Best places and cost of Chilli Crab in Singapore
Singapore is a food lover’s paradise.
One dish that stands out is the iconic Chilli Crab.
This dish, known for its sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce, is a must-try. It’s often served with mantou, fried buns perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to enjoy Chilli Crab in Singapore. We’ll also delve into the costs associated with this dish, and even share insights into the recipe for those interested in creating Chilli Crab at home.
Whether you’re a tourist planning a visit, a local looking for dining options, or a home cook interested in Singaporean cuisine, this guide is for you.
Join us as we embark on a culinary journey through the flavors of Singapore.
The Iconic Chilli Crab of Singapore
Chilli Crab is more than just a dish in Singapore. It’s a culinary icon, a testament to the city-state’s rich multicultural heritage and love for spicy food.
The dish was created in 1956 by Cher Yam Tian and her husband Lim Choon Ngee. It’s a fusion of various culinary influences, reflecting Singapore’s multicultural heritage. The recipe typically uses mud crabs stir-fried in a semi-thick, sweet, and savory tomato and chili-based sauce.
Here are some key facts about Chilli Crab:
- It’s one of Singapore’s most iconic dishes.
- The dish is known for its sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce.
- Chilli Crab is often served with mantou (fried buns) to soak up the delicious sauce.
- The dish typically uses mud crabs that are stir-fried in a semi-thick, sweet and savory tomato and chili-based sauce.
- Chilli Crab was created in 1956 by Cher Yam Tian with her husband Lim Choon Ngee.
Eating Chilli Crab can be a messy affair, but it’s part of the fun and experience. The balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors is crucial to the dish’s success. It’s a flavorful journey through the tastes and aromas of Singapore.
Where to Find the Best Chilli Crab in Singapore
Singapore is a food paradise, and Chilli Crab is a dish that represents the city on the global stage. Many restaurants claim to serve the best Chilli Crab, each with their own twist on the recipe.
Here are some of the best places to enjoy Chilli Crab in Singapore. Each restaurant offers a unique dining experience, from the ambiance to the presentation of the dish.
Prices for Chilli Crab can range from around SGD 50 to SGD 100 or more per crab. The cost varies depending on the restaurant and the size of the crab.
Some restaurants offer a hands-on experience where diners can choose their own crab from a live tank. Others offer delivery or takeout options for Chilli Crab.
Now, let’s dive into the details of each restaurant.
Jumbo Seafood
Jumbo Seafood is a popular choice for Chilli Crab. The restaurant is known for its flavorful and robust sauce, which perfectly complements the succulent crab meat.
The restaurant offers a less spicy version of the dish for those who can’t handle too much heat. Jumbo Seafood is a must-visit for seafood lovers visiting Singapore.
Long Beach Seafood Restaurant
Long Beach Seafood Restaurant is another top spot for Chilli Crab. The restaurant’s version of the dish is known for its balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
The restaurant is often featured in Singaporean food promotions and culinary tours. It’s a testament to the quality of their Chilli Crab.
No Signboard Seafood
No Signboard Seafood is a well-known name in Singapore’s culinary scene. Their Chilli Crab is a highlight, with a sauce that’s loved by locals and tourists alike.
The restaurant is a common feature in Singaporean-themed restaurants around the world. It’s a testament to the popularity of their Chilli Crab.
Red House Seafood
Red House Seafood offers a unique twist on Chilli Crab. The restaurant is known for its innovative and creative approach to Singaporean cuisine.
Their Chilli Crab is a must-have for any seafood-centric celebration in Singapore. It’s a dish that has stood the test of time, remaining popular for generations.
Mellben Seafood
Mellben Seafood is a favorite among locals for Chilli Crab. The restaurant is known for its authentic Singaporean flavors and high-quality ingredients.
Their Chilli Crab is a culinary adventure, combining textures from the soft, succulent crab meat to the rich, robust sauce. It’s a dish that brings people together, embodying the communal spirit of dining in Singapore.
Understanding the Cost of Chilli Crab
The cost of Chilli Crab in Singapore can vary greatly. This is due to several factors. The type of restaurant, the size of the crab, and the ingredients used in the dish all play a role in determining the price.
High-end restaurants often charge more for their Chilli Crab. This is because they use premium ingredients and offer a more upscale dining experience. On the other hand, hawker centers and food courts offer Chilli Crab at more affordable prices.
Here’s a rough guide to the cost of Chilli Crab in Singapore:
- High-end restaurants: SGD 80 – SGD 120 per crab
- Mid-range restaurants: SGD 50 – SGD 80 per crab
- Hawker centers and food courts: SGD 20 – SGD 50 per crab
Remember, the cost of Chilli Crab can also depend on the market price of crabs. So, prices may fluctuate throughout the year. It’s always a good idea to check the price before ordering.
Recipe for Chilli Crab Singapore Style
If you’re a home cook interested in Singaporean cuisine, you might want to try making Chilli Crab at home. It’s a rewarding experience that allows you to replicate the flavors of Singapore in your own kitchen. The recipe includes ingredients like chili paste, tomato sauce, eggs, and sometimes vinegar for a tangy touch.
Here’s a simplified version of the Chilli Crab recipe:
- Stir-fry garlic and ginger in hot oil.
- Add in chili paste and tomato sauce, then stir until fragrant.
- Add in the crab and water, then cover and let it simmer.
- Once the crab is cooked, stir in beaten eggs to thicken the sauce.
Remember, the heat level can be adjusted according to personal preference. Feel free to experiment with the recipe and add your own twist to this iconic Singaporean dish.
Tips for Enjoying Chilli Crab in Singapore
Eating Chilli Crab can be a messy affair, but that’s part of the fun. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. After all, the dish is best enjoyed when you’re digging in with your hands.
Here are a few tips for enjoying Chilli Crab in Singapore:
- Pair it with local Singaporean beers or sugarcane juice.
- Try it with mantou (fried buns) to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Consider visiting during the crab season for the freshest catch.
Remember, Chilli Crab is more than just a dish. It’s a flavorful journey through the tastes and aromas of Singapore.
