Where to Eat Chilli Crab in Singapore? Top Picks Revealed

Singapore, a foodie’s paradise, is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, which offers a wide range of delicious dishes that cater to various tastes and preferences. Among the many mouth-watering options, chilli crab is a standout favorite, and for good reason. This iconic Singaporean dish has gained worldwide recognition for its succulent crab meat cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce, served with a side of steamed rice or noodles. As a result, many restaurants in Singapore have added chilli crab to their menus, making it a challenge to decide where to eat this beloved dish.

In this article, we will explore the best places to eat chilli crab in Singapore, taking into account factors such as quality, price, and atmosphere. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this guide will help you navigate the city’s culinary landscape and discover the perfect spot to indulge in this delectable dish.

Traditional Chilli Crab Spots

When it comes to traditional chilli crab, few places can rival the iconic establishments that have been serving this dish for decades. Here are some of the most well-known and highly-recommended spots:

The Original Long Beach Seafood Restaurant

Located in the heart of Singapore, The Original Long Beach Seafood Restaurant has been a stalwart in the chilli crab scene for over 30 years. This family-run restaurant is famous for its signature chilli crab dish, which is cooked to perfection in a flavorful sauce made with a secret blend of spices. With its cozy atmosphere and attentive service, this restaurant is a must-visit for any chilli crab enthusiast.

Jumbo Seafood

Jumbo Seafood is another iconic establishment that has been serving chilli crab for over 40 years. This popular restaurant has multiple outlets across Singapore, each offering a unique dining experience. Their chilli crab dish is a crowd-pleaser, with its tender crab meat cooked in a spicy sauce that is both flavorful and aromatic. Be sure to try their signature “Jumbo Chilli Crab” dish, which comes with a generous serving of crab meat and a side of steamed rice.

Red House Seafood

Red House Seafood is a popular spot for seafood lovers, and their chilli crab dish is a standout favorite. This restaurant is known for its high-quality ingredients and expertly cooked dishes, including their signature chilli crab. With its rustic atmosphere and friendly service, Red House Seafood is a great place to enjoy a delicious meal with friends and family.

Modern Chilli Crab Spots

While traditional chilli crab spots are always a great option, modern restaurants have also put their own twist on this classic dish. Here are some of the most innovative and delicious modern chilli crab spots: (See Also: Where to Eat in Lake Placid? Culinary Delights)

Odette

Odette is a modern French-inspired restaurant that offers a unique take on chilli crab. Their “Crab Thermidor” dish is a masterclass in flavors, with succulent crab meat cooked in a rich and creamy sauce made with butter, garlic, and cognac. With its elegant atmosphere and exceptional service, Odette is a great spot for a special occasion or romantic dinner.

The Coastal Settlement

The Coastal Settlement is a trendy restaurant that offers a modern take on traditional Singaporean dishes, including chilli crab. Their “Chilli Crab Pasta” dish is a game-changer, with succulent crab meat cooked in a spicy tomato sauce and served with a side of garlic bread. With its cozy atmosphere and friendly service, The Coastal Settlement is a great spot for a casual dinner with friends.

Chilli Crab at Hawker Centers

Hawker centers are a staple of Singaporean cuisine, offering a wide range of affordable and delicious street food options. While chilli crab may not be the most common dish at hawker centers, there are a few hidden gems that serve this iconic dish. Here are some of the best chilli crab spots at hawker centers:

Adam Road Food Centre

Adam Road Food Centre is a popular hawker center in the heart of Singapore, offering a wide range of delicious street food options. One of the standout stalls is Ah Hock’s Chilli Crab, which serves up a mean chilli crab dish that is both flavorful and affordable. With its no-frills atmosphere and friendly service, Ah Hock’s Chilli Crab is a great spot for a quick and delicious meal.

Old Airport Road Food Centre

Old Airport Road Food Centre is another popular hawker center that offers a range of delicious street food options. One of the most popular stalls is Ah Chuan’s Chilli Crab, which serves up a generous serving of chilli crab at an affordable price. With its cozy atmosphere and friendly service, Ah Chuan’s Chilli Crab is a great spot for a casual dinner with friends.

Chilli Crab at Home

While eating chilli crab at a restaurant or hawker center is always a great option, cooking this dish at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some tips and tricks for cooking chilli crab at home: (See Also: Where to Eat in St Anton? Best Kept Secrets)

Ingredients

To cook chilli crab at home, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 whole crab (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon chilli sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Steamed rice or noodles for serving

Instructions

To cook chilli crab at home, follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Rinse the crab under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant.
4. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Add the water and chilli sauce, and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add the crab to the saucepan and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the crab is cooked through.
8. Season the crab with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve the chilli crab with steamed rice or noodles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, chilli crab is a must-try dish when visiting Singapore. With its rich history and cultural significance, this iconic dish is a staple of Singaporean cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a traditional chilli crab spot or a modern twist on this classic dish, there are plenty of options to choose from. From hawker centers to high-end restaurants, chilli crab is a dish that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. So next time you’re in Singapore, be sure to try some of the best chilli crab in the city – your taste buds will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best way to cook chilli crab at home?

A: The best way to cook chilli crab at home is to use a combination of fresh and frozen ingredients. Start by thawing the frozen crab and then cooking it in a flavorful sauce made with tomato paste, garlic, and ginger. Be sure to season the crab with salt and pepper to taste, and serve it with steamed rice or noodles.

Q: Can I use a different type of crab for chilli crab?

A: While blue crab is the most traditional type of crab used for chilli crab, you can also use other types of crab such as mud crab or Dungeness crab. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and method according to the type of crab you are using. (See Also: Where to Eat in Gjirokaster? Hidden Gems Await)

Q: Is chilli crab spicy?

A: Chilli crab can be spicy, depending on the type of chilli sauce used in the recipe. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a mild chilli sauce or omit the chilli sauce altogether. If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can use a hotter type of chilli sauce or add more chilli flakes to the recipe.

Q: Can I make chilli crab ahead of time?

A: While it’s best to cook chilli crab fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the sauce before cooking the crab and serving. You can also cook the crab ahead of time and reheat it in the sauce before serving.

Q: Is chilli crab expensive?

A: The cost of chilli crab can vary depending on the type of crab used and the location of the restaurant. However, in general, chilli crab is considered to be a moderately priced dish. You can find affordable options at hawker centers and mid-range restaurants, while high-end restaurants may charge more for this dish.