Charcoal Claypot Crab Review: Crabs On Fire!!

Located in Ubi, Charcoal Claypot Crab is a new-ish venture by the team behind Woodlands Claypot Prawn, a name familiar to fans of claypot dishes. The stall at 3014B Ubi Road 1 has garnered attention for its signature offering—the Charcoal Claypot Crab, a dish that promises the richness of charcoal cooking infused into fresh seafood.

Finding the place can feel like a bit of an adventure, especially if you’re not familiar with the Ubi area. But once you’re there, the smells wafting from the claypots will let you know you’re close.

The Signature Dish: Charcoal Claypot Crab

At the heart of the menu is the Charcoal Claypot Crab ($32.80), a dish that combines the allure of charcoal cooking with the natural flavours of crab.

The idea is simple yet promising: fresh crab cooked in a claypot over a charcoal fire, which should impart a smoky depth to the dish.

The broth, which forms the base of the dish, carries a subtle smokiness and warmth. However, it lacks the complexity that one might expect from such a dish. It’s pleasant, but it doesn’t quite achieve the bold flavours that would elevate it to something exceptional.

The crab itself is fresh, which is always a good start. However, the smaller size of the crab means that there isn’t as much meat to enjoy. The texture of the crab meat, while decent, doesn’t stand out. It’s tender but not particularly juicy or sweet.

For a dish that hinges on its main ingredient, the crab doesn’t quite deliver. Bear in mind though, that the base broth with the crab only costs $32.80, so having expectations for a large juicy crab might not be realistic. What you can do, is consider adding extra snow crab sticks ($8.80) to play pretend and make the dish alot more satisfying.

Charcoal Claypot Crab Menu

While the Charcoal Claypot Crab is the highlight, the menu offers a range of other ingredients that can be added to the hotpot.

The Premium Pork Shabu ($8.80) and Iberico Spain Pork Collar ($10.80) are both solid choices. The pork shabu is thinly sliced and tender, offering a nice contrast to the broth. The Iberico pork collar, with its rich flavour, adds a touch of premium to the meal.

Seafood afficionados might appreciate the Bursting Fishball ($8.80), which lives up to its name with a flavourful filling that complements the broth well. The Abalone Slice ($6.80) and Hokkaido Scallop ($10.80) are also notable additions. The abalone offers a slightly chewy texture, while the scallops are sweet and tender, providing a pleasant contrast to the other ingredients.

The Tiger Prawn ($10.80) is fresh, though it doesn’t particularly stand out in the mix of flavours.

Interestingly, one of the standout dishes isn’t a hotpot item at all. The Buttermilk Chicken Rice with Egg ($6.80) is a surprise hit.

The chicken, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, is served with a rich, flavourful buttermilk sauce. Paired with a perfectly fried egg and rice, it’s a dish that offers comfort and satisfaction, even overshadowing the hotpot offerings to some extent.

Charcoal Claypot Crab Review

Charcoal Claypot Crab offers a unique experience that has its strengths and weaknesses. The concept of charcoal-cooked crab in a claypot is new, and the dish does deliver on some of its promises, particularly with the smoky flavour. I personally felt the broth, while pleasant, could benefit from a deeper, more complex flavour profile. On the other hand, the other menu offerings, like the pork and seafood additions, provide a solid supporting cast to the main dish. The buttermilk chicken rice is a surprising highlight, offering a dish that was a great contrast to the hotpot.

^{Charcoal Claypot Crab Broth}

In conclusion, Charcoal Claypot Crab is worth a visit for those interested in trying something different. But it might not fully meet expectations, especially if you’re coming for the crab. If you do visit, keep an open mind, and perhaps order a variety of dishes to round out the experience. The outdoor setting may not be the most comfortable, but it’s manageable. Can try la.

Food: 3/5
Ambience: 3/5
Service: 3/5

Verdict:Can try
Overall Rating:3/5

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Charcoal Claypot Crab

3014B Ubi Rd 1
Singapore 408722 (Google Maps)
T:9623 7161

Charcoal Claypot Crab Operating Hours:
12pm-10pm daily.

How to get into Charcoal Claypot Crab:
Walk in only.

Best way to get to Charcoal Claypot Crab:
Drive or Grab.
Nearest MRT Ubi MRT Station. Exit A. (15min walk)

Charcoal Claypot Crab Menu
$32.8 for the claypot broth and ingredients ranging from $2.80 to $12.80. Charcoal Claypot Crab also offers chilli, black pepper, salted egg and golden sauce crab at seasonal prices.

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Other Charcoal Claypot Hotpot Reviews:

1. Kallang Claypot Lala Review – Starring Jumbo lalas & a broth to savour.
2. Steamboat Charcoal Claypot Prawn (Halal)
3. 10 Best Charcoal Claypot hotpot in Singapore