10 Best Chili Crab in Singapore: Local’s Favourite

Hello there, fellow foodies! The iconic chili crab has to be the dish that truly captures the essence of Singapore’s vibrant food scene.

As a self-proclaimed chili crab connoisseur, I’ve searched the island for the best chili crab in Singapore.

Throughout this culinary journey, I’ve discovered the ten best chili crab spots that have won the hearts (and taste buds) of locals like me.

Read on as I reveal places that serve the most delicious chili crab in Singapore.

The 10 Must-Try Best Chili Crab in Singapore

1. Jumbo Seafood Restaurant
2. Long Beach UDMC
3. No Signboard Seafood Restaurant
4. Red House Seafood Restaurant
5. Dancing Crab @ Orchard Central
6. HolyCrab
7. Mellben Seafood (Ang Mo Kio)
8. Restaurant Labyrinth
9. Keng Eng Kee Seafood
10. Palm Beach Seafood

1. Jumbo Seafood Restaurant

Jumbo Seafood Restaurant at Boat Quay is the go-to spot for the best chili crab in Singapore. It’s quite touristy and bustling all the time.

If you choose outdoor seating like I did, you’ll be rewarded with an amazing view of the Singapore River, the tall skyscrapers and historic port buildings.

In case of unfavourable weather, you can enjoy a comfortable air-conditioning dining experience indoors.

The main attraction of this restaurant is the Award-Winning Chilli Crab with Deep Fried Man Tou. This dish took my breath away.

The perfect blend of spices complements the perfectly cooked crab. It isn’t overly spicy; instead, it has a lovely tomato sweetness to it. A must-try!

The sauce is the make-or-break for any chilli crab, and Jumbo’s sauce is not disappointing. It has a light spicy kick and is thick, and sweet. It is ideal for people who are not used to spicy flavours because it is not overly hot. There’s a ton of crab to enjoy, and it’s generously coated in this delicious sauce!

Jumbo Seafood’s entire dining experience is perfect for gatherings, from the delicious food to the wonderful atmosphere. This place offers a taste of Singapore that you won’t want to miss as a local.

So, grab your loved ones, visit Jumbo Seafood, and enjoy their delicious chili crab while having a great time!

Must try dishes

• Chili Crab with Deep Fried Man Tou
• Black Pepper Crab
• Cereal Prawn
• Salted Egg Prawn
• Mango desserts

Price range

• Average price is $60 – 70 per head

Promotions

• Member’s exclusive: 30% off whole 3-head abalone braised with oyster sauce (1 December – 31 December)
• An extravagant afternoon sea experience
• Wine of the month (Jumbo rewards member: $58/bottle. Non-member: $68/bottle)

**Note: Reservations are almost always required. If not, you might be waiting in a very long queue for walk-ins.

Read Google review here

2. Long Beach UDMC

Long Beach UDMC takes the cake for the most famous chili crab in Singapore.

This is not your average restaurant; it has hosted many important figures, including local and international Presidents and Prime Ministers. International celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Morgan Freeman, Michelle Yeoh, Sandara Park, and Lee Min Ho have enjoyed eating here.

You can choose to dine in the alfresco areas with a view of ships cruising along the Eastern routes or air-conditioned indoors.

Let’s move on to the main attraction: the famous chili crab. I ordered it and it was a feast for my taste buds. The huge crab and the succulent, fresh flesh left me wanting more.

What sets Long Beach apart from the rest is its sauce. It is the perfect combination of sweetness, saltiness, and spice.

Eating here is a flavour explosion you will remember.

Must try dishes

• Famous Chili Crab
• The Original & Best Black Pepper Crab

Price range

• $50++ per pax
• The crab is sold by weight. Mud crab has a minimum weight of one kilogram, whereas Alaskan king crab and Australian king crab come in sizes ranging from three to ten kilograms.

Promotions

• 20% off all handmade Dim Sum dishes (Available Daily for Lunch and Tea Time)
• Executive Set Lunch A ($78++ per pax); Executive Set Lunch B ($148++ per pax)

**Note: If you want more privacy, you can book the VIP private dining rooms on the 2nd level with an amazing view.

Read Google review here

3. No Signboard Seafood Restaurant

Another best chili crab restaurant in Singapore is No Signboard Seafood. What sets it apart is its unique take on the dish. It’s not the typical tomato-y version, but instead, it’s spicy and savoury.

