Devil Crabs: All You Need to Know

Devil crabs have survived the test of time and thrived as Tampa's favorite street foods. Originating in the early 1900s, they have withstood weather conditions, climate change, and remain a staple Tampa Street food.

Devil crabs emerged in Tampa, but what else is there to them? Here's all you need to know about your favorite appetizer and snack:

Origin: Where It All Began

Devil crabs came into existence directly because of Florida's then newly emerging cigar industry. 

The cigar industry was actually an import from Spain in the 1860s, and it began to expand immensely in the next few decades. Workers from Europe and across the Caribbean migrated to the port city to join the workforce in cigar factories.

The most popular origin of Devil crabs is believed to be during a cigar factory strike in 1920. To sustain a living for their families, factory workers took to the streets and sold devil crabs, made from the blue-crabs of Tampa Bay crabs and Cuban bread. 

After the strike ended, people continued to sell these devil crabs that we still love today.

The Recipe of the Original Devil Crabs of Tampa, Florida

Devil crabs get their name from their flavor—they’re hot as the devil! Crabmeat, fried green peppers, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, red pepper flakes, and other spices are used to make them. Individual makers and vendors add their own blends of spices for a unique touch and taste to the crabs. 

The ingredients are mixed and rolled into balls, then covered with crumbs from Cuban bread and fried.

The Sale of Devil Crabs

Back in the day, devil crabs were sold by vendors on the street and made at home. These vendors used to call out to people on the streets to market their devil crabs, selling for as little as a nickel.

Over the years, while size, shape, and even a few ingredients have changed and evolved, at its core, devil crabs hang onto their mixed roots. They are a Tampa staple, born and raised, through and through.

Nowadays, this staple item is found in numerous restaurants, especially Cuban, Spanish, and Italian ones and in local eateries. 

Best Devil Crabs in Tampa

While many vendors and sellers have come and gone due to competition and unique taste, not everyone has survived in this industry.

Pappy's Devil Crabs, however, is one such company that continues to thrive and is famous for its devil crabs and other dishes. Their chef, Chef Pappy, is among those who came to the states as a young boy from the Caribbean. His inspiration while cooking is the food scene in Tampa Bay in the 1920s.

Growing up eating devil crabs daily, he recreates them for his customers to enjoy the same delicious experience he had as a child. They are popular today because they’re a rich part of Tampa's history and takes people back in time, with bittersweet feelings of nostalgia.

Pappy's Devil Crabs also offers catering services. For more information or to place an order of devil crabs, contact them today.