The best chilli crab in Singapore

What is it? One of Singapore's oldest seafood restaurants, Red House Seafood has managed to keep up with the times.

Why we love it: While it has three outlets across the island including Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay, its waterfront restaurant at Esplanade stands out the most. Placing an emphasis on sustainable seafood, the owners still source their meaty mud crabs from Colombo, Sri Lanka, which come cooked in a variety of styles. Its chilli crab (seasonal price) is a prime example of how the dish should be done: sweet, tangy and spicy all in one bite, with plump and fresh chunks of crab meat.

Time Out tip: We hear that the restaurant does excellent renditions of white pepper and black pepper crab too.

Address: 8 Raffles Ave, Esplanade, #01-14/16, Singapore 039802
Opening hours: Daily noon-2.30pm, 5pm-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: And 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: To complete the experience, ordering the deep-fried mantou – not the steamed ones – is an absolute must. 

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? 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? 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? By now, Jumbo Seafood is more of an institution than it is a restaurant.

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 too – 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: Various locations 
Opening hours: See here

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: Various locations
Opening hours: See here

What is it? Blue Lotus' posh locale at Sentosa Cove, though out of the way, does provide gorgeous views.

Why we love it: The restaurant's true claim to fame is its traditional Chinese dishes served with modern accents, and the same can be said about its chilli crab (from $9.80 per 100 grams). Served with bits of pomelo for a burst of bittersweet citrusy flavour and acidity, the dish is a fine mix of fresh herbs and spices that brings the heat. Just make sure you reserve the dish if you decide to head down, as it's only available in limited quantities each day.

Time Out tip: You'll also want to try its signature pork ribs as well as sides like its mapo tofu and satay.

Address: 31 Ocean Way, Quayside Isle, #01-13, Singapore 098375
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5.30pm-10pm; Fri-Sun 11.30am-3pm, 5.30pm-10pm

What is it? Seafood Paradise started as a humble zi char stall located in a coffee shop on Defu Lane. 

Why we love it: Live seafood is the order of the day here – have the classic chilli Sri Lankan crab (seasonal price) here. It's priced a little steeper than other establishments, but boasts a flavourful, spicy gravy and firm, fleshy crab meat. Other specials include crispy fried yam rings stuffed with plump scallops, as well as the signature creamy butter Dungeness crab topped with coconut crumbs.

Time Out tip: There are two outlets, one at Clarke Quay and another at VivoCity.

Address: 3A River Valley Rd, CQ @ Clarke Quay, #01-03, Singapore 179020 and 1 HarbourFront Walk, VivoCity, #01-53, Singapore 098585
Opening hours: See here

What is it? Sinaran Seafood is a popular eatery among the Westies for its affordable halal-friendly zi char and seafood dishes suitable for large gatherings. 

Why we love it: Look past its chicken rice facade, and you'll uncover their version of chilli cra,b which comes drenched in a thick and flavourful sauce with some spice to boot. While the location deep in Bukit Panjang might dissuade your visit, perhaps this might make you give this place a chance: it contests as one of Singapore's most affordable chilli crab dishes out there.

Time Out tip: The restaurant only opens after 2pm, so prepare to have a late lunch.

Address: 26 Teck Whye Ln, #01-170, Singapore 680026
Opening hours: Daily 2pm-11pm

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 affordable prices. Crabs are priced around $79 for 800 grams and its version of chilli crab is milder than most and heavier on the tomatoes rather than the spice factor. Keen to dial up the spice? 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 E Coast Rd, Singapore 466508
Opening hours: Daily 5pm-11pm

What is it? A popular seafood joint located in Chijmes which has been patronised by global icons like Dua Lipa. 

Why we love it: The crabs here range from $65 (300 to 400 grams) to $95 (800 grams). Another infamous dish you've got to try is the 'Heart Attack' fried rice – yes, you heard that right – which is cooked with beef tallow to absorb all that flavour and umami.

Time Out tip: Here's a hack that was recommended to us by Pang Seng Meng, the founder of New Ubin Group: order two types of its live mud crabs, namely the classic chilli and garlic baked, and ask for both to be cooked together. The result is a spicy and savoury dish that's packed with whole cloves of soft garlic – a true dining revelation.

Address: 30 Victoria St, Chijmes, #02-01B, Singapore 187996
Opening hours: Sun-Fri 11am-1am; Sat 11am-midnight

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 an 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