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Live Seafood Singapore: Where to Find the Freshest Catch

By Gabriela Esteban  •   14 minute read

If you're a seafood lover, then you'll be delighted to know that Singapore is home to some of the freshest and most delicious live seafood in the world. Live seafood has been a staple of Singaporean cuisine for centuries, and today, it remains a popular choice among locals and tourists alike. From lobsters to crabs, clams to oysters, there's no shortage of live seafood varieties to choose from in Singapore.

One of the best things about live seafood in Singapore is that it's readily available. You can find live seafood in many restaurants and markets throughout the city. Whether you're looking for a high-end dining experience or a more casual meal, there are plenty of options to choose from. Plus, many of the top live seafood restaurants in Singapore offer delivery services, so you can enjoy fresh seafood from the comfort of your own home.

If you're new to live seafood, it's important to know that there are certain varieties that are more popular in Singapore than others. For example, the Sri Lankan mud crab is a local favourite, as are Boston lobsters and Alaskan King Crabs. But no matter what type of live seafood you choose, you can rest assured that it will be fresh and delicious. So why not give live seafood a try on your next trip to Singapore?

Key Takeaways

  • Singapore is home to some of the freshest and most delicious live seafood in the world.
  • Live seafood is readily available in many restaurants and markets throughout the city.
  • Sri Lankan mud crabs, Boston lobsters, and Alaskan King Crabs are some of the most popular live seafood varieties in Singapore.

Overview of Live Seafood in Singapore

Singapore is a food lover's paradise, and live seafood is no exception. Live seafood is a popular delicacy in Singapore, and you can find a wide variety of seafood restaurants serving fresh live seafood. From crabs to lobsters, prawns to fish, there is no shortage of seafood options in Singapore.

One of the most popular live seafood dishes in Singapore is the famous Chilli Crab. This dish is made with live crabs that are cooked in a spicy, sweet and sour sauce. The dish is messy to eat, but it is definitely worth the effort. Other popular live seafood dishes include Black Pepper Crab, Butter Crab, and Salted Egg Yolk Crab.

If you are a fan of prawns, you will love the live prawn dishes available in Singapore. Live prawns are cooked in a variety of ways, including steamed, grilled, and stir-fried. Some of the most popular live prawn dishes include Cereal Prawns, Har Cheong Gai Prawns, and Prawn Noodles.

Singapore is also known for its live fish dishes. One of the most popular live fish dishes is the Teochew-style Steamed Fish. This dish is made with a fresh live fish that is steamed and served with a light soy sauce, ginger, and spring onions. Other popular live fish dishes include Deep-fried Fish, Fish Head Curry, and Fish Soup.

Live seafood is usually sold by weight and can be quite expensive. However, the quality of the seafood is usually excellent, and the experience of eating live seafood is truly unique. If you are a seafood lover, you should definitely try some of the live seafood dishes available in Singapore.

Popular Live Seafood Varieties in Singapore

If you're a seafood lover, Singapore is the place to be. With its proximity to the sea, the city-state is home to some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in the world. In particular, the live seafood scene in Singapore is thriving, with many restaurants offering an impressive array of live seafood options. Here are some of the most popular live seafood varieties you can find in Singapore.

Mud Crabs

Mud crabs are a must-try when it comes to live seafood in Singapore. These crabs are prized for their succulent flesh and sweet taste. They are typically served steamed with a side of chilli sauce or black pepper sauce. You can find mud crabs at many seafood restaurants in Singapore, including G7 Sinma Live Seafood Restaurant, which is known for its delicious mud crab dishes.

Lobsters

Another popular live seafood variety in Singapore is lobster. These crustaceans are known for their tender meat and rich flavour. They are often served grilled or steamed with garlic butter or lemon butter sauce. One of the best places to try lobster in Singapore is The Ocean Mart, which is a premium live seafood supplier that delivers fresh lobster to restaurants and hotels across the city.

Groupers

Groupers are a type of fish that are highly prized in Chinese cuisine. They are known for their delicate and sweet flesh, which is perfect for steaming. In Singapore, you can find live groupers at many seafood restaurants, including Orchid Live Seafood Restaurant, which offers a wide range of live seafood options.

Clams

Clams are a popular live seafood variety in Singapore, and for good reason. These bivalve molluscs are known for their sweet and briny flavour, and they are often served steamed with garlic and white wine sauce. You can find live clams at many seafood restaurants in Singapore, including Live Seafood Market by The Three Peacocks, which is a popular spot for live seafood lovers.

Whether you're a local or a tourist, trying live seafood in Singapore is a must-do experience. With so many delicious options to choose from, you're sure to find a live seafood variety that you love.

Top Live Seafood Restaurants

If you're a seafood lover, then Singapore is the perfect place for you. The city-state is renowned for its fresh and delicious seafood. Here are three of the best live seafood restaurants in Singapore that serve some of the freshest seafood in the city.

Jumbo Seafood

Jumbo Seafood is a popular seafood restaurant chain in Singapore that has been serving up delicious seafood for over 30 years. The restaurant is known for its live seafood, which is kept in tanks and cooked to order. Some of the must-try dishes at Jumbo Seafood include the Chili Crab, Black Pepper Crab, and the Live Prawns.

The restaurant has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff are always happy to help you choose the perfect dish. If you're looking for a great seafood experience, then Jumbo Seafood is definitely worth a visit.

