Cheap Chili Crab in Singapore: Where to Find the Best Deals
If you're in Singapore and looking to try one of the country's iconic dishes, then chilli crab should definitely be on your list.
Not only is it a delicious seafood dish, but it's also relatively affordable, with plenty of places offering it for under $80++.
Chilli crab is typically made by stir-frying crab in a sweet and spicy tomato-based sauce, which is then served alongside steamed or deep-fried mantou buns.
The dish is a staple of Singaporean cuisine and can be found at a variety of restaurants, from high-end establishments to more casual eateries.
Whether you're a local or a visitor, exploring Singapore's food scene is a must-do activity.
With so many different dishes to try, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start.
Chilli crab is a great option for those on a budget, as well as those looking to experience one of the country's most beloved dishes.
Key Takeaways
- Chilli crab is an iconic dish in Singapore that is relatively affordable, with many options available for under $80++.
- The dish is typically made by stir-frying crab in a sweet and spicy tomato-based sauce, and served with steamed or deep-fried mantou buns.
- Exploring Singapore's food scene is a must-do activity, and trying chilli crab is a great way to experience one of the country's most beloved dishes.
Discovering Singapore's Chilli Crab
If there's one dish that represents Singapore, it's got to be chilli crab. This iconic seafood dish is a must-try for both locals and tourists alike.
In this section, we'll take you on a journey to discover everything you need to know about Singapore's chilli crab.
History and Cultural Significance
Chilli crab has a rich history in Singaporean cuisine and is considered a national dish.
The dish was created by a Singaporean chef named Madam Cher Yam Tian in the 1950s. It is a seafood dish made with mud crabs cooked in a sweet, spicy, and sour tomato-based sauce.
The crabs are stir-fried with eggs, tomatoes, and red chilli to create a gooey and flavourful dish.
Key Ingredients and Flavours
The key ingredients in chilli crab are the crabs, which are usually mud crabs or Sri Lankan crabs, and the chilli sauce, which is made with a combination of tomato sauce, sambal, and spices.
The sauce is sweet, spicy, and sour, with a perfect balance of flavours that complement the freshness of the crabs.
Variations and Related Dishes
There are several variations of chilli crab, including black pepper crab, salted egg yolk crab, and stir-fried crab with sambal.
Related dishes include mantou, which are steamed buns that are perfect for soaking up the sauce, and fried rice, which can be served as a side dish.
Dining Etiquette and Experience
When dining on chilli crab, it's best to wear a bib or apron as the dish can get messy. You'll also want to use your hands to crack open the crabs and dig out the meat.
The best way to enjoy chilli crab is to pair it with mantou and freshly squeezed orange juice.
Recommended Seafood Restaurants
Some of the best places to try chilli crab in Singapore include Jumbo Seafood, Mellben Seafood, Long Beach Seafood Restaurant, Roland Restaurant, No Signboard Seafood, and Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant.
These restaurants offer a comfortable dining experience with excellent services and the freshest seafood.
Cooking at Home
If you want to try making chilli crab at home, you'll need to source fresh crabs and bottled chilli sauce.
Some popular recipes include Uncle Leong Seafood's chilli crab recipe and Madam Cher Yam Tian's original recipe.
Sourcing Ingredients
You can find fresh crabs at seafood markets such as Marine Parade and East Coast Park. Bottled chilli sauce can be found at most supermarkets and Asian grocery stores.
Pairings and Accompaniments
Chilli crab is best paired with mantou, which can be used to soak up the sauce. Other accompaniments include deep-fried dim sum, coffee pork ribs, and moonlight hor fun.
Exploring Singapore
If you're looking to experience the best of Southeast Asia, Singapore is a great place to start. With its mix of cultural hotspots, local cuisine, and culinary adventures, you'll find plenty to keep you busy.
Cultural Hotspots
One of the best ways to explore Singapore is by visiting its many cultural hotspots. Marine Parade is a great place to start, with its mix of traditional and modern architecture.
The East Coast Park is also a popular destination for tourists, with its sandy beaches and scenic views of the Singapore River.
Local Cuisine Beyond Chilli Crab
When it comes to local cuisine, chilli crab is just the tip of the iceberg. Ang Mo Kio is a great place to try out some of the best zi char (Chinese home-style cooking) in Singapore.
If you're in the mood for something deep-fried, coffee pork ribs are a must-try. And if you're a fan of dim sum, you'll find plenty of options in the Lion City.
Food Tours and Culinary Adventures
If you're looking for a more immersive culinary experience, consider joining a food tour or culinary adventure.
These tours will take you to some of the best fine dining restaurants in Singapore, as well as local haunts that are popular with the locals. And if you're looking for halal-certified options, you'll find plenty of those too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best value chilli crab at hawker centres in Singapore?
If you're looking for cheap and delicious chilli crab, hawker centres are a great place to start.
Some of the best value chilli crab can be found at places like Newton Food Centre, East Coast Lagoon Food Village, and Chomp Chomp Food Centre. These hawker centres are known for their affordable prices and quality food, so you can be sure you're getting a good deal.
What's the going rate for a decent chilli crab dish in Singapore?
The price of chilli crab can vary depending on where you go, but you can expect to pay around $30 to $50 for a decent dish. However, if you're looking for a more affordable option, there are plenty of places that offer chilli crab for under $20.
Can anyone recommend a place for affordable chilli crab that's got good reviews?
If you're looking for affordable chilli crab that's also received good reviews, there are a few places to check out.
One popular option is No Signboard Seafood, which is known for their delicious chilli crab and reasonable prices. Other places to consider include Jumbo Seafood and Long Beach Seafood Restaurant.
Which hawker centres are known for serving the tastiest chilli crab?
When it comes to hawker centres, there are a few that are known for serving up some of the tastiest chilli crab in Singapore.
Some of the best places to try include Newton Food Centre, East Coast Lagoon Food Village, and Chomp Chomp Food Centre.
How spicy is the chilli crab typically in Singapore eateries?
The level of spiciness in chilli crab can vary depending on where you go, but most Singapore eateries offer a mildly spicy version.
If you're not a fan of spicy food, be sure to ask for a milder version when you order.
What are some hidden gems for delicious yet inexpensive chilli crab in Singapore?
If you're looking for some hidden gems for delicious yet inexpensive chilli crab in Singapore, there are a few places to consider.
One option is Mellben Seafood, which is known for their affordable prices and generous portions.
Another great option is Roland Restaurant, which has been serving up delicious chilli crab for over 50 years.