7 Best Places to Eat Crab in Singapore: Beyond Chilli Crab

When it comes to iconic Singaporean dishes, crab is a must-try.

This delicacy is served in various styles, from the famous chili crab to black pepper crab. With so many options, finding the best places to eat crab in Singapore can be daunting.

But fear not, fellow foodies, we’ve tasted and narrowed down the seven best places to indulge in this seafood delight.

Our list includes high-end restaurants and local hawker stalls, so there’s something for every budget and taste preference.

We’ve scoured online reviews, asked locals for their recommendations, and even tried a few places ourselves to bring you this definitive guide to the best crab in Singapore.

Whether you’re a seasoned crab aficionado or a first-timer looking to try this iconic dish, we’ve got you covered.

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Update April 2024:
🦀
We have added a new recommended Crab restaurant below: 8 Crabs! 🦀

⬇️ Check the videos along the post below ⬇️

Top 7 Best Places to Eat Crab in Singapore

As foodies, we love indulging in the best seafood dishes, and Singapore Crab is one of our favorites. In this section, we have rounded up the top 7 places in Singapore where you can find the most delicious Singapore Crab.

1. Jumbo Seafood

Jumbo Seafood is a popular seafood restaurant serving Singapore Crab since 1987. Their award-winning chili crab is a must-try, and they also offer other crab dishes such as black pepper crab, salted egg yolk crab, and butter crab. Jumbo Seafood is an excellent place to enjoy a seafood feast with family and friends.

Why we love it?

The chilli sauce is the defining factor of the style and taste of chilli crab at Jumbo Seafood restaurant, which is known for its thick, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce that is relatively mild in spiciness compared to other chilli crab dishes.

The restaurant is located by the riverside in Boat Quay, offering stunning views of the Singapore River and its mix of old port structures and modern skyscrapers.

Outdoor seating provides a perfect spot to take in the iridescent reflections on the water, the twakow boats, and the stylish patrons. At the same time, the air-conditioned interior is an excellent option for a more comfortable dining experience.

In addition to their famous seafood, Jumbo Seafood also offers highly recommended meat and vegetable dishes, such as black pepper crab, herbal drunken live prawns, cereal prawn, salted egg prawn, fried rice with diced chicken, and salted fish, steamed bamboo clam, chilled shredded roast duck salad, sambal kangkong, and mango desserts

2. No Signboard Seafood

No Signboard Seafood is another popular restaurant serving some of the city’s best Singapore Crab.

The chain has four outlets across Singapore, with the original branch located in Geylang, boasting a rustic ambiance that takes diners back to the nostalgic past. The founder of No Signboard Seafood, Mdm Ong Kim Hoi, started as a seafood hawker stall in Mattar Road Hawker Centre in the 1970s.

Today, No Signboard Seafood is one of the finest seafood restaurants in Singapore, specializing in chili crabs and, notably, white pepper crab. The Geylang branch is an ideal venue for those who wish to walk down memory lane of Singapore in the ‘good old days’ of the 70s and dine alfresco.

No Signboard Seafood offers a main restaurant menu, a dim sum menu, and a set menu, though the menus may vary according to the outlet.

Why we love it?

The iconic White Pepper Crab is a must-try at No Signboard Seafood, with an aromatic peppery fragrance that will have you drooling before you even begin eating.

This signature dish sets No Signboard Seafood apart from its competitors, as it typically serves black pepper crab. The dish is served with vermicelli cooked with the crab, making it flavorful and delicious.

The Chilli Crab is another famous dish, with succulent crab meat complemented by a peppery kick. You can choose the level of spiciness to cater to your preferences. This cemented No Signboard Seafood as our pick of best places to eat crab in Singapore.

No Signboard Seafood’s version of the Singapore Chilli Crab is created with their own Peranakan-inspired recipe using herbs and spices, rather than tomato ketchup like other versions.

The restaurant also serves various dishes, ranging from crabs and seafood to meat and vegetables, including premium items such as Shark’s Fin, Abalone, and Sea Cucumber.