Don’t expect perfection in presentation, but the aroma and taste of the succulent crab meat will blow you away. The crabs are fresh, and the meat comes off easily. The sauces are also rich in crab eggs, which give a deeper flavour.

If you’re feeling nostalgic, this place gives you a taste of the old-school Singaporean dining experience. Eating here is like reliving the colourful evenings of bygone Singapore.

I suggest you take the outdoor seat to enjoy roadside crab fully. But, if you want to escape the heat, the air-conditioned indoor is also available.

Must try dishes

• Singapore Chili Crab
• White Pepper Crab

Price range

• $40 – $50 per pax. More affordable than Jumbo and Long Beach.

Promotions

• 30% off a la carte food items (Monday to Friday, 2 pm – 4 pm. Excluding eve of PH and PH)

**Note: On your way to the toilets, you’ll see tanks of live crabs, fish, razor clams, and frogs!

Read Google review here

4. Red House Seafood Restaurant

Red House Seafood is another great choice for the best chili crab in Singapore, especially if you don’t like too much spicy.

The reason for this is that their Red House Chili Crab is not as spicy as I expected.

Red House is known for its unique chili sauce that tends towards sweetness rather than savouriness. This delicious sauce goes very well with my crab meat and the deep-fried mantou.

Red House’s less spicy crab dishes are ideal if you’re looking for something new to taste.

Not to forget, Red House consistently uses the world’s freshest ingredients. From geoduck in Canada to mud crab in Sri Lanka and abalone in Australia. Therefore, they can be considered one of the best chili crab in Singapore.

Must try dishes

• Red House Chili Crab
• Black Pepper Crabs
• Garlic Bamboo Clams

Price range

• $45++ per pax

Promotions

• UP to 70% off live Australian Lobster

  From $118++ / lobster

  (U.P. $388++ / lobster)

• Live Alaskan King Crab

  $188++ per kg

  (U.P. $268++)

**Note: If you’re a fan of spicy food, I’d recommend asking for an extra spice/heat than the default.

Read Google review here

5. Dancing Crab @ Orchard Central

Dancing Crab is a unique chili crab restaurant in Singapore.

It presents an interesting twist on seafood by combining American and Singaporean tastes. It’s similar to an American seafood restaurant with a Singaporean flare like the well-known chilli crab into classic American dish.

Their signature dish is the chili crab bread bowl. Imagine a big pot full of two 700g Sri Lankan crabs swimming in a thick, sweet sauce.

Here’s another twist: rather than serving mantou like other restaurants, they serve it with a perfectly toasted brioche in the centre of the pot. It’s a fantastic substitute that goes really well with the sauce and crab meat.

This chili crab sauce is a little different; instead of being sweet, it’s a little salty. It gives the food a savoury kick and gives it a different taste.

There is also a lively jazz soundtrack that creates a vibrant atmosphere as you’re enjoying your Chili Crab Bread Bowl.

Must try dishes

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

Price range

• $55++ per pax

Promotions

• Coupon: Get 43% off with Dancing Crab (Orchard Central)’s dining voucher
• Value Lunch Sets (Comes with a glass of homemade lemonade): Monday to Friday, 11.30 am – 2.30 pm

Read Google review here

6. HolyCrab

HolyCrab is another best chili crab in Singapore.

Bringing the freshest Sri Lankan crab to Singapore’s sunny shores is their shared goal. They work together with various suppliers to make sure that the crabs are of the highest quality and free from antibiotics.

Their chili crab game is strong as they have red and green versions with five different levels of spiciness so you can choose which suits you best.

The green chilli crab—called the Green Mumba—is what sets HolyCrab apart. It is HolyCrab’s unique take on the legendary Singapore Red Chilli Crab. The sauce is creamy, eggy, and lusciously thick, with nuts added for texture and flavour.

This is likely the only chili crab restaurant in Singapore serving green chili crab. Since you wouldn’t have any past experiences to compare, that’s where the excitement comes from.

It’s not as spicy as you might imagine, but the excitement is still there because the dish introduces Chef Elton’s signature green chilli sauce that is crafted from 12 different ingredients.

