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12 Best Chilli Crab in Singapore – according to locals

Crabtivatingly good. The ‘Chilli-est’ Crab Spots in Singapore to go to. Stick around to find out where the best chilli crab in Singapore are.

Picture a plate of succulent crab, its sweet, tender meat enveloped in a rich, spicy sauce. This crimson elixir, a blend of fiery chilli, tangy tomato paste, aromatic garlic, and the subtle sweetness of crab roe, looks pure heaven. Each bite you take unveils a harmonious blend of tender crab meat against the backdrop of robust spices, heightened by aromatic garlic and a hint of sweetness, your head rolls back and your eyelids close as you let your oral senses transport you to a state of bliss.

Served with pillowy steamed buns or crispy fried mantou to soak up the luscious gravy, Chilli crab is not just a dish; it’s an unforgettable experience in every spoonful. We ain’t no crab connoisseurs but I believe we’ve tasted enough to know a thing or two. We’ve even had crabs appear in our dreams asking why they aren’t on the list.

So here it is: our list of the 12 best chilli crab in Singapore.


Jumbo Seafood 珍寶海鮮

Since its establishment in 1987, JUMBO Seafood has become a pillar of Singaporean dining, famous for its beloved chilli crab. This renowned dish features fresh Sri Lankan crab coated in a special sauce that blends sweet and spicy flavours inspired by Malay and Indian cuisines. Guests can choose from three types of live crab, each … Read more


Long Beach Seafood 长堤海鲜馆

Since 1982, Long Beach Seafood has been a cornerstone of Singapore’s seafood scene, renowned as the birthplace of the legendary Black Pepper Crab. The restaurant emphasis on freshness means only the finest live crabs are used, complemented with a secret family recipe that gives patrons the “long beach” taste. lively, casual ambiance and stunning harbour views create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience. Diners can choose from four varieties of live crab, all prepared to their liking. For those craving the famous Long Beach Chilli Crab, options include the Air Flown Live Dungeness Crab or the Live XL…


Red House Seafood 小红楼海鲜馆

RedHouse Seafood Restaurant offers a culinary feast for seafood aficionados. Delight in their famous Chilli Crab, where plump crabs are smothered in a rich, tangy sauce bursting with spice. The Salted Egg Prawns, coated in a luscious, golden salted egg yolk sauce, are both creamy and crispy. The steamed fish is impeccably fresh, subtly seasoned to enhance its natural sweetness, while the wok-fried squid, infused with a smoky char, delivers a tender yet slightly chewy texture. Each dish is a testament to their commitment to freshness and quality, making every meal at RedHouse an unforgettable seafood experience.


Mellben Seafood

Founded in 1993 by Sng Boon Chuan, Mellben Seafood was a pioneer in Singapore’s crab scene. Their focus on fresh, high-quality seafood and unique flavours quickly earned them a loyal following. Signature dishes like Claypot Crab Bee Hoon Soup, Butter Crab, and of course, the classic Chilli Crab, became their claim to fame. In 2019, … Read more


Keng Eng Kee Seafood (KEK Seafood)

From Hawker Stall to Michelin Recognition – KEK or Keng Eng Kee Seafood’s story began in the bustling heart of Singapore’s hawker scene. Back in the 1970s, they started as a humble stall in the iconic Old Havelock Road Hawker Centre. Their dedication to deliciousness and authentic flavors quickly won them a loyal following. When the center underwent demolition, Keng Eng Kee Seafood didn’t miss a beat. They relocated to Alexandra Village, carrying their legacy and loyal customers with them. Now known as KEK Zi Char, or “cooked food” in Hokkien, they embody the true spirit of Singapore’s hawker culture.


Roland Restaurant 东皇大酒楼海鲜

A Legacy of Chilli Crab – Roland Restaurant’s story began humbly in the 1950s along the Kallang River. Mr. Lim Choon Ngee and Mdm Cher Yam Tian, started a seafood stall with just a few kerosene lamps, wooden tables, and stools. Back then, the aroma of sizzling seafood filled the air as dishes were cooked … Read more


Dancing Crab

Run by the TungLok Group, one of Singapore’s top seafood restaurant groups, Dancing Crab brings a lively mix of American-style seafood and Singaporean flavours to your plate. Here, you can enjoy Boston lobsters and Dungeness crab, all covered in sauces that blend American spice with Singaporean herbs. Crabs are sourced from trusted vendors to ensure … Read more


New Ubin Seafood

New Ubin Seafood traces its origins to Pulau Ubin, where it first gained renown for its authentic kampong-style seafood served from a modest home on the island’s north shore. After the Singapore government acquired Pulau Ubin in 1992, the restaurant moved to various locations on the mainland. These included spots at Commonwealth, Keppel Marina, Punggol … Read more


Chin Huat Live Seafood

Chin Huat Live Seafood, named after its founder who started the restaurant in 1982, has become a beloved seafood spot in Singapore. Known for their dedication to top-notch seafood, the founder’s memorable slogan, “龙虾大过小女孩!” (a lobster larger than a little girl!), still resonates with patrons, highlighting their commitment to quality. The menu offers a diverse … Read more


Legacy Seafood 横行八道海鲜

Legacy Seafood is known for its fresh seafood. Their acclaimed chilli crab, with its meaty, fresh crab and savoury chilli gravy, lives up to its reputation. The razor clams and Hokkien mee also impress. Situated in an industrial area, driving is recommended. Featured in: The 12 Best Chilli Crab in Singapore


Uncle Leong Seafood

Uncle Leong Seafood started its legacy Ang Mo Kio and now has popular branches in Punggol, Kaki Bukit, and Toa Payoh. They’re known for fresh seafood, especially their “Shimmering Sand Crab Delight,” a favourite since 2002. This dish features a large crab with their special sauce and crispy oats for a delicious mix of flavours. … Read more


HolyCrab

HolyCrab’s move to Capitol Arcade marks a new chapter for this popular seafood restaurant. Located in Singapore’s cultural district, the restaurant now sits among beautiful Victorian-era buildings, blending old and new. Started in 2009 by Chef Elton, HolyCrab was first known as a private dining spot for its creative crab dishes. Signature dishes include Singapore … Read more

Chilli Crab in Singapore?

While the chilli crab is what everyone talks about, Singapore actually has a couple of other local favourites that packs a harder punch – The Black Pepper crab and White Pepper Crab. If they are on the menu, give them a shot, your tastebuds will thank you for the delightful kick of spice and added flavour depth.

Today, chilli crab is a staple at seafood restaurants and zi char stalls across the island. Each establishment puts its unique spin on the dish, but the essence remains the same: succulent crab meat smothered in a savoury, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce, often enjoyed with fried mantou buns to soak up every drop of the yummy gravy.

13 thoughts on “12 Best Chilli Crab in Singapore – according to locals”

  1. JB Ah Meng go there for pepper crab, no regrets. But if you want proper seafood, KEK or Hua Yu Wee, trust me. They know what they doing, both places good stuff

  2. You gotta try the chilli crab at Jumbo Seafood! It’s seriously the best in Singapore. The sauce is rich and full of flavor, perfect for dipping those fried mantous. Plus, the crab meat is super fresh and tender. Can’t get enough of it! I always leave wanting more.

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