Location:

3. Long Beach Seafood Restaurant

We decided to visit Long Beach Seafood Restaurant‘s Dempsey outlet to taste Singapore’s original black pepper crabs and other popular seafood dishes.

Long Beach is known for being the first restaurant in Singapore to serve live seafood and has been around since the early 1940s. It has become a popular seafood destination with four branches across Singapore.

We were impressed by the restaurant’s beautiful ambiance, surrounded by lush greenery and 12 private rooms. The staff were genuine, entertaining, and attentive, providing fast service throughout our meal.

We tried several dishes, including the signature Black Pepper Crab, Chilli Crab, Salted Egg Crab, Golden Lobster, Razor Clams, Deep Fried Flat Noodles with La La King, and Soy Sauce Glazed Pork Ribs.

The Black Pepper Crab was our favorite, with three giant Sri Lankan crabs cooked with black pepper sauce with just the right spiciness level and a hint of sweetness.

The Chilli Crab had the right consistency, and the crab meat was fresh and juicy. The Salted Egg Crab combines savory salted egg yolk stir-fried with sweet and succulent crabs.

The Golden Lobster was another specialty dish we enjoyed, with fresh lobsters fried with crunchy golden oats, basil leaves, and egg yolk. The Razor Clams were huge and juicy, topped generously with garlic and fried shallots.

The Deep Fried Flat Noodles with La La King was a mandatory dish to order at Long Beach Seafood, and the serving portion was huge and a great value for money. The Soy Sauce Glazed Pork Ribs were soft, plentiful, and flavorful.

Long Beach Seafood Restaurant’s Dempsey outlet is a great place to hang out with friends and family and enjoy fresh seafood and local delicacies. The restaurant has a bustling and lively atmosphere and is consistent with good food and service. We highly recommend the Dempsey branch if you are looking for best places to eat crab in singapore for its beautiful ambience and great seafood dishes.

Why we love it?

If you’re a fan of spicy seafood, Long Beach Seafood Restaurant’s chilli crab is a must-try. The dish has an intense level of spiciness that sets it apart from others.

Long Beach Seafood Restaurant is legendary for its black pepper crab, which was reportedly first created by a talented chef at the restaurant. The dish has become a signature item on the menu, earning the restaurant a remarkable reputation among diners.

The crabs are served with a perfectly coated layer of fragrant and delicious black pepper sauce, making each crab a succulent treat. The spices complement the freshness of the meat perfectly, making it one of the top spots for black pepper crab in Singapore.

4. Mellben Seafood

Mellben Seafood has been a family-run restaurant serving Singapore Crab since 1979. Their signature crab dish is the butter crab, which is a must-try. They also offer chili crab, black pepper crab, and salted egg yolk crab. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for a casual dinner with family and friends.

The restaurant became one of the best places to eat crab in Singapore when it earned recognition in the Singapore Michelin Guide and received a ‘Michelin Plate’ distinction.

The best-selling dishes at Mellben Signature are similar to those at Ang Mo Kio, mainly their crab dishes like Creamy Butter Crab and Claypot Crab Vermicelli Soup, which are popular with regulars.

The latter features a lighter broth with milk, said to be healthier than the stronger versions elsewhere.

The dishes at Mellben Signature are plated and presented beautifully, making them ideal for celebratory occasions where aesthetics are key. For crab dishes, the freshness and quality of the crabs served is crucial.

At Mellben Signatures, there is a commitment to ensure that only the highest quality Sri Lankan crabs are brought to the dining tables.

This is done via an additional selection round by Mellben staff after their suppliers bring in each fresh batch of crabs.

Why we love it?

Mellben Seafood’s menu features an impressive selection of 15 crab dishes, making it a true haven for crab enthusiasts. Indulge in standout crab offerings such as chilli crab, clay pot crab vermicelli soup, butter crab, laksa crab, black pepper crab, salted egg yolk crab, ginger onion crab, and shimmering sand crab.
Their chili crab is made with large crabs smothered in a thick, spicy, and slightly sweet chili sauce that is starchy, eggy, and gooey, with an abundance of sauce that is perfect for dipping mantou. The spice level can be adjusted to suit individual preferences.

