a little bit on bread or just eat it on its own with a spoon, the Txangurro al horno from La Cepa de Bernardo mainly tastes like sweet crab, slightly salty, and a little bit like vegetable stock and tomatoes.
The texture is nice because it’s not too creamy: you can feel the shredded crab while still being juicy and delicate. The top layer is drier because the dish is finished in the oven. That gives it a nice baked texture.
How to order it
This dish is something you get at the table, not the bar. So, when the waiter comes, you ask, “El Txangurro al horno, por favor.” Remember that you’d share this, so you’ll want to order more tapas like the jamón ibérico or the kokotxas.
Watch it
Quick decision guide
You’ll like it if: you like seafood, especially if you want to try spider crab.
If you want something similar: Pintxo de Txangurro gratinado
Frequently asked questions
Txangurro is the Basque name for Spider Crab. Centollo is the Castellano name for it.
Brown crab or Buey de Mar is a different species than the Spider crab.
Cangrejo means crab, and it is the generic name that includes multiple species.
Yes, you’ll find Txangurro al horno or Txangurro in other formats at many restaurants in Donostia / San Sebastián. That’s because it’s a favourite local ingredient. As you try it at several locations, you’d be able to pick your top places.
If you have ever tasted crab, then you are familiar with its taste. Specifically though, Txangurro tastes sweet, mineral, a bit salty, and overall subtle.
