Categories > Guides and Tips
Reading about these 7 best chilli crabs in Singapore will make you hungry
Luckily, I have zero food allergies because in a city like Singapore, missing out on its incredible eats would be a tragedy. And when it comes to our famed chilli crabs, I take extra pride.
Sweet, savoury, spicy, and packed with peppery goodness, chilli crab is a must-try in the Lion City. And trust me, there’s no shortage of places serving up stellar versions without breaking the bank.
So if you’re craving crustaceans, here are the best spots to get your hands (messy) on some top-notch chilli crab—budget-friendly picks included!
JUMBO Seafood
Media from setako
Address: 30 Merchant Rd, #01-01/02 Riverside Point
Contact Details: +65 6532 3435
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:30 am to 11:00 pm
Pricing: $$$
For a truly local experience of chilli crab by the water, JUMBO Seafood is a must-try. This beloved seafood chain has outlets across the island, but my top pick is the Riverside Point branch for its unbeatable waterfront vibes.
Here, the chilli crabs are fresh and they come out piping hot and smothered in the signature tomato chilli sauce. If you have the appetite for it, I highly recommend ordering the iconic black pepper crab as well!
Tips:
- I highly recommend reserving a table on the website before dropping by any of the branches. The Riverside Point branch, in particular, gets fully booked because most people want to sit by the river.
- If you can’t get enough of their chilli crabs and want to recreate them at home, you can actually bring home their bottled sauces for cooking! The restaurant has an online store where you can buy all sorts of condiments, sauces, noodles, and other snacks.
No Signboard Seafood
Media from nosignboardseafood
Address: 414 Geylang Rd
Contact Details: +65 6842 3415
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 12:30 am
Pricing: $$
No Signboard Seafood is all about one thing—serving up legendary chilli crabs that keep generations coming back for more. Since the ’70s, this once-humble hawker stall has grown into a household name, best known for its Peranakan-style take on the dish.
Their menu covers all the crab essentials: the classic tomato-based chilli crab, fiery black pepper crab, and their signature white pepper crab.
As for the name? Back in the day, they couldn’t afford a signboard, so regulars simply called it “the stall with no signboard,” and it stuck!
Tips:
- While the restaurant is mainly known for its delicious chilli crabs, I super recommend you also try out their other bestselling dishes like cereal prawns and bamboo clams. They pair well with the crabs and are great as appetisers if you have space in your stomach!
- Note that the restaurant is located in quite a cramped space. You won’t find a lot of tables in front of it, but they do have a makeshift dining area by the parking lot just behind the restaurant.
- Don’t expect to dine in a fancy restaurant here. Locals come here for the good food, not the mood!
Red House Seafood
Media from redhouseseafood
Address: 8 Raffles Ave., #01-14 / 16 Esplanade Mall
Contact Details: +65 6336 6080
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:30 am to 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Pricing: $$$
Red House Seafood is a true veteran in Singapore’s chilli crab scene. Serving up mouthwatering Nanyang-style seafood for over 50 years, they’ve earned their spot as one of the island’s longest-standing seafood institutions.
What makes them a standout is they only serve Sri Lankan crabs, flown in regularly to guarantee that every bite is as fresh as it gets.
If you’re wondering what to order, skip the usual and go for their white pepper crab. It’s a game-changer!
Tips:
- The restaurant regularly runs events and promotions, so it’s always worth checking out what’s on offer. From discounts on crabs to special deals on dim sum and appetisers, there’s usually something tempting on the menu.
- If you’re planning a visit, take a look at their calendar. You might just score a great deal on your next feast!
- Planning a simple wedding reception soon? You can host it at any of the restaurant’s three branches. They even have banquet-style options and a full catering menu that you can customise with the help of their events team. Learn more about it here.
8 Crabs
Media from 8crabs
Address: 80 Playfair Road #02-19, Lobby B Kapo Factory Building
Contact Details: +65 8725 0725
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Pricing: $$
When I’m craving chilli crab but too lazy to head out, 8 Crabs is my go-to. They deliver islandwide, and if your order is late, you get a full refund—though it’s in store credits, which isn’t my favourite (but hey, if you’re a regular, it’s a sweet deal).