Besides that, Mellben Seafood is a top spot for clay pot crab bee hoon, also known as clay pot crab vermicelli soup, a noodle soup dish that features a milky broth rich with the aroma and sweetness of crabs.

For many locals, Mellben is the go-to destination to savor this delectable crab dish, which may be new to your culinary repertoire but will surely delight your taste buds from the very first spoonful.

5. Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant

Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant has been operating since 1956 and is one of the island’s oldest and most successful seafood restaurants.

The long list of accolades, including multi-awards from the Singapore Tourism Board, Most Desirable Local Dish, Most Popular Chili Crab Restaurant, and New Signature Dish of the Year from Singapore Food Festival, and a decade’s worth of Excellent Service Awards, is a testament to their success

One of the appetizers is the Fried Kang Kong with Cuttlefish, a combination that may seem odd but makes sense in this chilled version.

The dish is mixed with sweet sauce, chili, and spicy dried shrimp and complete with a handful of deep-fried shallots and nuts, making it delightful. Slightly less sauce would have been even more ideal.

The Seafood King Prawn Soup is a pocket-friendly variant of the restaurant’s award-winning Coco Lobo that features live lobster with vermicelli in a milky and tangy superior chicken stock, using the same broth and a succulent tiger prawn.

The well-loved broth made with evaporated milk, dried orange peel, Jin Hua ham (Chinese cured meat), chili oil, and lime juice is pretty close to the taste of Tom Yum but less piquant.

Of all the crab dishes, the Crabs Crab Ala Singapura is outstanding. This award-winning dish is charcoal-grilled at 400 degrees Celsius with melted mozzarella, aged parmesan cheese, creamy French butter, salt, and pepper.

The use of both melted mozzarella and aged parmesan cheese strikes a balance in flavor and creaminess, making it savory more than sweet and the creaminess lifted and sharpened by peppery nuances.

Why we love it?

Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant opened its doors more than half a century ago with the goal of embodying the spirit of Singapore and her culture in each dish. This feat has proven to be a winner, especially considering the warm reception that the locals have given to their signature dishes such as Chili Crab, Black Pepper Crab, and Coco-Lobo.

6. The Boiler Seafood Bar and Beer

The Boiler is a multi-award-winning restaurant that satisfies diners of all appetites with its exceptional cuisine and intimate ambiance.

As one of the best places to eat crab in Singapore, please come and experience the seduction of the freshest seafood, great music, and endless booze with your family and friends. We promise you a tasty meal that will leave your fingers satisfied.

Check in every month for limited-time-only flavors that are concocted specially by the chefs.

The Boiler serves up fresh seafood, known as seafood boil, together with strong, bold sauces infused with both local and Western spices. It aims to ignite your five senses by bringing back the harmonious spirit of fresh, tasty seafood and an unassuming dining atmosphere all under one roof.

In 2008, the owners, a group of bankers-turned-restaurateurs, were introduced to a seafood boil restaurant in L.A. by their relatives. It was love at first sight. They were intrigued by the rich Cajun culture and were determined to share the joy of this communal experience back with their family and friends. After countless backyard crab feasts, they finally created flavors that boast a fusion of Asian and American spices.

This secret recipe comprises 11 different spices and ingredients, which the owners pack up every night after the restaurant closes.

We tried The Boiler’s version of the black pepper crab, a Singaporean favorite, which featured a mud crab cooked in Peppa Butter sauce. The crab meat absorbed the robust flavor, a combination of black and white pepper, balancing the taste and bringing out the full aroma of the crab when eaten together.

What pairs well with sumptuous seafood boil? A cold mug (or two or three) of good beer.
The Boiler offers an assortment of craft and draft beer, including Stone IPA, which is one of the best-selling IPAs in the world for its gorgeous blend of tropical, citrusy, and piney flavors and aromas.

