Where to Get Chilli Crab in Singapore for Your Spicy Seafood Cravings
No mention of Singapore cuisine is complete without chilli crab. Why? It’s not only because it’s one of the city-state’s national dishes. Among all the seafood dishes in the world, it’s arguably one of the best recipes out there! With chilli crab's mildly spicy yet sweet and savoury flavour, each order will make you want to wipe the sauce clean from your plate with the mantou (fluffy bun) that comes with it.
Whether you’re a local looking for a good grub or a tourist who’s up for a gastronomic adventure, we’ve listed below some of the top recommended dining establishments offering chilli crab in Singapore.
Roland Restaurant
From a seaside stall to becoming a household seafood name, Roland Restaurant is dubbed as the “creator of chilli crab” after Madam Cher Yam Tian — the mother of current owner Roland Lim — invented the recipe in 1956. They have stayed true to this original recipe until now, combining the natural sweetness of Sri Lankan crustaceans with a tangy and spicy gravy that makes diners in Singapore keep coming back for more. Along with your chilli crab order, you might also want to get their Black Sauce Prawns, Deep Fried Scallop Wrapped with Yam, Crispy Baby Squids, and Specialty Fried Rice.
If you’re still not convinced about dining in, we’re telling you that this restaurant is Joseph Schooling-approved. And he keeps coming back for more!
Location: Roland Restaurant, 89 Marine Parade Central, #06-750
JUMBO Seafood
Established in 1987, JUMBO Seafood is an award-winning restaurant with a reputation for “serving only the freshest seafood cooked to perfection.” From their flagship store in East Coast Seafood Centre to their multiple branches islandwide and all over Asia, they have turned into one of the big-name brands that offer the best chilli crabs in Singapore.
Diners can choose among three live crabs — Alaskan Crab, Mud Crab, and Dungeness Crab — cooked in different styles, such as Award-Winning Chilli Crab, Signature Black Pepper Crab, and Stir Fried with Golden Salted Egg Crab. Check out the extensive menus on their website to know what else they offer!
Location: Multiple branches
Alliance Seafood
If you’ve watched the Hollywood movie “Crazy Rich Asians,” you probably have an idea where to find this humble yet widely popular hawker stall. Rachel Chu (played by Constance Wu) was taken to Newton Circus Food Centre, a tourist food spot that is home to Alliance Seafood and other amazing eats, upon landing in the city-state. Although she declared that satay was “the best food in Singapore,” rest assured that Alliance Seafood is worth visiting for a chilli crab. Why? They’re a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand awardee for years since 2016, and that says a lot.
Location: Alliance Seafood, Newton Food Centre, #01-27, 500 Clemenceau Avenue North
Red House Seafood
Established in 1976, Red House Seafood is one of the oldest seafood restaurants in Singapore offering a palette of flavours that reflect the city-state’s cultural diversity.
Diners can choose between an Alaskan King Crab and a Sri Lankan Mud Crab with their preferred cooking style: Red House Chilli Crab, Stir-Fried with Garlic and Dried Chilli, and Wok-Fried and Tossed in Black or White Pepper. While you’re at it, we recommend pairing your order with their steamed or fried mantou. You can also try their Takesumi Chilli Crab Bun, which is a charcoal bun filled with chilli crab sauce and crab meat chunks. It’s a pretty smart combination if you ask us!
Location: Red House Seafood, 392 Havelock Road, Level 2 Grand Copthorne Waterfront
HolyCrab
Do you ever just crave something good to eat, visit a restaurant, and say “HolyCrab!” because there are giant crab legs outside? You’re not alone. This dining establishment located in Singapore’s cultural district is the lovechild of chef Elton’s passion for eating and cooking.
Awesome exteriors (and interiors) aside, what’s great about HolyCrab is you’re spoilt for choice. You can order their Sri Lankan crabs in different flavours, such as Singapore Chilli Crab, Devil’s, oOoOtak, and Balsamic, along with their land and sea protein choices. Other dishes you should try are their Scorched Vermicelli, CrabTree & Evelyn, and Sweet & Sour Pumba. Visit their website to check their food and drinks menu!
Location: HolyCrab, Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski, 13 Stamford Road, #01-85
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