Looking for the best chilli crab in Singapore? From Jumbo Seafood to Michelin Bib Gourmand favourites, here are our top picks for this iconic dish.
Ask ten Singaporeans where to find the best chilli crab and you’ll probably get ten different answers.
Some swear by Jumbo Seafood. Others are fiercely loyal to Long Beach, Mellben, or just their local restaurant around the corner. In fact, the debate over who serves the best chilli crab is almost as famous as the dish itself.
One thing everyone can agree on, however, is that no trip to Singapore is complete without trying this iconic seafood dish at least once.
Invented in Singapore in the 1950s, chilli crab combines fresh Sri Lankan crab with a thick, sweet and savoury tomato-based sauce that is perfect for mopping up with fluffy fried mantou buns.
From famous seafood institutions and Michelin Bib Gourmand favourites to hawker stalls and restaurants with spectacular views, these are some of our favourite places to enjoy chilli crab in Singapore.
And remember, no matter which restaurant you choose, there is one golden rule.
Always order the mantou.
A Few Things to Know Before Ordering Chilli Crab
Before you roll up your sleeves and dig in, here are a few things first-time visitors should know:
- Chilli crab isn’t particularly spicy. Despite the name, the sauce is more sweet and savoury than fiery, with flavours of tomato and chilli.
- It’s gloriously messy. Forget cutlery and don’t wear your best white shirt. Half the fun is getting stuck in with your hands. Restaurants will provide tools to make it easier and some will even provide bibs to protect your clothes.
- Crab is priced by weight. Most restaurants charge by the kilogram and prices can vary depending on the season and the size of the crab, so don’t be surprised if the final bill is higher than expected.
- One crab is usually enough for four people. Depending on your appetite, one medium-sized crab shared with a few accompanying dishes is often plenty for a group of four.
- Reservations are recommended. Popular seafood restaurants can get very busy, especially at weekends and during public holidays.
- Don’t overlook black pepper crab. While chilli crab gets all the attention, many locals will tell you that black pepper crab is every bit as delicious. Long Beach Seafood, in particular, is famous for its version.
- Order a few accompanying dishes. Typically, you will order Chilli Crab alongside other dishes to be eaten ‘family style’. Cereal prawns, kailan or kangkong, steamed fish, or chicken and pork dishes are all popular to include.
- Always order the mantou. These fluffy fried buns are made for soaking up every last drop of that delicious sauce. Trust us, you’ll regret it if you don’t.
Best Chilli Crab Restaurants in Singapore
You’ll find chilli crab on the menu at most seafood restaurants and even some larger hawker centres in Singapore, and everyone seems to have their own opinion on who does it best.
For this list, we’ve focused on places that are easy for visitors to get to and that we think are worth building into your itinerary. After all, the last thing you want after a long day sightseeing is to spend an hour travelling across the island in search of dinner.
Jumbo Seafood
Best for first-time visitors
If you’ve heard of just one chilli crab restaurant in Singapore, it’s probably Jumbo Seafood.
This famous seafood chain has been serving up its signature chilli crab for decades and remains one of the most popular choices for visitors.
We particularly like the Riverside Point branch in Clarke Quay, while the Dempsey Hill location offers a leafy setting away from the city crowds.
Long Beach Seafood
Best for East Coast atmosphere and Black Pepper Crab
Long Beach Seafood is an East Coast institution and is credited with creating Singapore’s famous Black Pepper Crab.
While the iconic East Coast Seafood Centre is being redeveloped, Long Beach will remain an East Coast favourite with a new home at Coastal PlayGrove.
For most visitors, however, the Robertson Quay branch is easier to reach. We also love the leafy setting of the Dempsey Hill branch.
Mellben Signature
Best local favourite
Ask Singaporeans where they go for crab and Mellben will frequently be mentioned. Thankfully, the Mellben Signature branch in Tanjong Pagar (close to Chinatown) means visitors no longer have to make the trek to Ang Mo Kio to sample one of Singapore’s best-loved seafood restaurants.
Roland Restaurant
Best for chilli crab history
Roland Restaurant has a strong claim to the origins of chilli crab. The restaurant was founded by the son of Cher Yam Tian, who is widely credited with inventing the dish in the 1950s. If you’re interested in the story behind Singapore’s national dish, this is the place to come.
Palm Beach Seafood
Best views
With a prime location overlooking Marina Bay and the Merlion, Palm Beach Seafood is hard to beat for atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a crab feast while taking in some of Singapore’s most iconic views.
Keng Eng Kee Seafood
Best Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant
Better known simply as KEK, this long-standing zi char restaurant has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand and a loyal following among locals. Its chilli crab is excellent, but don’t overlook the other signature dishes on the menu.
Sin Hoi Sai Seafood Restaurant
Best after exploring Tiong Bahru
This long-time favourite has been serving seafood lovers for decades and is a great excuse to combine a crab feast with a day exploring Tiong Bahru. Expect generous portions and plenty of local families.
Alliance Seafood at Newton Food Centre
Best hawker option
Located in Newton Food Centre, this Michelin Bib Gourmand stall proves you don’t need white tablecloths to enjoy great chilli crab. It offers a more casual experience and a chance to sample one of Singapore’s most famous hawker centres.
Red House Seafood
Another long-time favourite, Red House Seafood has been serving Singaporeans for around 50 years. Today you’ll find branches at The Esplanade, Clarke Quay and the Grand Copthorne Waterfront, where you can enjoy its famous chilli crab alongside other classic seafood dishes.
Chilli Crab vs Black Pepper Crab
While chilli crab may be Singapore’s most famous seafood dish, many locals will tell you that black pepper crab is just as good – if not better.
The two dishes are very different.
Chilli crab features a rich tomato and chilli-based sauce with hints of sweetness and egg. It’s messy, finger-licking good and perfect for soaking up with fried mantou buns.
Black pepper crab, on the other hand, is drier and more intensely flavoured. Freshly cracked black pepper gives it a spicy kick and allows the natural sweetness of the crab to shine through.
So which one is better?
That’s a debate that has been raging in Singapore for decades, and everyone seems to have their own opinion.
If it’s your first time, our advice is simple.
Don’t choose. Order one of each and decide for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best place to eat chilli crab in Singapore?
There is no single “best” restaurant, and opinions vary wildly! For first-time visitors, Jumbo Seafood is hard to beat thanks to its convenient locations and consistently excellent chilli crab. If you’re after history, head to Roland Restaurant, while Long Beach Seafood is also famous for its Black Pepper Crab.
How much does chilli crab cost in Singapore?
Chilli crab is priced by weight, so prices can vary depending on the size and type of crab. Expect to pay anywhere from around S$80 to S$130 for a medium-sized crab, with larger crabs costing considerably more.
Is chilli crab spicy?
Not really. Despite the name, chilli crab is more sweet and savoury than fiery. The rich sauce contains tomato, chilli and egg and is suitable for most palates.
How many people does one crab feed?
As a general rule, one medium-sized crab is enough for up to four people, especially if you order a few side dishes to share.
Do I need to book in advance?
Popular seafood restaurants can be very busy, particularly at weekends and during public holidays. Reservations are recommended if you have your heart set on a particular restaurant.
What should I order with chilli crab?
Mantou buns are essential for mopping up the delicious sauce. Other popular side dishes include kailan or kangkong, cereal prawns, steamed fish and other chicken/pork dishes.
Which is better: chilli crab or black pepper crab?
Ah, now you’re asking the difficult questions! This is one of Singapore’s great culinary debates, and everyone seems to have their own favourite. Our advice? Order one of each and decide for yourself.