The best chilli crab in Singapore

One of Singapore's oldest seafood restaurants, Red House Seafood has managed to keep up with the times. While it has outlets in the trendy parts of Singapore, it is the latest waterfront restaurant at Esplanade that stands out. Placing an emphasis on sustainable seafood, the owners still source their meaty mud crabs from Colombo, Sri Lanka, which come cooked in a variety of styles. Its chilli crab is a prime example of how the dish should be done: sweet, tangy and spicy all in one bite.

Keng Eng Kee in Bukit Merah is one of the more well-known seafood restaurants in Singapore. If you're there for crab, make sure to make an advance reservation since they’re typically sold out for the walk-in crowd. The chilli crab is one of their more popular dishes, and is served with a thick chilli gravy. Dip one of the steamed mantou in– they don’t offer the fried buns here. Other highlights are the moonlight hor fun (from $7.80) and coffee pork ribs (from $15.80). 

Staunch chilli crab fans will definitely know of Kelly Jie and her chilli crabs since the Toa Payoh stalwart first opened in 2006. Known to plate up other well-loved seafood tzi char dishes that stand well on their own, it is still the saucy amber-hued crustacean dish that draws regulars back for a taste. Crabs are always fresh and their iconic sauce runs sweet and savoury with a lick of garlicky spice. And there's nothing more colloquial than slurping chilli crabs under an HBD void deck in Singapore.

They’ve been around since the 50s, and their claim to fame? That they’re the original creators of Singapore’s chilli crab. It’s quite the unassuming restaurant though, perched on a HDB carpark in Marine Parade. But try the original recipe here – it differs a tad bit, as they use an eggless gravy with no added sambal. It’s cooked with a large crab (seasonal price), and you can choose to add on mantou for $0.60 per bun.

This casual seafood eatery has been a zi char staple in Ang Mo Kio for decades, and they’ve also since branched out to other heartland spots like Toa Payoh and Pasir Ris. It’s the chilli crab that diners keep coming back for, where you can choose between the varying sizes of Sri Lankan crab: medium (from 1.2kg, $114), large (from 1.6kg, $152), and extra large (from 2kg, $190). Order up fried mantou (fried buns) to share too – it’s a flavourful medley when dipped into the chilli crab sauce. 

Jumbo Seafood's been serving chilli crabs (from $88/kg) at its birthplace, East Coast Park, since 1987 and has long been a favourite of many. The reason for its popularity has to be its choice of crabs – they’re all extremely meaty, with extra-large pincers. Its sauce is pretty unique, too, deploying ground peanuts for an added crunch. Jumbo has several other outlets in Singapore including Dempsey Hill, ION Orchard, and Jewel Changi Airport. 

Long Beach has been there since anyone can remember, and judging from the weekend crowds of multi-generational families, it's going to be around for the long haul. Don’t be distracted by the other goodies piled high on surrounding tables. Just concentrate on the huge Sri Lankan crabs doused with a molten, eggy, tart, tongue-singeing chilli crab sauce. Mop it all up with crispy fried mantou.

Its atas digs at Sentosa Cove provide gorgeous views, but Blue Lotus’ true claim to fame is its traditional Chinese dishes served with modern accents. The same can be said about its chilli crab ($9.80/100g). Served with bits of pomelo for a burst of sweetness and acidity, its chilli crab is a fine mix of fresh herbs and spices that brings the heat.

Seafood Paradise started as a humble zi char stall located in a coffee shop on Defu Lane. Today, the brand has expanded to include more than 30 restaurants in Singapore with almost 30 more around the world. Its flagship outlet at Marina Bay Sands has 177 seats and eight private rooms for when you want to messily tuck into crabs with your hands. Speaking of crabs, live seafood is the order of the day at Seafood Paradise. Have the classic chilli Sri Lankan crab or the restaurant's signature creamy butter Dungeness crab topped with coconut crumbs.

Its location within Gardens by the Bay means that Majestic Bay Restaurant is well poised to serve the tourist horde hankering for local delicacies. Each signature chilli crab dish comes with two of the crustacean but if that's too much for you to handle, you can have a taste of the classic dish by ordering the chilli crab meat buns ($5.50/3pcs) on its all-day dim sum menu. Otherwise, try the weekday chilli crab set ($99) which is just right for a table of four hungry folks, with two chilli crabs, Yangzhou fried rice, and a plate of greens. 

Sinaran Seafood is popular Halal eatery among the Westies for its affordable Halal-friendly zi char and seafood dishes suitable for large gatherings. Look past the chicken rice facade and you'll uncover their version of chilli crab which comes drenched in a thick and flavourful sauce with some spice to boot. While the location might dissuade your visit, perhaps this might: it contest as one of Singapore's cheapest, if not most affordable, chilli crab dishes out there. And don't forget to mop up the sauce with their mini-fried mantous when you're chowing down.

Housed in a historic black and white along Upper East Coast Road, Hua Yu Wee is big on the nostalgia factor. The zi char restaurant hasn't moved from its original location since the 1970s and continues to produce exceptional Chinese dishes at affordable prices. Crabs are priced around $73 for 800 grams and its version of chilli crab is milder than most and is heavier on the tomatoes than the spices.

Here's a hack that was recommended to us by Pang Seng Meng, the founder of New Ubin Group. Order two types of its live mud crabs , namely the classic chilli and garlic baked and ask for both to be cooked together. The result is a spicy and savoury dish that's packed with whole cloves of soft garlic. It ranges from $44 (300 grams) to $75 (800 grams). A true dining revelation.

What better way to indulge in chilli crab than at the restaurant that started it all. Not to mention the fact that Palm Beach has one of the best views in town: where the Singapore River meets Marina Bay. Be warned though, the seafood dishes here are more expensive than most – 1kg of crab costs upwards of $100 – due to its touristy location.