Where to go for the best chilli crab in Singapore: 15 places to check out

Have you ever wondered: Why is chilli crab so famous in Singapore and beyond? 

If we were to hazard a guess — chilli crab as a dish is a total flavour bomb, hitting every taste bud thanks to its rich blend of Malay, Indian and Chinese spices. With its mix of sambal belachan, turmeric, lemongrass, fresh chilli, fermented bean paste, ketchup, tomatoes, and eggs, the chilli crab dish in Singapore truly reflects our diverse culture.

In fact, if you’ve had your fair share of chilli crabs in Singapore, you’ll know that no one place in Singapore serves up an identical version, with most having their own secret twist. 

In case you’re wondering how much to set aside for this decadent dish, as an estimate, restaurants typically charge around $10 per 100g before service and GST, with upscale places costing more. Reservations are highly recommended, as these spots get super packed during peak hours!

Without further ado, here’s our guide to 15 spots for some of the best chilli crabs in Singapore.

1. Roland Restaurant

89 Marine Parade Central, 06-750
Open: Monday to Saturday (11.30am to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10pm), Sunday (11am to 2.45pm, 6pm to 10pm)

Why visit? Roland Restaurant is the successor to Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant, a bustling joint from the 1960s to 1980s along Upper East Coast Road, also said to be the birthplace of Singapore’s iconic chilli crab dish. 

The story goes: Growing up in a seaside kampong in the area, the owner’s father, Mr Lim Choon Ngee, would bring home freshly caught crabs. One day, his mother, Madam Cher Yam Tian, stir-fried them with tomatoes and chillies — creating the now iconic dish, which Roland Lim later learnt from his mother.

The family sold the Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant name in the 1980s and migrated, but Roland eventually moved back to Singapore to start again. Unable to use the Palm Beach name (now a separate restaurant in town), he founded Roland Restaurant, where his mother’s celebrated recipes continue to delight diners.

Crowd favourites: The chilli crab (seasonal price) continues to draw visitors from around the world, many of whom travel down specially to seek out Roland Restaurant for a taste of Singapore’s OG chilli crab. Among locals, however, the fresh and flavour-packed black pepper crab (seasonal price) is the real star. One standout about the crabs here? They are always brimming with roe.

Its black sauce prawns (from S$33) hit the spot on every level, too, with a robust, savoury sauce coating the fresh tiger prawns. Every dish here is well worth the price, not just for their bold flavours but also for the top-quality seafood.

2. Uncle Leong Seafood

Multiple stores islandwide.
Open: Operating hours vary across stores

Why visit? Uncle Leong Seafood first started out as a stall in a neighbourhood coffee shop in Ang Mo Kio. The brand grew over the years and currently has three restaurants around Singapore. Despite that it remains an unpretentious, family-run joint, usually packed with locals and the occasional adventurous tourist in search of the best chilli crab in Singapore. 

Uncle Leong Seafood flaunts a good variety of cooking methods for crab, all of them done with finesse — from bold, spice-laden curry paste crab, to fiery dried chilli crab, as well as its bee hoon dish. Not only do these dishes showcase Uncle Leong Seafood’s  expertise in handling crab but also its versatility in coming up with many ways to have this crustacean. 

Crowd favourites: The chilli crab (seasonal price) is done old-school style, with a sauce that is neither overly sweet nor overpowering, which lets the juicy, plump crab meat be the star. There is just enough heat in its version to keep things interesting. 

While some head to Uncle Leong just for the crabs, the one that has its loyal fans raving is the shimmering sand crab delight (seasonal price). Drenched in a signature sauce and finished with a scatter of oat, it’s a textural masterpiece — creamy, rich, and with a smidge of pepper to keep it from becoming too cloying. 

3. Mellben Seafood

232 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3, Street 22, 01-1222
Open: Monday to Sunday (5pm to 10pm)

7 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, 01-105
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 2.15pm, 5pm to 10pm)

Why visit? Having built a reputation as a crab specialist, Mellben Seafood stays true to its roots, dedicating its menu to all things crab. Its efforts seem to have paid off, too, with its Ang Mo Kio branch earning a spot in the Michelin Guide 2019, cementing Mellben’s status as a must-visit for crab enthusiasts.

