Best Chilli Crab: Where to Eat in Singapore

Chilli Crab, a quintessential dish of Singaporean cuisine, delights with its bold and harmonious flavors. The succulent crab meat, enveloped in a rich and spicy sauce, offers a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. Infused with aromatic spices, garlic, and tangy tomato paste, each bite of Chilli Crab is a symphony of taste sensations. This iconic dish embodies the multicultural essence of Singapore, blending Chinese, Malay, and Indian culinary influences. Whether enjoyed at a bustling hawker stall or a fine dining restaurant, Chilli Crab remains a beloved favorite, inviting diners to indulge in its exquisite flavors and cultural significance. Chilli Crab is often paired with deep-fried mantou, which perfectly soaks up the flavorful sauce. For those who crave the authentic taste of Chilli Crab, Singapore has no shortage of exceptional spots that serve this iconic dish. Check out BusyKidd’s Guide for the best chilli crab spots in Singapore.

Related Reading: Check out our guides to Best Baking Classes in Singapore, Best Cooking Classes in Singapore.

Which is the chilli crab recipe

The classic chilli crab recipe typically involves fresh crabs, a rich and spicy sauce made with ingredients like tomato ketchup, chili paste, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness. The sauce is cooked to a perfect balance of heat and flavor, often thickened with egg for a silky finish. You can find variations with added ingredients like pomelo or black pepper for unique twists!

How to Eat Singapore Chilli Crab

Eating Singapore chilli crab is a messy but delicious experience! Here’s how to enjoy it:

1. Prepare for a mess: Put on a bib or napkins, because the sauce can get messy.
2. Use your hands: Singapore chilli crabs are best eaten with your hands. Grab the crab legs and break them open, making sure to remove the shell and expose the sweet, tender meat.
3. Dip in the sauce: Once you’ve cracked the crab open, dip the meat into the rich, spicy chilli crab sauce. The sauce is flavorful, a mix of spicy, sweet, and tangy, so don’t be afraid to slather it on!
4. Scoop with mantou: For the full experience, order some fried mantou (sweet buns). Use them to scoop up the remaining sauce. The soft mantou absorbs the sauce beautifully.
5. Enjoy the flavors: Take your time to enjoy the combination of the crab meat, spicy sauce, and sweet buns. It’s a true Singaporean treat!

Remember, there’s no rush—just enjoy the flavors and don’t be afraid to get a little messy!

Jumbo Seafood

Image Credit: Jumbo Seafood via Facebook

Jumbo Seafood is an iconic name in Singapore’s culinary landscape, known for its signature succulent Chilli Crab bathed in a rich, tangy sauce. Located along the scenic Singapore River, diners can enjoy their crab while taking in the city’s picturesque skyline.

The most prominent brand in their portfolio had modest beginnings in 1987, originating from a single outlet (now their flagship restaurant) situated in East Coast Seafood Centre. The restaurant swiftly amassed a loyal following, establishing a reputation for delivering only the freshest seafood prepared to perfection. Iconic dishes like the Singapore Chilli Crab and Black Pepper Crab resonated with the hearts of local and overseas gastronomes. As the brand’s reputation expanded, so did the number of outlets.

In the present day, JUMBO Seafood encompasses multiple restaurants in Singapore and The People’s Republic of China, with franchises scattered across various locations in Asia. The evolution from a single outlet to a widespread presence underscores their enduring commitment to providing exceptional seafood dining experiences to a diverse and appreciative audience.

• Location: Multiple, including Jumbo Ion Orchard and East Cost
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Keng Eng Kee Seafood

Image Credit: Keng Eng Kee Seafood via Instagram

Keng Eng Kee Seafood is a beloved neighborhood gem known for its mouthwatering Chilli Crab, prepared with a perfect balance of tangy sweetness and fiery spice that keeps patrons coming back for more.

• Location: multiple
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Mellben Seafood Ang Mo Kio

Image Credit: Mellben Seafood

Mellben Seafood is celebrated for its uniquely creamy Chilli Crab sauce that sets it apart from the rest. Visitors can expect a delightful explosion of flavors with each bite, making it a favorite haunt for crab aficionados.

From a lineage of tze char stalls to an esteemed restaurant specializing in crabs since 1987, Mellben Seafood has undergone a remarkable evolution.

