One of our unofficial national dishes, the chilli crab is one of the World’s Most Delicious Foods. With a history dating back to the 1950s, it is said to be invented by Madam Cher Yam Tian. Made with bottled chilli and tomato sauce, the original chilli crab was sold from a pushcart. The recipe was improved by chef Hooi Kok Wah, one of the four “heavenly kings” of Chinese cuisine in the 1960s. Where are the best spots in Singapore to get your fill of chilli crabs? Click here and vote for your favourite chilli crabs in Singapore!
1. Mellben Seafood
From a humble stall in 1979, the family-run Mellben Seafood is now a well known location for seafood in Singapore. Many would agree that their chilli crabs are some of the best on our island! Fresh, large crabs are served in a thick, sweet and spicy sauce. The Level of spice can be adjusted, and the sauce is perfectly gooey, eggy and starchy. Perfect for soaking some mantou in!
2. No Signboard Seafood
A household name today, this seafood restaurant has its humble beginnings as a hawker stall in Aljunied with no signboard (hence its name!) What's special about No Signboard's chilli crab is that it is made with a Peranakan-inspired recipe with herbs and spices. The result is an eggy, slurp-worthy sauce, slightly on the sweet side and not too spicy. Pairs like a dream with their larger-than-usual, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside mantous!
3. Roland Restaurant
Roland, owner of the eponymous restaurant is the son of Madam Cher, the original creator of the chilli crab. It could be said that this is the most authentic Singapore chilli crab you'll ever have! An old-school spot with decor from the 90s, it's hard to find younger Singaporeans at this restaurant. However, they serve up one of the bestselling chilli crabs in Singapore, and it was also awarded with a Michelin Plate! The chilli crab here is lighter and not as rich, savoury, mildly spicy and slightly sweet.
4. JUMBO Seafood
JUMBO Seafood has been a popular option for the iconic dish since it opened in 1987 at East Coast. Today, they are arguably the most popular option for the tourist market. And from one outlet in East Coast, they've grown even beyond Singapore! Their award-winning Chilli Crab is drenched in a drool-worthy sauce made with more than 10 Southeast Asian spices. It has a sweet sourness and subtle eggy fragrance that perfectly amplifies the sweetness and freshness of the crabs.
5. Long Beach Seafood Restaurant
Chilli crab lovers who prefer a spicier sauce all say good things about Long Beach Seafood's rendition. Said to be the creator of the black pepper crab, the chilli crab at Long Beach is fresh, sweet and moist, while the sauce is eggy and has a spicier kick towards the end. You’ll mop up every bit of the thick, rich sauce with your mantou and still want more!
6. Red House Seafood
Red House Seafood has been serving up delicious chilli crabs and satisfying Singaporean bellies since 1976. Unsurprisingly, they’ve garnered a loyal following over the decades. Their chilli crab is served with an abundance of sauce that leans towards the sweeter side, and you can also choose from three types of crabs – Sri Lankan Mud Crab, Scottish Brown Crab or Alaskan King Crab – to customise your dish!