The brand has over 15 different crab preparations on the menu, and there’s definitely something for everyone. Beyond the classics such as chilli and black pepper crab, you’ll also find creative takes such as seafood in a basket, black truffle crab with vermicelli, and claypot crab vermicelli soup.

Crowd favourites: The chilli crab (seasonal price) remains well-loved. Served with fall-off-the-shell meat, it’s served with a sauce that is on the milder side to bring out the fresh, natural essence of the crab.

However, it is its signature claypot crab vermicelli soup (seasonal price) that keeps diners coming back. Here, the broth is intensely rich and aromatic, simmered with at least 20 crabs in a single pot to extract every bit of sweetness and umami. When taken with the vermicelli which soaks up all the soupy goodness, it’s a complete flavorbomb. 

4. Alliance Seafood

Newton Food Centre, 01-27, 500 Clemenceau Avenue North
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (12pm to 10.30pm)

Why visit? Alliance Seafood has been a Michelin Bib Gourmand spot for years, loved for its stellar seafood dishes, especially its chilli crab. A mainstay at Newton Food Centre for over 30 years, Alliance has built a solid reputation among locals and tourists alike.

Brothers Desmond and Richard Ho, who run the stall, have deep roots in the hawker centre, having spent much of their childhood here as their father ran a drinks stall here. They’ve since carried on the family’s legacy, only now, with plates piled high with one of the best chilli crabs in Singapore.

Crowd favourites: The chilli crab (seasonal price) is fresh, tender and packed with flavour. The sauce isn’t watery. Instead, it carries a deep crab umami with a perfect viscosity for coating its fried mantou (S$6) dish. Only meaty Sri Lankan crabs are used here.

The cereal prawn (from S$24) is also worth a try. Made with premium prawns, the dish is sweet and crisp with a buttery aroma that enhances, rather than overpowers, the prawn meat. The cereal bits are just as addictive!

5. Chin Huat Live Seafood

Sunset Way, 01-30, 105 Clementi Street 12
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 12.30am)

Why visit? Tucked away in sleepy Sunset Way, Chin Huat Live Seafood is one of those places that regulars probably want to “gatekeep” with fervent loyalty. While it may not be as famous as some of the renowned crab joints in Singapore, it still serves exceptional stuff, with some even declaring it the best chilli crab in Singapore. (To the regulars, we’re sorry to let this little secret slip.)

Founded in 1982 by Low Chin Huat (who passed away in 2005), Chin Huat Live Seafood first made waves in the 1990s with its live lobsters. In fact, his iconic catchphrase, “龙虾大过小女孩!” (“A lobster bigger than a little girl!”), still echoes in the memories of those fortunate enough to experience it. 

Crowd favourites: The chilli Sri Lankan crab (seasonal price) has a sauce that one could easily drink up — a vibrant blend of homemade sambal, tangy chilli, tomato paste and creamy eggs. The crab meat bounces with freshness, a perfect match for the piquant sauce. 

The restaurant’s key invention, the golden sauce crab (seasonal price), is a bit of a marvel, too. The crab is lightly breaded and fried before being drenched in a velvety pumpkin sauce that’s buttery and indulgent. 

If you’re looking for something truly unforgettable, the king crab wok hei bee hoon (seasonal price) over-delivers, in a good way. The broth is rich, savoury and so satisfying. Paired with the charred bee hoon and tender crab meat, all of which soaks up its delicious broth, it’s the sort of dish that leaves you smiling long after the last mouthful.

You can make a reservation at Chin Huat Live Seafood via Chope.

6. Sin Hoi Sai Seafood Restaurant

55 Tiong Bahru Road, 01-59
Open: Monday to Sunday (4pm to 4am)

187 East Coast Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (4pm to 3am)

Why visit? Founded in 1978 by Yap Sor Khim, Sin Hoi Sai Seafood Restaurant prides itself in serving up the freshest catches of the day. Growing up in a fishing village, Sor Khim had a deep understanding of seafood farming, and would ensure only the highest-quality seafood reaches the table.

With locations in the trendy neighbourhoods of Tiong Bahru and Katong, this seafood and zi char restaurant provides a laid-back yet lively atmosphere for those after a hearty feast. In fact, if you have sudden chilli crab cravings at night, Sin Hoi Sai will be your spot as it’s open late into the night. 

