The best chilli crab in Singapore

What is it? Housed in a historic black and white along Upper East Coast Road, Hua Yu Wee is big on the nostalgia factor.

Why we love it: The zi char restaurant hasn't moved from its original location since the 1970s and continues to produce exceptional Chinese dishes at reasonable prices. Crabs are priced around $79 for 800 grams, and the version of chilli crab here is milder than most and heavier on the tomatoes rather than the spice factor. Keen to dial up the heat? Order the black pepper crab instead. Other unmissable dishes include the coffee pork ribs and drunken shrimp.

Time Out tip: Do note that longer preparation times are pretty common during peak hours, but that's the trade-off for dining in this historic establishment. 

Address: 462 Upper East Coast Rd, Singapore 466508
Opening hours: Daily 5pm-11pm

What is it? An internet favourite, Chin Huat Live Seafood in Sunset Way has people singing praises for its almost faultless rendition of chilli crab.

Why we love it: You're actually allowed to pick your crabs here – Chin Huat uses Sri Lankan mud crabs for its chilli crab dish (seasonal price), and on most days, you'll find the meat to be firm and supple with a gentle sweetness. If you're in luck, you might even score a female crab too. The sauce is complex, viscous and nicely spiced with a homemade sambal chilli paste. If you're looking to try something different, the signature pumpkin-based Golden Sauce crab and black pepper crab are equally excellent.

Time Out tip: To avoid longer waiting times during peak periods, try calling ahead in to reserve your crabs.

Address: 105 Clementi Street 12, Sunset Way, #01-30, Singapore 120105
Opening hours: Daily 11am-2.30pm; 5pm-10.30pm

What is it? By now, Jumbo Seafood is more of an institution than a restaurant, and it's not just tourists – locals swear by the brand as well.

Why we love it: The chain has been serving the iconic chilli crab dish (seasonal price) at its birthplace, East Coast Park, since 1987. The reason it's a favourite of many has got to be its choice of crabs – they're extremely meaty with extra-large, fleshy pincers. The house sauce is pretty unique too, incorporating ground peanuts into the blend for an added crunch. And since you're already here, you might as well get a taste of its famed black pepper crab as well – chilli crab's strongest contender through the course of history.

Time Out tip: Jumbo Seafood has several other outlets in Singapore, including Dempsey Hill, ION Orchard, and Jewel Changi Airport.

Address: See locations and opening hours here
Opening hours: See locations and opening hours here

What is it? 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 Tanjong Pagar, Toa Payoh, and Pasir Ris.

Why we love it: It’s the chilli crab that diners keep coming back for, where you can choose between varying sizes of Sri Lankan crab (seasonal price): medium, large, and extra large. Every restaurant does its chilli crab sauce differently, and the one at this Michelin Guide-recommended spot is well-balanced and as spicy as it is sweet.

Time Out tip: There are also a ton of other crab dishes available, with popular hits being the claypot crab vermicelli soup and black pepper crab.

Address: 232 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 St 22, #01-1222, Singapore 560232
Opening hours: Daily 5pm-10pm

What is it? A familiar brand for many, No Signboard Seafood started out as a – you guessed it – nameless stall at Mattar Road Hawker Centre back in the 80s. The business has grown and shrunk over the years, with just one outlet left at Geylang.

Why we love it: Plump crab meat, with a rich and delicious sauce tinged with sweetness and the silkiness of eggs. That's how we'd describe No Signboard's chilli crabs (seasonal price). If all the newspaper clippings don't vouch for the restaurant, your experience should be good enough to. Always go for the classic Sri Lankan mud crab instead of the more showy Alaskan King and Dungeness varieties. 

Time Out tip: It's not just chilli crab that No Signboard does well – the white pepper crab is another signature, and actually the dish that put the restaurant on the culinary map to begin with. 

Address: 414 Geylang Road, Singapore 389392
Opening hours: Daily 11am-12.15am

What is it? Roland Restaurant has been around since the 50s, and their claim to fame? That they are the original creators of Singapore’s chilli crab.

Why we love it: Roland Lim took over the famed chilli crab recipe from his mother – Cher Yam Tian herself. It's quite the unassuming restaurant though, located in an HDB carpark in Marine Parade. But try the original recipe here – it differs a tad bit from chilli crab dishes we see nowadays, as they use an eggless gravy with no added sambal. It’s cooked with a large crab ($88), and you know the drill by now, mantous are a must. You can choose to add these on for $0.60 per bun. 

Time Out tip: On top of chilli crab, you can also sample Roland's specialty fried rice (from $16) and his homemade chilli sauce ($4.80). 

Address: 89 Marine Parade Central, #06-750, Singapore 440089
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11.30am-2.30pm, 6pm-10pm; Sun 11am-2.30pm, 6pm-10pm

What is it? Keng Eng Kee in Bukit Merah is one of the more well-known seafood restaurants in Singapore.

Why we love it: If you're there for the crab, be sure to make a reservation in advance since it's typically sold out for the walk-in crowd. The chilli crab (market price of around $100 per kg) is one of its more popular dishes, and it's served with a thick chilli gravy that's on the milder side for a less accustomed palate – think a slightly wetter, eggier, and sweeter sauce.

Time Out tip: Make sure to grab some steamed mantou to sop up all that gravy. Other must-orders when you dine here are the moonlight hor fun (from $7.80) and coffee pork ribs (from $15.80).

Address: 124 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-136, Singapore 150124
Opening hours: Daily 11am-1.45pm, 5pm-10pm

What is it? There's nothing more colloquial than slurping chilli crabs underneath an HDB block in Singapore.

Why we love it: Die-hard chilli crab fans will definitely know of Kelly Jie and her chilli crabs since the Toa Payoh stalwart first opened in 2006. Despite being known for plating up other famous seafood zi char dishes that stand well on their own, it is still the saucy amber-hued chilli crab dish ($93.90) that draws regulars back for a taste. The crabs here are always succulent and fresh, and the iconic sauce runs spicy and savoury with a lick of garlic. 

Time Out tip: But if you really want a taste of what the joint does best, it's the claypot crab bee hoon soup that is an absolute must-order.

Address: 211 Lor 8 Toa Payoh, Block 211, #01-11/15, Singapore 310211
Opening hours: Daily noon-2.30pm, 4.30pm-10pm

What is it? What better way to indulge in chilli crab than at the restaurant that started it all?

Why we love it: 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. Nevertheless, the legendary secret sauce might just make up for its price. The recipe has been perfected for over six decades and is known for its harmonious blend of chilli and tomato sauce, egg white drizzle and fresh coriander garnish.

Time Out tip: Not feeling the tomatoey dish? The black pepper crab is another big hit among the crowd.

Address: 1 Fullerton Rd, One Fullerton, #01-09, Singapore 049213
Opening hours: Daily noon-2.30pm, 5.30pm-10.30pm

What is it? Long Beach has been around since anyone can remember, and judging from the weekend crowds of multi-generational families, it's going to be around for the long haul.

Why we love it: Don’t be distracted by the other goodies piled high on surrounding tables. Just concentrate on the huge Sri Lankan mud crabs (from $11.80 per 100 grams) doused with a molten, eggy, tart, tongue-singeing chilli crab sauce. The joint sometimes offers Canadian Dungeness crabs or Canadian princess crabs as well.

Time Out tip: Equally raved about is the black pepper crab dish, which some say is even better than the restaurant's famed chilli crab dish. We'll let you be the judge of that.

Address: See locations and opening hours here
Opening hours: See locations and opening hours here