Without a shadow of doubt, anyone who has the opportunity to come to Singapore shows keen interest in wanting to try out three dishes here: Chicken Rice, Kaya Toast and the famed Chilli Crab.
The first creation of the chilli crab dish was sourced back to the 1950’s by Madame Cher Yam Tian, who concocted a stir-fried crab dish with bottled chilli sauce. The rest (as they say) – is history.
Over the passing years since then, variations of the dish were created and upscaled. Some tastebuds prefer it spicier, sweeter, or with a more predominating tomato flavour. Whichever likeable form of this dish – chilli crab has unfailingly become an iconic dish representative of Singapore and can be found at any local seafood joint - but not every chilli crab is made equal.
Expat Choice readers visit the Islands favourite spots for wicked good plates of this spicy seafood dish to benefit our readers’ culinary pleasure. Read on for the most popular chilli crab outlets on the island, which will not disappoint in the least. Image Credit: Chilli Grab Wikipedia
Jumbo Seafood
Award winning chilli crab dishes is what Jumbo Seafood is well known for. Founded in 1987, JS has become one of the quintessential restaurants for tourists and locals alike, when it comes to Singaporean Seafood Dishes. What sets the gravy here apart? It’s the addition of peanut sauce, which lends creaminess and elevates the dish to a whole new level! The chilli crab here is notably less spicy, in comparison to what other restaurants are offering, which is counterbalanced with an extra kick of tomato flavour. For those looking for a spicier selection – their black pepper crab is a massive crowd favourite. The chain restaurant plays host to six locations island-wide – but those looking for an atmosphere with finesse ought to dine at the distinguished branch on Dempsey Hill. Image Credit: Jumbo Seafood Facebook Page
a. Block 11 Dempsey Rd, #01-16, Singapore 249673
w. www.jumboseafood.com.sg/en/home
s. www.facebook.com/JUMBOSeafood
t. +65 6479 3435
Roland Restaurant
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If you’re looking to dive down into the rabbit hole of Singapore’s past, Roland Restaurant engineers this experience perfectly with its well curated menu of delightful plates! Most chilli crabs dishes in Singapore adjust their recipes from Dragon Phoenix restaurant (another popular reinventor of the dish) – but the original recipe from Madam Cher is touted to only be found at Roland’s. This original version is definitely much sweeter than modern renditions of the dish. The sauce is also a lot milder than what we are used to, perhaps because of the lack of egg in the sauce. However, the mild-tasting dressing serves to bring out the natural sweetness in the crab, and each crustacean is chock-full of decadent, creamy roe. Image Credit: Roland Restaurant Facebook Page
a. 89 Marine Parade Central, #06-750, Singapore 440089
s. www.facebook.com/Rolandrestaurant
t. +65 6440 8205
Melben Seafood
Since 1985, chain restaurant Melben Seafood has been a strong contender for Singapore’s best, with their version of chilli crab served up for guests. Here, large crabs are served in a thick, spicy and slightly sweet chilli sauce – with spice levels adjusted accordingly, as per your preference. The tomato- based sauce is starchy, bordering on gooey, which clings well to the succulent crab flesh. If you’re looking for a bit more variety, the glorified chef here has 14 alternative ways to cook your crab – including creamy butter crab, laksa crab and spicy black pepper crab. Diners here can additionally purchase some of their pre-packaged sauces, made especially for those who want to give chilli crab cooking at a home a go. Image Credit: Melben Downtown East Facebook Page
a. 232 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, St 22, #01-1222, Singapore 560232
w. melbenseafood.sg
s. www.facebook.com/melbenseafood
t. +65 6285 6762
Keng Eng Kee Seafood
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It took Keng Eng kee Seafood a 50 year journey to get where they are today, but we’ll be honest – its not one of the most convenient of places to get to. Located in a traditional coffee shop along Alexander Road, this discreet place is a raging local favourite which many don’t like to share. Those who enter KEKS doors, are usually regulars, but the place is always packed during dinner meals. The chilli crab here is sweet, with just the right modifications in spice levels. Wisps of egg can be seen throughout the dish’s red sauce – perfect with rice or mantou. For bigger groups, we’d advise ordering their buttery crab bee hoon soup, and the glazed coffee pork ribs to taste too! Image Credit: KEK Seafood Alexandra Facebook Page
a. 124 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-136, Singapore 150124
w. www.kek.com.sg
s. www.facebook.com/kekseafood
t. +65 6272 1038
Tunglok Seafood
Offering up Singapore-style seafood at its best, is what Tunglok Seafood does A-star justice in. Although gravy is a big cornerstone of the chilli crab dish, the freshness of the crabs shouldn’t be overlooked! At TS, the crustacean is sweet and juicy with each bite, and pairs beautifully with the homemade sauce its served with. What makes the chilli-based tomato sauce here stand-out with tasty difference from others on this list? It’s the secret addition of freshly squeezed orange juice in the mix. It cuts through the thickness of the gravy with hints of citrus, ensuring diners won’t be sick of the dish by the meal-end. Image Credit: TungLok Group Facebook Page
a. 181 Orchard Rd, #11 - 05, Singapore 238896
s. www.facebook.com/tunglokseafoodOC
t. +65 6834 4888