Crowd favourites: The chilli crab (seasonal price) sauce here leans towards the sweeter side, making it a hit with those who enjoy a richer, caramelised sauce that clings beautifully to the succulent crab meat.

For longtime fans, however, the real stars are the white pepper crab and black pepper crab (seasonal price). The white pepper crab is subtly spiced, allowing the natural sweetness of the crab to take centre-stage, while the black pepper crab unleashes a bold, smoky kick with its aromatic crust. Both versions highlight the freshness of the crab, without overpowering its delicate flavour.

7. Keng Eng Kee Seafood

Multiple stores islandwide.
Open: Operating hours vary across stores

Why visit? Affectionately known as KEK, Keng Eng Kee Seafood is a well-known seafood spot that has been around since the 1970s. It has even been visited by celebrity chef James Martin and the late Anthony Bourdain, both of whom highly recommended it.

A cherished institution among families for generations, KEK started as a stall in the Old Havelock Road Hawker Centre, before it relocated to Alexandra Village, after the demolition of the former. Today, not only has it grown to a total of three outlets around Singapore, but it continues to be run by its third-generation owners.

Crowd favourites: The chilli crab (seasonal price) strikes a perfect balance of sweet and sour with a gentle spiciness. Its shell gives way to soft, tender meat that practically collapses when you pick it up with chopsticks. There’s also the crab meat with fried buns (S$46), a de-shelled version served with fluffy, golden mantou — perfect for those who hate getting their fingers sticky. 

Apart from the crab, KEK consistently delivers a range of dishes that justify its reputation. For one, its signature moonlight hor fun (S$12) has an unmistakably powerful wok hei. Served with Chinese sausages and a beautifully cracked egg on top, the dish impresses with its deep flavours and silky texture. 

The coffee pork ribs (S$22) are another favourite of regulars. Sweet and sticky, the tender meat easily falls off the bone, with just a hint of bitterness to round off the taste.

8. G7 Frog Porridge & Live Seafood

163 Geylang Road, Lorong 3
Open: Monday to Sunday (3pm to 3am)

Why visit? G7 Frog Porridge & Live Seafood, best known for its comforting frog porridge, first began as a humble spot in 1997. Over the years, it has expanded its menu to feature an array of seafood and zi char favourites, and with its chilli crab dish eventually also became a signature dish in its own right. 

Located along busy Geylang Road, G7 offers a lively, open-air dining experience that is one of the best for enjoying seafood in Singapore — casual and laidback, yet downright yummy. 

Crowd favourites: For many regulars, the ultimate feast at G7 is a combination of chilli crab (seasonal price) and its signature frog porridge. 

The frog (S$21 to S$39) comes in two savoury varieties — ginger spring onion and gong bao — which you can opt to pair with its hearty claypot porridge (S$3.80). The chilli crab is on the spicier side, with a punchy sauce. Crack open those shells, and you’ll uncover succulent, juicy meat — the reason its regulars keep coming back!

9. No Signboard Seafood

414 Geylang Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 12.30am)

Why visit? Another crab dish that’s also relatively popular in Singapore is the white pepper crab and it was first created at No Signboard Seafood by founder Ong Kim Hoi as a way to stand out from the competition. Fragrant with a hint of spice, this dish quickly became a crowd favourite, and has probably amassed the same amount of fans as the chilli crab, winning diners over with its moreish, tangy sauce.

No Signboard Seafood started as a stall at Mattar Road Hawker Centre in the late 1970s, operating without a signboard, hence its current name. Ask any seafood fan now and it’s clear the brand has grown into a popular restaurant with a loyal following and endorsements by numerous celebrities.

Crowd favourites: Here, the signature chilli crab (seasonal price) has a well-balanced sauce that isn’t overly sweet. Most opt to pair it with the freshly made fried buns (S$3 for four pieces), which No Signboard Seafood is also known for. The crisp exterior and fluffy centre of the buns are perfect for soaking up every drop of the delicious sauce. We’d recommend ordering extra ones!

The signature white pepper crab (seasonal price) is a lighter option, with a delicate balance of spices enhancing the sweetness of the crab. 