Why we love it?

The secret behind The Boiler’s rich sauces is the copious amount of butter that goes into them, along with a special chicken broth that is boiled for over 12 hours, which ties them all together.

7. Red House Seafood Restaurant

Red House Seafood has built a loyal following for its great food and welcoming atmosphere since 1976. This restaurant always offers the best seafood dishes with the freshest supplies from all over the world, including abalone from Australia, mud crab from Sri Lanka, and geoduck from Canada.

For us locals, Red House is one of the best places to eat crab in Singapore for family reunions, business meetings, or romantic dinners.

Red House Seafood’s menu consists of three main parts: ala carte, corporate, and promotion sections. It offers exclusive beverages to certain outlets and has a dim sum buffet option at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel and Esplanade outlets. There are also vegetarian options available for all outlets.

Apart from dim sum menus, Red House Seafood also offers daily lunch and dinner set meals that cater to between two to six people, which offer rice or noodles and several dishes such as the Spicy Seafood Combination and Lobster in Signature Creamy Custard Sauce.

Crabs are a must-try at Red House Seafood, and we had the Alaskan King Crab Wok-Fried and Tossed in White Pepper (Seasonal Price).

It had a distinct white pepper flavor from the white pepper sauce, yet it was not too spicy. We loved the natural sweeteners of the crab, which were a testament to its freshness.

The overall flavors were lovely as the crab was finished with unsalted butter, premium hua tiao wine, and fish sauce. This is one of our favorite dishes on the menu.

Its exclusive beverages include non-alcoholic drinks such as homemade juices and teas, as well as Lychee Green Tea, Citrus Yuzu, and Tangerine Fizz mocktails. The alcoholic drinks range from beers to cocktails and even hard liquor and wines.

Why we love it?

Red House offers a sweet sauce version of chilli crab. The chilli gravy is sweet, rather than savory, and this luscious sauce goes well with crab meat and deep-fried mantou. The restaurant’s less spicy crab dishes are perfect for when we want something new for our palates, rather than something classic.

A NEW Place to Enjoy The Chilli Crab

8 Crabs

The much-celebrated zichar hotspot, 8CRABS, has launched a new location near Taiseng MRT.

We indulged in their selection of Sri Lankan and South East Asian crabs, masterfully prepared in delectable sauces such as classic chili, rich black pepper, and indulgent garlic butter.

These were complemented by a range of other tantalizing zichar dishes.

8CRABS is dedicated to bringing sumptuous crab delicacies within reach, presenting Southeast Asian crabs that are just as scrumptious but priced at less than half their famed Sri Lankan counterparts!

Furthermore, the prized Sri Lankan crabs are also offered at an attractive price point.

Their Chilli Crab is prepared in the classic Singaporean style, where the crabs are stir-fried in a thick, sweet, and savory tomato-based sauce with a good kick of chili heat.

The sauce is enriched with a base of tomato paste and chili sauce, thickened with beaten eggs, and often includes a hint of rice vinegar to enhance its tangy profile.

Why we love it?

One of the key reasons I love the Chilli Crab at 8crabs is their commitment to using quality, wild-caught crabs. They claim to source their crabs directly from the waters surrounding Sri Lanka, ensuring that each crab is meaty, fresh, and full of natural sweetness, which harmonizes beautifully with the spicy sauce.

What Makes Singapore Crab Special

When it comes to seafood, Singapore is known for its crab dishes. Singapore crab is a must-try dish for any seafood lover visiting the city-state. The dish is unique, and its preparation blends Chinese, Malay, and Indian cooking styles. The result is a dish that is packed with flavor and is a true representation of Singapore’s multicultural cuisine.

What makes Singapore crab special is the sauce that it is cooked in. The sauce is a blend of spices, including chili, garlic, ginger, and tomato sauce. The sauce is thick, sweet, and savory, with a spicy kick that leaves a tingle on your taste buds. The sauce is so delicious that you will want to slurp it up with a spoon.