As one of the pioneering crab-centric establishments in Singapore, Mellben Seafood has become synonymous with signature dishes such as Claypot Crab Bee Hoon Soup, Butter Crabs, and Chilli Crabs.

Established by Sng Boon Chuan, aged 65, Mellben Seafood originally found its roots at Block 204 Serangoon Central in 1993. Over the years, it has transitioned into a distinguished culinary destination.

In a testament to its culinary excellence, the Ang Mo Kio branch of Mellben Seafood earned recognition in the 2019 Singapore Michelin Guide, securing a coveted “Michelin Plate” distinction.

• Location: 232 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, St 22, #01-1222, Singapore 560232
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Palm Beach Seafood

Image Credit: Palm Beach Seafood

Palm Beach Seafood is a hidden chilli crab gem nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of East Coast Park, offering diners a tranquil setting to relish their Chilli Crab. The chilli crab Singapore restaurant prides itself on using the freshest ingredients, ensuring a delightful dining experience every time.

Embarking on a journey of continual exploration, Palm Beach has gained insights into its desires, actions, and motivations. The focus is on capturing the flavors and essence of Singaporean cuisine, surpassing expectations in the process.

Palm Beach, in its pursuit, endeavors to craft a genuinely authentic Singapore dining experience. They firmly believe that every dish in their repertoire encapsulates the spirit of Singapore and its rich culture. This commitment is something they aim to extend to each guest who enters their establishment.

• Is this seafood restaurant near me? 1 Fullerton Rd, #01-09 One Fullerton, Singapore 049213
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Red House Seafood

Image Credit: Red House Seafood

Red House Seafood is another gem where diners can indulge in Chilli Crab prepared with expertise and finesse. Situated in a charming colonial-style building, this restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience steeped in Singaporean culinary tradition.

The culinary experts at Red House skillfully showcase a variety of flavors with finesse and expertise, exemplified in dishes like Braised Fish Meat Noodles and Crab Meat Pao Fan. Alongside these culinary masterpieces, the menu features beloved classics such as the Signature Chilli Crab and Lobster in Signature Creamy Custard Sauce. Exclusive to its newest outlet at the Marina Waterfront Promenade – The Esplanade, a BBQ section offers delectable items like Chicken Satay.

The brand has thrived over the years by upholding cherished ideals such as honesty, provenance, and a commitment to cooking from the heart. These principles continue to guide the team as they take no shortcuts in delivering thoughtfully prepared food at a reasonable value.

• Location: multiple
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Roland Restaurant

Image Credit: Roland Restaurant via Facebook

Roland Restaurant is renowned for its authentic Singaporean cuisine, with its Chilli Crab being a standout favorite among locals and tourists alike. The crab is cooked to perfection and served with mantou buns, perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

With just a couple of kerosene lamps, wooden tables, and stools, Mr. Lim Choon Ngee and Mdm Cher Yam Tian embarked on their seafood venture along the Kallang River. Cooking over an open charcoal fire, they attracted an increasing number of seafood enthusiasts. As the demand grew, the restaurant relocated to Bedok Beach (now the ECP) along Upper East Coast Road.

Their commitment extended beyond serving the finest quality seafood; they were known for offering exceptionally generous portions. Keeping seafood dishes to a minimum for operational simplicity, their specialties included the iconic Chilli Crab paired with local Crusty French loaf for sauce dipping, Black Sauce Prawns, Sambal Mussels, Fried Baby Squids, Teochew Style Steamed Fish, and the memorable Cockles dipped in Homemade Mum’s Chilli Sauce, crafted by Mdm Cher.

Word of mouth alone propelled their seafood restaurant in Singapore to prominence, and even today, their culinary creations consistently receive the highest praise.

• Location: 89 Marine Parade Central, #06-750, Singapore 440089
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Seafood Paradise

Image Credit: Seafood Paradise via Instagram

True to its name, Seafood Paradise offers diners a culinary journey through Singapore’s rich seafood offerings, with its Chilli Crab taking center stage. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and innovation ensures that every bite is a delight to the senses.

The inception of the Paradise narrative traces back to a small spark that ignited significant influence. This spark originated with Seafood Paradise, a modest 25-seater eatery in Defu Lane in 2002, celebrated for its delectable and reasonably-priced offerings. Buoyed by this success, founder Eldwin Chua expanded the venture, establishing a second outlet at the iconic Singapore Flyer. This move not only elevated Seafood Paradise to prominence but also garnered acclaim from both local enthusiasts and an international audience enamored with Singapore’s seafood delights.

