7 Best Chilli Crab in Singapore (2024) to Die for

JUMBO Seafood, renowned for its live seafood prepared in Singaporean style, has over twenty years of experience in satisfying local and international foodies.

The restaurant prides itself on continuously creating distinctive menu items to cater to different tastes. One of JUMBO’s award-winning dishes is the highly recommended chili crab, which has won over many locals.

Highlights:

RECOMMENDED DISHES: Jumbo is famous for its delicious seafood but it does not mean that meat and vegetable dishes are not worth a try. The below list carries the restaurant’s dishes, highly recommended by many local and international foodies.

• Black pepper crab
• Herbal drunken live prawns
• Cereal prawn
• Salted egg prawn
• Fried rice with diced chicken and salted fish
• Steamed bamboo clam
• Chilled shredded roast duck salad
• Sambal kangkong
• Mango desserts

Image: Jumbo Seafood

NOTES:

• Reservations are recommended since Jumbo Seafood is always packed out during dinnertime.
• The peanuts, wet towels, and tea served upon arrival are not complimentary. If you do not want them, tell the staff to remove them from your table.
• Don’t forget to check the size of your crab and the cost per kilo before ordering.
• Be prepared that your hands will get messy with the sauces. Don’t worry! The restaurant provides a water bowl with lime for each table and big sinks nearby your seat for you to clean your hands.

ALL LOCATIONS:
@ The Riverwalk
Address: 20 Upper Circular Road, #B1-48 The Riverwalk, Singapore 058416
Tel: (65) 6534 3435
Daily lunch: 12:00 – 15:00 (last order at 14:15)
Daily dinner: 18:00 – 00:00 (last order at 23:15)

@ Riverside Point
Address: 30 Merchant Road, # 01-01/02 Riverside Point, Singapore 058282
Tel: (65) 6532 3435
Lunch: 12:00 – 15:00 (last order at 14:15)
Dinner: 18:00 – 00:00 (last order at 23:15)

@ East Coast Seafood Centre
Address: Blk 1206 East Coast Parkway #01-07/08, East Coast Seafood Centre, Singapore 449883
Tel: (65) 6442 3435
Mon to Fri: 17:00 – 23:45 (last order at 23:15)
Sat, Sun & P.H: 11:30 – 00:00 (last order at 23:15)

@Dempsey Hill
Blk 11 #01-16 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249673
Tel: (65) 6479 3435
Daily lunch: 12:00 – 15:00 (last order at 14:15)
Daily dinner: 17:30 – 23:30 (last order at 22:30)

@ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn #04-09/10 ION Orchard, Singapore 238801
Tel : (65) 6737 3435
Weekday Lunch & Dim Sum: 11.30 – 15:00 (last order at 14:15)
Weekday Dinner: 17:30 – 22:30 (last order at 21:30)
Weekend: 11:00 – 22:30 (last order at 21:30)
High Tea & Dim Sum: 14:30 – 17:30 (last order at 16:45pm) on Weekends and Public Holidays only

@JEWEL Changi Airport
#03-202/203/204, 78 Airport Blvd, Singapore 819666
Tel : (65) 6388 3435
Daily: 11.30 – 22:00 (last order at 21:15)

Long Beach Seafood Restaurant has long been a seafood paradise for Singaporeans, having garnered numerous culinary awards for serving the finest and freshest seafood.

While its original location at 1018 East Coast Parkway no longer exists, the legend of their famous chili crab and black pepper crab lives on at their other outlets

Highlights:

HOW BIG IS THE CRAB?
The crab is sold by kilogram. The minimum weight for mud crab is 1 kilogram, while Alaskan king crab and Australian king crab are available in sizes ranging from 3 kilograms to 10 kilograms.

MUST-TRIES: In addition to crab, Long Beach also offers an impressive selection of seafood dishes, as well as options for noodles, rice, vegetables, soup, chicken, duck, and desserts. Here are some of Long Beach’s specialties that are worth trying:

• Deep-fried whole grouper in Shanghai-style
• Steam live Scottish razor clams with minced garlic
• Deep fried crawfish
• Live golden stripe lobster
• Crispy duck
• Durian pudding
• Sweet yam paste with ginkgo nuts

Image: Long Beach

NOTES:

• Peanuts and towelettes served upon arrival are not complimentary. Peanuts are priced at S$2.00, and each towelette costs S$1.00.
• Be prepared that your hands will get messy with the sauces, so it’s recommended to use the provided gloves or towelettes to keep them clean.
• Reservations are recommended as the restaurant is always packed out.