Another thing that makes Singapore crab special is the type of crab used. The most popular crab used in Singaporean cuisine is the mud crab. Mud crabs are known for their sweet and succulent meat, perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.

The crab is usually served whole, and it is up to the diner to crack open the shell and dig into the meat.

Finally, what makes Singapore crab special is the way it is eaten. Unlike other crab dishes, Singapore crab is a messy affair.

Diners are given bibs to wear, and the dish is usually eaten with bare hands. The crab is cracked open, and the meat is dipped into the sauce before being devoured. It is a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal with friends and family.

You can have it either with rice or bread.

In conclusion, a Singapore crab is a dish that is unique to Singapore and is a must-try for any seafood lover visiting the city-state.

The blend of spices, the type of crab used, and the messy way it is eaten make it an exceptional dish that will surely leave a lasting impression.

Different Ways to Cook Singapore Crab

Singapore is famous for its delicious and fresh seafood, especially its crabs. There are many ways to cook crab, each with its unique flavor and texture. In this section, we will explore four of the most popular ways to cook Singapore crab.

1. Chili Crab

Chili crab is one of the most famous and beloved dishes in Singapore. The dish is made by stir-frying crab in a spicy tomato-based sauce. The sauce is sweet, sour, and spicy, making it a perfect balance of flavors. The crab is usually served with steamed buns or rice, which is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

2. Black Pepper Crab

Black pepper crab is another popular dish in Singapore. The dish is made by stir-frying crab in a black pepper sauce. The sauce is spicy and fragrant, making it a favorite among those who love bold flavors. The crab is usually served with steamed buns or rice, which is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

3. Salted Egg Yolk Crab

Salted egg yolk crab is a newer dish in Singapore but has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The dish is made by stir-frying crab in a salted egg yolk sauce. The sauce is rich and creamy, and the salted egg yolk gives it a unique flavor. The crab is usually served with steamed buns or rice, which is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

4. Butter Crab

Butter crab is a dish that originated in Malaysia but has also become popular in Singapore. The dish is made by stir-frying crab in a butter sauce. The sauce is rich and creamy, and the crab is usually served with steamed buns or rice.

Tips on Eating Singapore Crab

When it comes to eating Singapore crab, there are a few things to remember to ensure you have the best experience possible. Here are some tips to help you navigate your way through this delicious dish:

• Get messy: Eating crab is a hands-on experience, so don’t be afraid to get a little messy. Use your hands to crack open the shells and dig out the meat. Just make sure you have plenty of napkins on hand!
• Order the right size: When ordering crab, you’ll be asked what size you want. The minimum is usually around 2 pounds, which is a good size to start with if you’re sharing with a group. If you’re dining solo, you might want to opt for a smaller size.
• Choose your sauce: There are several different sauces to choose from when it comes to Singapore crab, including chili, black pepper, and salted egg yolk. Each sauce has its own unique flavor, so don’t be afraid to try a few different ones.
• Pair it with other dishes: While Singapore crab is delicious, it’s even better when paired with different dishes. Consider ordering steamed buns or fried rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
• Don’t forget the sides: Besides other dishes, you’ll also want to order some sides to accompany your crab. Some popular options include stir-fried vegetables, fried tofu, and crispy noodles.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a delicious meal of Singapore crab. So go ahead, get messy, and savor every bite!

Best Places to Eat Crab in Singapore: Wrap-Up

After trying out the various crab dishes in Singapore, we have concluded that Singapore is a crab lover’s paradise. There is something for everyone, from the classic chili crab to the unique butter crab.

We highly recommend trying out JUMBO Seafood Restaurant’s chili crab for an authentic and delicious experience. The restaurant’s location by the riverside also adds to the overall ambiance of the meal.

Mellben Seafood’s butter crab is a great choice for those who prefer a less spicy option. The buttery and creamy taste perfectly complements the fresh crab meat.

Overall, we recommend trying out a few crab dishes during your visit to Singapore. With so many options of the best places to eat crab in Singapore, you will surely find a favorite.