There’s also the crab meat fried rice (from S$30), fragrant and loaded with generous chunks of fresh crab. This dish is heaven-sent for those who want to enjoy the taste of fresh crab without the hassle of shelling.

10. New Ubin Seafood

Chijmes, 02-01 B/C, Victoria Street
Open: Monday (5.30pm to 1am), Tuesday to Sunday (11am to 1am)

MYMCA Stevens, 60 Stevens Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11am to 10pm)

Why visit? New Ubin Seafood was originally located on the island of Pulau Ubin and served kampong-style seafood dishes to visitors. The restaurant quickly gained a reputation for its fresh, authentic and delicious fare, which you could enjoy in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

When the Singapore government acquired Pulau Ubin in the 1990s, New Ubin Seafood made the move to the mainland and continues to serve the same beloved dishes in a new setting, while maintaining its commitment to quality and tradition.

Crowd favourites: Its classic chilli crab (from S$65 per 300g) dish brings a comforting warmth with its simple yet nourishing kampong flavours — the sauce is subtle to let the freshness of the crab shine through, yet still gives a deeply satisfying taste.

If you’re looking to indulge, its signature “heart attack” fried rice with USDA Black Angus choice ribeye (from S$66) is an absolute treat. The ribeye is grilled and rested, allowing it to cook in its own juices for ultimate tenderness and depth of flavour. It is then cubed and served on a bed of rice fried with beef drippings, adding an extra layer of richness, and elevated with caramelised onions, potato wedges, and a sprinkle of house-smoked sea salt.

You can make a reservation at New Ubin Seafood at Chijmes and New Ubin at MYMCA Stevens via Chope.

11. JB Ah Meng

534 Geylang Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (5pm to 2am)

Why visit? JB Ah Meng has earned its status as the go-to spot where chefs themselves dine. Despite the name suggesting a connection to Johor Bahru, the restaurant’s name actually traces its roots to Wang Feng, a 53-year-old Ipoh native.He started off as an apprentice in Kuala Lumpur at just 14, and now brings over three decades of culinary experience to JB Ah Meng.

The chefs at JB Ah Meng hail from across the Causeway, cooking with the feisty Malaysian wok-hei style that’s earned the place its loyal following. The atmosphere can get intense, particularly during peak hours, with waiters rushing food to tables like it’s a battlefield. Be sure to make a reservation if you plan to visit.

Crowd favourites: The chilli crab (seasonal price) sauce here is a sweeter rendition, but we think if you have space, the white pepper crab (seasonal price) is the absolute must-try. Fresh and succulent, the white pepper crab meat is beautifully sweet, with a peppery kick that lingers long after the last bite. 

Another seafood winner on the menu is the deceptively simple fried garlic chilli clams (from S$20). The clams are brilliantly executed — tender and juicy — while the spicy, satisfying sauce packs a punch. The JB san lou meehoon (from S$8) is also a dish that appears on nearly every table. The beehoon is stir-fried to perfection, with a wonderful char that adds a smoky essence, and has just the right amount of crispiness. 

12. Hua Yu Wee

462 Upper East Coast Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (5pm to 11pm)

Why visit? This restaurant, which dates back to the 1950s, is one of the OG seafood and chilli crab spots in Singapore, and came about when Upper East Coast Road was a thriving seafood stretch. Unlike many others that had to relocate due to development, Hua Yu Wee has remained in its original, once-seaside villa before land reclamation reshaped the coastline.

Hua Yu Wee takes pride in its heirloom recipes, serving up quality seafood and zi char dishes in a casual setting, where you can also experience a slice of Singapore of the yesteryear. There’s nothing gimmicky or overpriced here — the many local families dining at the restaurant each evening are a testament to the reliability and taste of the homey food served.

Crowd favourites: The chilli crab and black pepper crab (both from S$78.48 per 800g) are prepared using time-honoured recipes that have delighted families, especially those that live in the east, for generations. Both dishes pack more heat than those at other restaurants, bringing a fiery kick with every bite. Hua Yu Wee has mastered the technique of cooking crab, ensuring that the tender meat fully absorbs the luscious sauces.

A must-order is the coffee ribs (from S$19.62), a dish that regulars swear by. Glazed in a divine, slightly bitter coffee-infused sauce, the ribs strike a balance between sweet and savoury. The meat is tender, practically falling off the bone.