QUICK FACTS:

• Long Beach was first set up in 1946 at Bedok Rest House.
• There are many Singaporean brilliant dishes created by Long Beach such as Black Pepper Crab, Drunken Prawns with VSOP Brandy, BBQ Golden Phoenix Fish, Renowned Crispy Duck, Golden Stripe Lobster, and House Speciality Prawn.
• Long Beach has warmly welcomed many local and international Presidents, Prime Ministers, former Presidents, ministers, and heads of state with its specialties.
• Long Beach has also perfectly served international celebrities like Lady Gaga, Morgan Freeman, Brendan Fraser, Michelle Yeoh, Low Kar Ying, Liza Wang, Charmaine Sheh, Myolie Wu, Wakin Chau, Jay Chuo, Raine Yang, Show Luo, Stephanie Sun, and Lee Min Ho as well as local celebrities.

ALL LOCATIONS:
@ Robertson Quay
Address: The Quayside, 60 Robertson Quay #01-14, Singapore 238252
Tel: +65 6336 3636
Opening hours: Sun to Thur 11:00 – 23:00, Fri to  Sat 11:00 – 23:30

@ UDMC
Address: 1202 East Coast Parkway, #01-04 East Coast Seafood Centre
Tel: (65) 6448 3636
Opening hours: Sun to Thur 11:00 – 23:00, Fri to  Sat 11:00 – 23:30

@ DEMPSEY
Address: 25 Dempsey Road, opposite Singapore Botanic Gardens
Tel: (65) 6323 2222
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 11:00 – 15:00, 17:00 – 23:30; Sat to  Sun 11:00 – 23:30

@ IMM
Address: Jurong East St 21, Level 3, IMM Building, Next to Rooftop Garden
Tel: (65) 6566 9933
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 11:00 – 15:00, 17:00 – 23:30; Sat to  Sun 11:00 – 23:30

The early days of No Signboard saw only about three crabs sold a day. However, Mdm. Ong Kim Hoi, a dedicated chef and her partner, treated this as an opportunity to nurture their culinary passion. As a result, they created the white pepper crab, which soon became famous through word-of-mouth advertising.

Nowadays, No Signboard is renowned for its seafood and is considered one of the best places in Singapore to try chilli crab.

Highlights:

AMBIENCE: No Signboard’s original branch is located in Geylang. This outlet offers diners a glimpse of Singapore’s dining ambiance in the past. If you’re looking to experience a vibrant Singapore at night, with a touch of the country’s old days, choose to dine in the outdoor area for a true crab-by-the-roadside experience. Alternatively, if you want to avoid the sweltering weather, the air-conditioned area inside is a great choice.

MUST-TRIES: While the crabs are the highlight of the menu, there are plenty of other delectable dishes to round out your meal. Consider trying some of the favorite dishes of No Signboard’s regulars, which are listed below.

• Cereal prawn
• Razor clams (also known as bamboo clams)
• Drunken shrimp
• Baby squid
• Yang Zhou fried rice

Image: No Signboard

NOTES:

• Water, peanuts, and towelettes are not complimentary
• Small baskets are provided for each table to keep personal belongings
• Reservations are highly recommended
• Be prepared that your hands will get messy with the sauces
• Valet parking is available

Red House Seafood has forged a loyal following for its great food and welcoming atmosphere since 1976. This restaurant always offers the best seafood dishes with the freshest supplies from all over the world, including abalone from Australia, mud crab from Sri Lanka, and geoduck from Canada.

For locals, Red House is one of the best seafood restaurants for family reunions, business meetings, or romantic dinners.

Highlights:

MUST-TRIES: Diners at Red House Seafood are impressed not only by the chili crab but also by many other seafood dishes. Here is a list of recommended dishes for a perfect seafood meal.

• Garlic Bamboo Clams
• Fried Prawns
• BBQ Sotong & Jellyfish
• Codfish with Teriyaki Sauce
• Black pepper crabs
• Salted egg yolk crab
• Lobster in creamy custard sauce

NOTES:

• It is always worth calling ahead to make a booking.
• The peanuts and wet towels served upon arrival are not complimentary.
• Be prepared that your hands will get messy with the sauces.