The sauce also has a perfect balance of sweetness and spiciness and the right amount of thickness to coat your dips.

To round out your chili crab experience, you must try the mantous. They’re perfectly deep-fried to golden brown, with a crisp outside and fluffy inside. When paired with the spicy crab sauce, these small wonders work like magic. Deserved to be included in my best chili crab in Singapore list.

Must try dishes

• Green Mumba
• Singapore Chili Crab
• Fried/Steamed Mantou

Price range

• $40++ per pax

Promotions

• IMMERSION CLASS
  • CHEF EXPERIENCE IN AN INDUSTRIAL KITCHEN
  • Cooking Class: Small groups hands-on experience in a large commercial kitchen, outta the home kitchen experience

**Note: Book in advance as the restaurant is almost always busy.

Read Google review here

7. Mellben Seafood (Ang Mo Kio)

Mellben Seafood may be the best chili crab in Singapore. What’s impressive about this restaurant is that it offers a great selection of 15 crab dishes, making it a true haven for crab lovers.

In addition, this restaurant has received a ‘Michelin Plate’ designation and recognition in the Singapore Michelin Guide.

Unlike other chili crab restaurants I’ve tried, Mellben’ chili sauce is thick, spicy, and slightly sweet. Their unique cooking style results in a dish that is incredibly gooey, eggy, and starchy, with plenty of sauce that is ideal for dipping mantou.

It is also possible to adjust the degree of spiciness according to your tastes.

One more thing, you have to try their noodle soup dish known as Claypot Crab Bee Hoon, or Claypot Crab Vermicelli Soup. It has a creamy broth full of crabs’ flavour and aroma.

You may not have tried this delicious crab dish before, but Mellben is the place to go if you want to taste it. Your taste buds will be delighted from the first bite.

Must try dishes

• Claypot Crab Vermicelli Soup
• Chilli Crab
• Creamy Butter Crab

Price range

• $40++ per pax

Promotions

• You get a 5% discount when paying with cash.

**Note: Although the location might not be the most convenient for tourists, the trip is still worthwhile. It’s best to come early because it can get busy.

Read Google review here

8. Restaurant Labyrinth

Restaurant Labyrinth is a multi-course restaurant and possibly the fanciest spot for the best chili crab in Singapore. It’s definitely not your typical eatery. In fact, it is the first New Singaporean One Michelin-Starred Restaurant in the world.

Let’s now talk about their creative and unique chili crab: Labyrinth Chili Crab.

Everyone in Singapore is familiar with and enjoys the taste of chili crab, and at Labyrinth, they pair that familiar flavour with ice cream.

You read correctly: chili crab with ice cream. It may sound crazy, but I promise it works and is flawless!

The combination of chili crab and ice cream is incredible. Everything about this dish is amazing: the bite-sized fried bun, the chunky and savoury crab meat and roe, the spiciness and the cool, creamy ice cream. It’s a combination that takes an old favourite to a whole new level.

Every course at Labyrinth will make you nod. Imagine the pleasure of tasting something completely different but still enjoying the essence of a well-known flavour.

Must try dishes

• Labyrinth Chili Crab

Price range

• The menus are seasonal. As of this writing, their current menus’ price range is $208++ to $298++ per pax.

**Note:

• Please allow 3 hours for the full Labyrinth dining experience.
• Please be aware that they are unable to satisfy dietary restrictions related to dairy, gluten, or allium, as well as vegan, vegetarian, or celiac disease. As a seafood-focused restaurant, they are unable to fully accommodate non-seafood dietaries, even though they can accommodate no shellfish dietaries.

Read Google review here

9. Keng Eng Kee Seafood

Keng Eng Kee is another well-known brand of chili crab in Singapore. This restaurant has been featured in CNN’s Anthony Bourdain TV Show and also recognised by 50 Best as The World’s 50 Best Restaurants: Essence of Asia 2021.

Their best-seller Signature Chili Crab has firm, fresh meat. The gravy is delicious, with delightful strands of egg and a thickness without being greasy.

The chili sauce isn’t spicy at all. It tastes nothing like regular chili sauce. It’s a great option if you who aren’t comfortable with heat because it tastes almost like tasty tomato sauce.

