10 things about Singapore’s famous chilli crab

Singapore is justifiably famous for its food, and chilli crab is among the most famous dishes you’ll find here. It’s a tasty, messy treat – but what do you know about its history and background? Find out below – plus where to eat it!

Cracking Good Crabs

Last month, well-known Australian rock-and-roll singer Jimmy Barnes – a keen home cook – posted a social media photo of his version of Singapore chilli crab, with the caption: “I’ve almost perfected the sauce!” Singapore is justifiably famous for its food, and chilli crab is one dish that’s known around the world. When Aussie rock stars aren’t cooking it, they can order it at Harry’s Singapore Chilli Crab in Sydney. If you’re in the Netherlands, try it at Lion City restaurant in Rotterdam. Passing through Fairfax, Virginia in the USA? Drop by Southeast Impression (where they also do a mean Char Kway Teow).

Here are ten things to know about this iconic and much-loved dish.

1. For the uninitiated, chilli crab is a seafood dish consisting of mud crabs stir-fried in a spicy, sweet and savoury gravy of chilli, tomato and egg.
2. It’s sometimes referred to as “Singapore’s national dish”, though that’s not an official title (and some argue that chicken rice deserves the gong).
3. Despite its name, chilli crab is not overwhelmingly spicy! The sauce is a unique blend of sweetness, tanginess and mild heat.
4. The dish was invented in the 1950s by Madam Cher Yam Tian, who grew up near the sea in Bedok, where mangrove crabs were prevalent. She stumbled upon the recipe after adding bottled chilli sauce to her usual stir-fried crabs, instead of regular tomato sauce. Soon after, she and her husband opened a one-table restaurant along the Kallang River, serving crabs for $3 each.
5. Madam Cher’s son Roland is still involved in serving chilli crab today, at Roland Restaurant in Marine Parade.
6. While mud crabs can be found in Singapore (there are plenty of YouTube videos of people catching them here), most crabs served today come from Sri Lanka or the Philippines.
7. If you’ve not tried it, the dish is super messy – some restaurants will provide bibs, gloves and tools to crack open the crab shells. Put it this way: you’ll get covered in sauce! It usually comes with bread (Madam Cher sold hers with French loaves) or mantou (Chinese buns), which you use to mop up the remains.
8. Along with the standard version, chilli crab can be found in everything from dumplings to sandwiches – or try the renowned chilli crab ice cream at Michelin-starred restaurant Labyrinth.
9. The Singapore Tourism Board has promoted the dish at events and festivals, including in London, New York and Dubai. It’s also rolled out for dignitaries; during a 2021 visit by the Malaysian prime minister, it was served at the Istana.
10. Back in 2011, CNN ran a feature on the world’s 50 most delicious foods; chilli crab finished 35th. In a subsequent readers’ poll in 2017, it came 29th (one place ahead of the cheeseburger).

10 places to eat Chilli Crab in Singapore

JUMBO Seafood

This chain has been in operation for 37 years after first opening at the East Coast Seafood Centre. There are six JUMBO locations in Singapore, and another handful overseas.

Long Beach Seafood

Like JUMBO, Long Beach is something of a household name. It’s especially known for its creation of the black pepper crab. But don’t miss the chilli crab either! There are four branches across Singapore.

No Signboard

Another restaurant with a long history. Madam Ong Kim Hoi opened the original hawker stall selling chilli crab in the 1970s at at Mattar Road Hawker Center; today, you can find it at 414 Geylang Road.

Mellben Signature

With two locations – 118 Depot Lane and 1J Cluny Road– Melben not only serves a satisfying crab, it also has a comprehensive online ordering system for eating at home. Their crab dishes range from traditional black pepper and chilli crab, to modern twists such as salted egg crab, and even a laksa crab.

Red House Seafood

Now with three locations – Grand Copthorne Waterfront, Esplanade, Clarke Quay – Red House has a history of almost 50 years and is another popular pick for seafood dishes in the Singapore Nanyang style, including chilli crab.

Holy Crab

Holy Crab offers a modern twist on traditional Singaporean chilli crab. Located at Capitol Arcade, Holy Crab offers the freshest Sri Lankan crabs, prepared in a variety of ways. The restaurant also provides bar seating, omakase style cooking, private dining and cooking classes.

More spots

• Hua Yu Wee
• Roland Restaurant
• Chin Huat Live Seafood
• Red House Seafood
• Palm Beach Seafood

If you like this article on where to eat chilli crab in Singapore, you can read up on the best restaurants in Singapore. For more helpful tips, head to our Living in Singapore section.