Adhering steadfastly to his belief in crafting excellent food at a reasonable value, Eldwin Chua has propelled the growth of the Paradise brand. Presently, Paradise Group boasts a diverse portfolio of 11 culinary concepts spanning nine countries. With a presence in close to 50 restaurants in Singapore and over 60 restaurants worldwide, Paradise Group continues to cater to the palates of food lovers across the globe.

• Location: Multiple, including Seafood Paradise Clarke Quay
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Tung Lok Seafood

Image Credit: Tung Lok Seafood via Facebook

Tung Lok Seafood combines traditional flavors with contemporary presentation, resulting in Chili Crab that is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. Diners can expect top-notch service and a dining atmosphere that exudes elegance and charm.

• Location: multiple
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HOLYCRAB

HolyCrab works closely with top suppliers to bring the freshest Sri Lankan crabs to Singapore, ensuring the highest quality, antibiotic-free seafood for your enjoyment. Their chilli crabs are something amazing!

Chef Elton’s menu, once a home kitchen creation, has grown with passion and innovation. A highlight from its Private Dining days is the Omakase experience, featuring delicious Singaporean dishes (prebooking required).

Now, to enhance the experience, we’ve moved to Capitol Arcade, offering more seating and a beautiful bar. Positioned in Singapore’s historic heart, we aim to elevate local flavors, one meal at a time. It’s Epic-urean with a touch of “Woke Hei”!

• Location: Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, 13 Stamford Road, #01-85, Singapore 178905
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Long Beach Seafood

Long Beach has been a staple in Singapore for as long as anyone can remember, and with its loyal crowd of multi-generational families, it looks set to stay. While other dishes may tempt you, focus on their massive Sri Lankan mud crabs (from S$11.80 per 100 grams), drenched in a rich, eggy, spicy chilli crab sauce that packs a punch. They also occasionally offer Canadian Dungeness or princess crabs. Another must-try is the black pepper crab, which many consider even better than their famous chilli crab. But we’ll leave it to you to decide!

• Location: Multiple, including Long Beach Dempsey and Robertson Quay
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Crab at Bay Seafood

Crab At Bay started in 2015 as a small shop on Macpherson Road. They specialize in Asian Chinese cuisine, especially known for their flavorful chilli crab dishes in Singapore. The restaurant aims to thrill your taste buds with some of the best dishes worldwide. Using unique Chinese cooking techniques, their skilled chefs create mouth-watering seafood. Over the years, Crab At Bay has earned a reputation as the go-to place for fresh, delicious, and juicy crabs, praised by many satisfied customers.

• Location: 540-542 MacPherson Rd., Singapore 368223
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No Signboard Seafood Singapore

No Signboard Seafood serves some of the best chilli crab in Singapore. It began as a small hawker stall in the late 1970s, operating without a signboard. Customers spread the word about their fresh, flavorful dishes, making their white pepper crab a hit. Soon, they added chilli crab to the menu, winning over both locals and tourists. Today, people visit No Signboard Seafood to enjoy fresh, delicious sea food prepared to perfection.

• Location: 414 Geylang Road, Singapore 389392
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JUMBO SIGNATURES

JUMBO Signatures, the premium dining concept of JUMBO Group, elevates your dining experience with Singapore’s finest flavors. Set in a black-and-white colonial-inspired space, it brings the charm of Singapore’s heritage to life. At JUMBO Signatures, you can savor iconic local dishes from across the JUMBO Group, from the rich Bak Kut Teh by NG AH SIO to JUMBO Seafood’s award-winning Chilli Crab. Each dish is expertly crafted and paired with wines by the in-house sommelier, making for a truly refined taste of Singapore’s tradition and culture. Experience JUMBO Signatures’ exquisite Singaporean flavors by booking a table and exploring exclusive offers through mbs login.

• Location: The Shoppes, #B1-01B, MBS, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 0189561
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Seafood Bucket at Peninsula

Explore the Seafood Bucket menu at Peninsula and see what everyone’s raving about! From starters to desserts, get a taste of the delicious dishes waiting for you when you book a table. And you must try their chilli crab!