13. Palm Beach Seafood

One Fullerton, 01-09, 1 Fullerton Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (12pm to 2.30pm, 5.30pm to 10.30pm)

Why visit? If you’ve been following the listicle so far, you’ll realise this is the bought-over original Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant, formerly on Upper East Coast Road, and still bears the same name today. With stunning views of Marina Bay Sands and the Merlion, the present-day Palm Beach Seafood is a fantastic place for that extra special meal.

Don’t dismiss it too quickly as a tourist trap — while the chilli crab here is on the pricier side, the crustacean is particularly large and meaty, making a bang for your buck. The crab’s natural sweetness is well-complemented with a tomato sauce that is mild, but spiced just right.

Crowd favourites: While the chilli crab (seasonal price) is a standout dish here, the combination platter (from S$50) is another must-try. 

The platter brings together the restaurant’s signature dishes, offering a delightful journey of textures and flavours for a delectable dining experience.It includes crispy baby squid coated in a sweet and spicy glaze, succulent Scottish live bamboo clam drizzled with a tangy, refreshing sauce, marinated abalone with jellyfish that adds a briny depth, and irresistibly crispy deep-fried crab cakes.

14. Long Beach Seafood

Multiple stores islandwide.
Open: Operating hours vary across stores

Why visit? For the uninitiated, Long Beach Seafood created the black pepper crab dish in the 1980s, a dish that’s often seen as a flavourful alternative to chilli crab. It’s not uncommon to come across locals who favour the black pepper version for its simpler yet bold taste.

Long Beach Seafood was first established in the 1940s along the Upper East Coast Road seafood stretch, specifically at the former Bedok Rest House. The restaurant’s presence turned that section of the beach into a popular destination for seafood and beer, with open-air seating set up right by the shore. 

Today, Long Beach has become a well-known chain for crab, with four outlets across the island — those craving a hint of nostalgia can head to its East Coast or Robertson Quay outlets for some waterfront dining. 

Crowd favourites: Long Beach has been sourcing live seafood for decades, taking great pride in its selection and ensuring careful handling during import, a trait that keeps regulars coming back. This dedication to quality is reflected in its famous chilli crab (seasonal price), the original best black pepper crab (seasonal price),and other seafood delicacies. The sauces here are intense and spicy, so be prepared!

Many also order the house specialty deshelled prawn (S$28), which some might recognise as cereal prawns. Light and fragrant, Long Beach’s version is wonderfully crisp without being oily, and offers a more refined take compared to other locations. 

You can make a reservation at Long Beach Seafood’s outlets at IMM, UDMC, Dempsey, and Robertson Quay via Chope. 

15. Jumbo Seafood

Multiple stores islandwide.
Open: Operating hours vary across stores

Why visit? With multiple outlets in prime locations and a promise of quality seafood, Jumbo Seafood is a reliable and trusted choice for seafood enthusiasts. Established in the 1980s, the restaurant has since grown into a global chain, but its signature chilli crab and other dishes continue to impress and draw regulars and new converts. Some say its exceptional service is also what keeps people coming back. 

Crowd favourites: Jumbo’s award-winning chilli crab (from $10.80 per 100g) features a sauce made with spices such as turmeric, lemongrass, candlenuts and chillies, combined with tomato sauce, Chinese fermented bean paste and egg. Skillfully prepared, it strikes a great balance — not too overwhelming, but just enough to tantalise the taste buds.

In addition to the crab, many locals flock to Jumbo for its signature dishes, such as its scallops wrapped in yam ring (S$26), where fresh, juicy scallops are encased in a light yam batter and served with a sweet sticky sauce. Another dish to try is the shelled prawns fried with golden salted egg (S$26), which has a delicately crisp exterior glazed with salted egg yolk, while the prawn inside remains tender and juicy.

All restaurants, except Roland Restaurant, Keng Eng Kee Seafood, No Signboard Seafood, Hua Yu Wee and Palm Beach Seafood, are on the GrabFood delivery service and offer free delivery (up to S$3 off with GrabUnlimited). 

You can also book a ride to these spots for some of the best chilli crab in Singapore.