The tender and fluffy steamed mantou are perfect for mopping up the sauces. The large mantou guarantees you have enough to enjoy with every bite, making it a healthier option. However, if you prefer fried mantou, they only serve the steamed ones here.

Must try dishes

• Signature Chili Crab
• Coffee Pork Ribs
• Black/White Pepper Crab

Price range

• $10 – $20 per pax

Promotions

• Free Coffee Pork Ribs (worth $18.80) with a minimum spend of $70 (dine in only). Valid until 15 Jan 2024 or when fully redeemed

Read Google review here

10. Palm Beach Seafood

Though Palm Beach Seafood is among the more expensive chili crab in Singapore, the breathtaking scenery is unquestionably the star of the show here.

If dining with a view is your thing, Palm Beach is the spot to be. Situated across from Marina Bay Sands, this restaurant offers a stunning view of the Singapore River and its skyline, making for an unforgettable dining experience.

Their chili crab is more on the saucy side as opposed to the usual spicy one. It’s a delightful experience because of the huge crab claws, juicy meat, and mouthwatering sauce—especially when combined with their mantou buns.

The crab is prepared to perfection and the sauce is fantastic—it’s flavorful without being overly rich. They serve light and fluffy mantou buns to round out the experience, which is ideal for sweeping up the delicious sauce.

I’ve also tried the award-winning Baked Cheese Crab, in addition to the chili crab. Even though it tasted great, the cheese solidified quickly and became quite difficult to eat.

Must try dishes

• Chili Crab
• Baked Cheese Crab
• Black Pepper Crab

Price range

• $100++ per pax

Read Google review here

How to Eat Singapore Chili Crab

Eating Singapore chili crab is an enjoyable, messy, hands-on experience rather than just a meal. This is a guide to eating Singapore chili crab that includes traditional eating etiquette as well as first-timer tips and tricks.

Traditional Eating Etiquette

#1 Hands-On Approach:

• Chili crab is best eaten with your hands. So throw away the cutlery, roll up your sleeves and enjoy.

#2 Bibs Are Your Best Friends:

• Chili crab is a messy dish. Restaurants usually provide bibs to protect your clothing from spills. Use it; it’s essential.

#3 Mantou Matters:

• The typical pairing of chili crab is mantou, a light steamed or fried bun. Tear a piece of mantou off and use it to mop up the sauce.

#4 Crack, Don’t Smash:

• Crack the crab shells gently with the crab crackers. Don’t smash it because that can make it harder to get the meat out.

#5 Savor the Sauce:

• The star of any chili crab is the sauce. Dip the sauce with your mantou, crab meat, or anything else you desire.

Tips and Tricks for First-Timers

#1 Choose the Right Level of Spice:

• Don’t worry if you don’t like spicy food. Some restaurants offer different spice levels. If you’re feeling daring, start with a milder version and work your way up.

#2 Beware of Crab Shells:

• Remember that crab shells can be sharp. When removing the meat, take your time to prevent any unexpected cuts.

#3 Master the Mantou:

• Mantou is your best friend. Use it to mop up the sauce and scoop up crab meat. It’s an important part of the meal, so don’t be shy.

#4 Explore Different Restaurants:

• Every restaurant has a different way of preparing chili crab. Look around at different restaurants to see which one is your favourite version of this classic dish.

Conclusion

From traditional to innovative chili crab, each restaurant has its distinct charm, making the chili crab experience a wonderful adventure.

Chili crab reflects Singapore’s rich culinary heritage, and it is a dish that brings people together across generations. The messy, hands-on approach, as well as the collective joy of sharing a chili crab feast, are deeply rooted in Singaporean culture.

In my humble opinion as a chili crab lover, it’s the unspoken friendship, the bibs, and the messy fingers that make this dish a true local’s favourite. The savoury sauce that clings to perfectly cracked crab shells and the fluffy mantou buns are an experience to cherish.

If the rich flavors and communal joy of chili crab have captured your heart, prepare to be tempted further. Dive into our next culinary exploration, ‘20 Best Dim Sum in Singapore that You Must Try‘, where each dim sum offers a unique taste adventure, promising to delight your senses and leave you craving for more.