• Location: Peninsula Shopping Centre, 3 Coleman Street #B1-32, Singapore 179804
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 Kelly Jie Seafood

There’s nothing more Singaporean than slurping chilli crabs under an HDB block, and fans of this dish know Kelly Jie well. Since opening in 2006, the Toa Payoh eatery has become a local favorite. While they serve other popular seafood zi char dishes, it’s the signature chilli crab ($93.90) that keeps regulars coming back. The crabs are always fresh and succulent, smothered in a spicy, savory amber sauce with a hint of garlic. Don’t forget to order the deep-fried mantou—it’s the perfect pairing!

• Location: Blk 211 Toa Payoh Lorong 8 #01-11/15, Singapore 310211., Toa Payoh, Singapore
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Blue Lotus Chinese Eating House

Blue Lotus, located in the scenic Sentosa Cove, offers stunning views and a unique twist on traditional Chinese dishes. Its chilli crab (from S$9.80 per 100 grams) stands out with bits of pomelo, adding a refreshing citrusy flavor and balancing the heat. Since it’s served in limited quantities each day, be sure to reserve it in advance. Don’t miss the signature pork ribs, mapo tofu, and satay for a full dining experience.

• Location: #01-13 Quayside Isle, 31 Ocean Way, Singapore 098375
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Sinaran Seafood

Sinaran Seafood, a favorite among locals in the West, offers affordable halal-friendly zi char and seafood dishes perfect for large groups. Don’t be fooled by its chicken rice facade—inside, you’ll find a delicious chilli crab, drenched in a thick, flavorful sauce with a spicy kick. Though it’s tucked away in Bukit Panjang, its reputation as one of the most affordable chilli crab spots in Singapore makes it worth the trip.

• Location: 26 Teck Whye Ln, #01-170, Singapore 680026
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Hua Yu Wee Seafood

Hua Yu Wee, a nostalgic zi char spot in a historic black-and-white building along Upper East Coast Road, has been serving exceptional Chinese dishes since the 1970s. Their chilli crab (S$79 for 800g) is milder than most, with a tomato-based sauce rather than heavy spice. If you’re craving more heat, try the black pepper crab. Don’t miss the coffee pork ribs and drunken shrimp. Be prepared for longer wait times during peak hours, but it’s a small price to pay for dining in this iconic eatery.

• Location: 462 Upper East Coast Rd., Singapore 466508
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New Ubin Seafood

Here’s a hack from Pang Seng Meng, founder of New Ubin Group: order both the classic chilli and garlic baked live mud crabs, and have them cooked together. The result? A spicy, savory dish with whole cloves of soft garlic—an unforgettable flavor combination. Prices range from $65 (300-400g) to S$95 (800g). Another must-try is the ‘Heart Attack’ fried rice, cooked with beef tallow to pack in extra flavor and umami.

• Location: 30 Victoria St, #02-01B, Singapore 187996
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Crab Delivery Singapore by 8 Crabs

Experience the only crab delivery service in Singapore offering grade AAA premium Sri Lankan wild-caught crabs, with an unbeatable 1-for-1 satisfaction guarantee. Prepared by top chefs, it’s the best value you’ll find anywhere! Enjoy free delivery on all orders over S$150. For orders under S$150, delivery is just S$4.99. 

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FAQ for Chilli Crab Spots in Singapore

What is Zi Char? Zi char is a popular Singaporean and Malaysian dining style, where casual, family-run eateries serve a wide variety of home-style Chinese dishes, often cooked to order and meant for sharing.

Which zi char cafes with chilli crab are near me? Craving chilli crab? Check out these popular zi char spots near you:

• Long Beach (Multiple locations) – Known for its signature chilli crab and black pepper crab.
• Sinaran Seafood (Bukit Panjang) – Affordable and halal-friendly chilli crab, perfect for large gatherings.
• Kelly Jie Seafood (Toa Payoh) – Famous for its spicy, amber-hued chilli crab, paired perfectly with deep-fried mantou.

Just use your location and explore the best chilli crab options near you!

What is Seafood Company in Singapore? Seafood Company in Singapore is a well-known eatery offering fresh and delicious seafood, including famous dishes like chilli crab, black pepper crab, and other zi char favorites. They focus on providing high-quality, flavorful seafood at affordable prices.

Where to eat chilli crab in Singapore cheap? For affordable chilli crab in Singapore, try spots like Sinaran Seafood in Bukit Panjang, Kelly Jie Seafood in Toa Payoh, or hawker centers like Zion Riverside Food Centre.

Cover Image Credit: Tung Lok Seafood via Facebook