ALL LOCATIONS:

@ Grand Copthorne
Address: 392 Havelock Road Level 2 Grand Copthorne Waterfront Singapore 169663
Tel: +65 6735 7666
Opening hours: Daily 12:00 – 14:30, 17:30 – 22:00

@ Esplanade
Address:8 Raffles Avenue #01-14/16 Esplanade Singapore 039802
Tel: +65 6336 6080
Opening hours: Daily 12:00 – 14:30, 17:30 – 22:00

Mellben Seafood has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a stall along Alexandra Road to become a well-known seafood destination with three outlets in Singapore.

The restaurant has been recognized in the Singapore Michelin Guide and awarded a ‘Michelin Plate‘ distinction.

Highlights:

AMBIENCE: Mellben Seafood at Ang Mo Kio is located far from the bustling center of Singapore, but the atmosphere here is never quiet. Situated in a kopitiam in one of the HDB estates and adorned with decorated crab shells on the walls, Mellben provides an intimate dining experience for crab lovers.

NOTES:

• There are no nearby MRT stations so public transport accessibility is by bus.
• It is recommended to check the prices of all the dishes before ordering as they are not listed on the menu.
• It is always worth calling ahead to make a booking.
• Be prepared that the service of the store is almost at food court standard.

Dancing Crab prides itself on being the best Louisiana seafood restaurant in Singapore, complete with a homey, festive ambiance, an exciting lineup of alcoholic beverages, and, of course, a deep respect for cooking seafood.

Supported by TungLok Group, one of Singapore’s most established seafood restaurants, Dancing Crab obtains its shellfish from the same suppliers as the group’s top seafood restaurants, ensuring a variety of high-quality options like Boston lobster and Dungeness crab.

Highlights:

AMBIENCE: Dancing Crab at Orchard Central is one of those places that plays loud music, but it adds to the enjoyment of the diners. True to its Louisiana theme, lively jazz music plays in the background while diners crack shells, lick off Cajun sauce from their fingers, and enjoy their meals. The decor is unimposing, which means you won’t feel embarrassed to make a delicious mess.

MUST-TRIES: While Dancing Crab is highly famous for their assortment of signature seafood boils, their menu also features a long list of tantalizing dishes, which include seafood, sides, single plates, and desserts.

• Crab Cake
• Live Lobster Roll
• Exploding Crab Fried Rice
• Seafood Gumbo
• Ice Cream with Crispy Waffle Biscuit

NOTES:

• Complimentary dessert for birthday celebrants
• Offers frozen beer in 7 delicious flavors including French vanilla, Watermelon, and Bubblegum
• Reservations are encouraged.
• Use your hands—it’s the only way to enjoy!
• Island-wide delivery available

MORE OUTLETS:
@ VivoCity
Address: #03-10 Vivo City, 1 Harbourfront Walk, Singapore 098585
Opening hours: Daily 11:00 – 15:00, 18:00 – 22:00

@ The Grandstand
Address: 200 Turf Club Road, #01-20/21 Singapore 287994
Opening hours: Daily except Monday, from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM and from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM

Chances are high that “HolyCrab!” is the first thing that comes out of your mouth when you see the restaurant’s best-selling Chili Crab laid out in front of you.

Massive and filled with fleshy meat and heavenly roe, HolyCrab doesn’t scrimp on its efforts to source Sri Lankan crabs that are of the finest quality and free of antibiotics. Even just one claw will have you drooling with delight.

Highlights:

AMBIENCE: HolyCrab’s interior has a no-frill elegance to it. Sure, the black walls and red accents will surely catch your attention, but not too much that they distract you from your main agenda: huge, succulent crab cooked to perfection.

MUST-TRIES: Of course, diners come for the famous Chili Crab, but HolyCrab also boasts an arsenal of notable non-crab dishes.

• Mini Squirters
• HolyCrab Fried Rice
• Hooked on Mee
• Oh My Cod!
• Fried/Steamed Mantou

NOTES:

• Reservations are encouraged.
• Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty!
• Vegetarian-friendly options available
• Car park charges
• Find HolyCrab on WhatsApp for promos and announcements.