What really keeps me coming back is their Grade AAA Sri Lankan crabs—fresh, meaty, and packed with flavour. The portions can be a bit hit-or-miss, but for the quality and convenience, it’s worth it.
Perfect for those nights when you just want restaurant-quality chilli crab without leaving home!
Tips:
- If you’re getting delivery, go for the seafood-in-a-bag option. It’s like a seafood boil but with chilli crab! It’s loaded with fresh seafood, corn, and mantou buns, all drenched in rich chilli crab sauce. It’s a steal if you’re hungry, and trust me, it hits the spot every time!
- Want to save a few bucks? Schedule your delivery for 7:00 pm or later, and you’ll automatically get 10% off your total bill. No extra steps needed!
Long Beach Seafood
Media from longbeachseafood
Address: 1202 ECP, #01-04 East Coast Seafood Centre, East Coast Park
Contact Details: +65 6448 3636
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Friday, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm to 11:30 pm
Saturday, 11:00 am to 11:30 pm
Sunday, 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Pricing: $$$
Long Beach Seafood has always been popular for chilli crabs, and after trying it myself, I can see why. The live seafood selection means you’re getting the freshest catch, and while the prices are steeper than your average crab spot, the quality justifies it.
I loved getting to pick my crab straight from the tank. The chilli crab in the end was rich, spicy, and full of flavour, making every bite worth the big splurge.
Tips:
- I prefer the East Coast Park branch. Nothing beats cracking into chilli crabs with the sea breeze in the background! Just be sure to book a table online at least a day in advance. Beachside seats are hot property and fill up fast.
- This place gets packed, especially on weekends, so expect a bit of a wait during peak hours. To save yourself some time, check out the menu beforehand. That way, once you’ve picked your crabs from the tanks, you can place your order right away!
Uncle Leong Seafood
Media from uncleleongseafood
Address: 6 Tebing Ln, #01-03 Punggol East
Contact Details: +65 6441 1848
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Friday, 4:30 pm to 11:00 pm
Saturday, 12:30 pm to 11:00 pm
Sunday, 12:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Pricing: $$
Another top-notch choice for chilli crabs delivered straight to your door is Uncle Leong Seafood. They’re known for generous portions, especially Alaskan crabs, but if that’s too much, their mud crabs and prawns are just as delicious.
I love how quickly the delivery comes, so I can dig into that fresh, juicy crab without any delay. Just a heads up: the portions can be a bit inconsistent, but the taste never fails to hit the spot!
Tips:
- If you’re ordering crab delivery, make sure to place your order at least a day ahead to secure your chilli crabs before they sell out! Check out their online menu here to make your order.
- If you’re planning to visit on weekends, public holidays, or the eve of a public holiday, aim to go before 6:00 pm or after 8:00 pm to avoid the crowds.
- Keep in mind that special requests are subject to availability and the restaurant’s discretion, so if you’re unsure about the possible allergens in the menu offerings, consider ordering elsewhere.
Keng Eng Kee Seafood
Media from kengengkee
Address: 124 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-136
Contact Details: +65 6272 1038
Operating Hours:
Monday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Pricing: $$
If you’re after fantastic chilli crab, you can’t miss Keng Eng Kee.
It’s a local fave that has earned its place in the spotlight, even getting nods from the Michelin Guide and the Makansutra Food Guide! I can vouch that their signature chilli crab lives up to the hype.
One thing I love about this place is the service. If your dish arrives a bit cold, just ask, and they’ll gladly reheat it!
Tip:
- If you’re heading to Keng Eng Kee during peak hours (6:00 pm to 8:00 pm), be prepared for a crowd—and not just at the tables. The food tends to sell out before closing time!
- To avoid disappointment, I recommend booking a table a day in advance. If you prefer to walk in, make sure to get there before 6:00 pm to snag a seat.
