Succulent crab doused in a sweet, spicy and tangy sauce – no one can resist one of Singapore’s national dishes: The chilli crab.
Singapore’s number one culinary export to the world is none other than chilli crab, practically cementing its status as one of our unofficial national dishes. Said to be invented by Madam Cher Yam Tian in the 1950s, the original chilli crab was stir-fried with bottled chilli sauce and bottled tomato sauce, then sold from a pushcart. Today, the version of chilli crab we know consists of sambal, vinegar, tomato paste, and egg – an “improved” recipe by chef Hooi Kok Wah, one of the four “heavenly kings” of Chinese cuisine in the 1960s. Wondering where to eat chilli crab in Singapore? Patronise these seafood and zi char restaurants for the best renditions of the ever-popular dish. Be prepared to get your hands dirty!
Best chilli crab in Singapore
Momma Kong’s
From the look of the image above, you know you’re in for a treat. Momma Kong’s red chilli crab dish does not skimp on the indulgent sweet and spicy gravy – all the more reason to order a side of mantou to scoop up the sauce. Dining for two? Order the set meal, which comes with a signature crab of your choice, mantou, crayfish, grilled squid, veggie and dessert.
Momma Kong’s, 34 Mosque Street, Singapore 059512
Red House Seafood
Red House has been serving this chilli-drenched crustacean since 1976 and has justifiably garnered a loyal following. The juicy crab at this stalwart is on the sweeter end of the spectrum, with a touch of vinegar that smoothens the texture of the gravy.
Red House Seafood, multiple locations including Clarke Quay and Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel
Jumbo Seafood
Jumbo Seafood has always been the place to go for the iconic dish since it opened in 1987 at the still-popular East Coast Seafood Centre. The gravy accompanying the flavoursome crab at Jumbo has a slightly stronger tomato tinge than elsewhere and is richly layered with egg. Still a classic!
Jumbo Seafood Restaurant, multiple locations including Ion Orchard, Jewel Changi Airport and Dempsey Hill
No Signboard Seafood
This seafood restaurant has gone from a humble Aljunied hawker stall with no signboard (hence the name) to a culinary treasure in its storied 40-year history for good reason. It has consistently managed to serve up quality chilli crab over the years. The spiciness of the sauce and the plump, meaty crabs make this one a prime contender on our list.
No Signboard Seafood, multiple locations including Esplanade, Geylang and VivoCity
Long Beach Seafood
Prefer your chilli crab with more spice? Head to Long Beach Seafood – you’ll mop up every bit of the thick, vermillion gravy with your choice of steamed or fried mantou. The kitchen also does excellent black pepper crabs, in case someone in your dinner party doesn’t like chilli crab (though we would find that hard to believe).
Long Beach Seafood Restaurant, multiple locations including Dempsey, Stadium Boulevard and Stevens Road
Holycrab
With a moniker like that, you’re definitely in for a crabby treat. Holycrab aims to take the treasure chilli crab dish to the next level – quite literally (there are up to five spice levels to choose from). It’s not a one-trick pony either. Salted egg yolk, green curry, thick vermicelli, otak-inspired curry and black pepper versions are available if you’re craving for more. If you happen to wear white that day or you’re just too lazy to dig into the shell, we hear you. Order the Naked Red shell-less chilli crab dish for fuss-free dining. Holy crab indeed!
Holycrab, #01-03, 2 Tan Quee Lan Street, Singapore 188092
Home of Seafood
For a bang on halal option, head to Home of Seafood for your chilli crab fix. Even though the pepper crab is the crowning glory, the chilli crab is just as fantastic. Plus, with dishes such as prawn, crayfish, clams, abalone, fish head, baby squid and even sushi, it’s truly a seafood feast here.
Home of Seafood, 1 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 427739
Palm Beach Seafood
After selling the dish from a pushcart for a number of years, Madam Cher Ya and her husband opened Palm Beach Seafood in 1962 along Upper East Coast Road. While the couple sold off some of their shares in the restaurant and migrated to New Zealand, Palm Beach’s chilli crab today is still tender and sweet, with the sauce done just right!
Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant, #01-09, One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Road, Singapore 049213
Roland Restaurant
Eating at Roland Restaurant is definitely a blast from the past because the eponymous Roland is the son of Madam Cher (the creator of chilli crab). Not only does the eatery serve the original version of chilli crab, which is lighter and not as rich, it’s also still serving the dishes that the original Palm Beach Seafood was renowned for, like crispy baby squid.
Roland Restaurant, #06-750, Block 89, Marine Parade Central, Singapore 440089
Uncle Leong Seafood
Uncle Leong Seafood whips up one of the meanest chilli crab in Singapore that’ll turn any bad day into a good one. The crab is bathed in a deep red chilli sauce that’s packed with flavour. If there’s one other dish to try, it’s the Shimmering Sand Crab, a signature that’s drizzled with a special sauce and topped with oats.
Uncle Leong Seafood, multiple locations including Punggol, Waterway Point and Alexandra Road
Master Crab Seafood Restaurant
This brand has a couple of outlets around town, including an open-air outlet that’s tucked away in a coffee shop along Ghim Moh Road. It’s known for a dizzying array of crab creations like crab bee hoon and salted egg crab. But the decadent chilli crab takes the cake with its fleshy, sweet crabs, doused in thick sauce.
Master Crab Seafood Restaurant, multiple locations including Punggol and Sunshine Place
Mellben Seafood
Mellben Seafood is definitely your go-to when your crab craving demands to be satisfied. The chilli crab is pretty good, though we think the crab claypot bee hoon is the clear winner at this restaurant. Come here for big family gatherings and special occasions – everyone’s bound to have a great time.
Mellben Seafood, multiple locations including Ang Mo Kio and Toa Payoh
Hua Yu Wee
Housed in a grand mansion along Upper East Coast Road, Hua Yu Wee is the only 1970s seafood restaurant that stayed along the stretch and did not relocate to East Coast Park like the others. Snag a table at the open-air backyard and be transported back to yesteryear. Must-tries include the piquant chilli crab and crispy fried squid.
Hua Yu Wee, 462 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 466508
Kelly Jie Seafood
Kelly Jie is the prodigy of the famous Mellben Seafood at Toa Payoh, so you can expect stellar standards. Aside from the chilli crab dishes, you oughta try the claypot crab vermicelli soup that’s perfect for a rainy day.
Kelly Jie, #01-11/15, Blk 211 Toa Payoh Lorong 8, Singapore 310211
Majestic Bay
While more famous for its unconventional signature coffee sauce crab, Majestic Bay’s dish is also a stellar example of the classic done right. As an added bonus, the restaurant’s location right under the Flower Dome at Marina Gardens makes for quite the luxe experience. If you’re after chilli crab without getting your hands dirty, try the signature chilli crab meat buns packed with rich gravy and shreds of crab.
Majestic Bay, #01-10, Flower Dome, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