Long Beach Seafood Restaurant

Long Beach Seafood Restaurant is another popular live seafood restaurant in Singapore. The restaurant has been around for over 70 years and is known for its signature dish, the Black Pepper Crab. The restaurant also serves other delicious seafood dishes such as the Live Lobster, Live Prawns, and the Drunken Prawns.

The restaurant has a laid-back and casual atmosphere, making it the perfect place to enjoy a meal with friends and family. The staff are friendly and attentive, and the service is always top-notch.

TungLok Seafood

TungLok Seafood is a well-known seafood restaurant in Singapore that offers a wide range of live seafood dishes. The restaurant is known for its fresh and delicious seafood, which is cooked to perfection. Some of the must-try dishes at TungLok Seafood include the Live Lobster, Live Prawns, and the Chili Crab.

The restaurant has a modern and stylish interior, and the staff are always friendly and welcoming. The service is excellent, and the prices are reasonable, making it a great option for those on a budget.

Overall, these three live seafood restaurants in Singapore are some of the best in the city. They offer delicious seafood dishes, friendly service, and a great atmosphere, making them the perfect place to enjoy a meal with friends and family.

Live Seafood Markets

If you're looking for fresh seafood in Singapore, then you must visit one of the many live seafood markets. These markets offer a wide range of seafood options that are caught fresh and sold live. Here are some of the best live seafood markets in Singapore:

Chinatown Wet Market

Chinatown Wet Market is a bustling market located in the heart of Singapore's Chinatown. It's a great place to find fresh seafood, including crabs, lobsters, and prawns. The market is open daily from early morning until late afternoon, and there are plenty of vendors selling live seafood.

Tekka Market

Tekka Market is one of Singapore's oldest and most popular markets. It's located in Little India and is known for its fresh produce and seafood. The market has a large selection of live seafood, including fish, crabs, and lobsters. There are also plenty of vendors selling cooked seafood dishes, so you can enjoy a delicious meal while you're shopping.

Senoko Fishery Port

Senoko Fishery Port is the largest fishery port in Singapore. It's located in the northern part of the island and is a great place to find fresh seafood at wholesale prices. The port is open 24 hours a day, and there are plenty of vendors selling live seafood. If you're looking to buy in bulk, this is the place to go.

Overall, Singapore is a great place to find fresh seafood. Whether you're looking for live seafood markets or seafood restaurants, there's something for everyone. So, grab your shopping bag and head to one of these live seafood markets for a taste of the freshest seafood Singapore has to offer.

Sustainable Seafood Practices

When it comes to live seafood in Singapore, sustainability is a crucial factor to consider. Sustainable seafood practices are those that ensure the long-term health of the marine ecosystem, while also providing a reliable source of seafood for consumers. Here are some sustainable seafood practices that you can adopt:

1. Choose seafood that is responsibly sourced

Look for seafood that has been responsibly sourced. This means that it has been caught or farmed using methods that are environmentally friendly and do not harm the marine ecosystem. You can use the WWF Singapore Seafood Guide to make the right choice.

2. Avoid consuming endangered species

Some species of seafood are endangered, which means that they are at risk of extinction. Consuming these species can lead to their further decline. You can check the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species to see if the seafood you are consuming is endangered.

3. Support sustainable seafood restaurants

Choose restaurants that support sustainable seafood practices. Many restaurants in Singapore have committed to serving sustainable seafood. You can look for the Sustainable Seafood Coalition logo on their menus to ensure that you are making a sustainable choice.

4. Reduce food waste

Reducing food waste is another way to support sustainable seafood practices. When you order live seafood, make sure that you only order what you can eat. This will help to reduce the amount of seafood that goes to waste.

By adopting these sustainable seafood practices, you can support the long-term health of the marine ecosystem, while also enjoying delicious live seafood in Singapore.

Cooking Tips for Live Seafood

If you're planning to cook live seafood, it's important to follow proper handling and cooking techniques to ensure that the seafood is safe to eat and tastes delicious. Here are some tips to help you out:

Proper Handling

  1. Choose fresh seafood: Look for live seafood that is active and healthy. Avoid seafood that has a strong fishy smell or looks dull and lifeless.
  2. Store seafood properly: Keep live seafood in a cool, moist environment until you're ready to cook it. You can store it in a bucket or container filled with seawater or ice.
  3. Clean seafood thoroughly: Rinse the seafood under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Scrub the shells of clams and oysters with a brush to remove any sand or barnacles.

Cooking Techniques

  1. Boiling: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the live seafood. Cook for a few minutes until the seafood is fully cooked. This method is best for shellfish like clams, mussels, and crabs.
  2. Steaming: Place the live seafood in a steamer basket and steam for a few minutes until fully cooked. This method is best for fish and shellfish like clams and mussels.
  3. Grilling: Grill the live seafood over high heat for a few minutes on each side until fully cooked. This method is best for fish and shellfish like prawns and squid.

Remember to always cook live seafood thoroughly to avoid any risk of foodborne illness. With these tips, you'll be able to cook delicious live seafood dishes that are safe to eat and sure to impress your guests.

Regulations and Standards

If you are interested in live seafood in Singapore, it is important to understand the regulations and standards that are in place to ensure the health and safety of both consumers and the seafood itself.

Health and Safety

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is the national authority for food safety in Singapore. They have put in place an effective integrated food safety system to ensure that food is safe for consumption. As a consumer, you can take measures to minimise food safety risks by carefully selecting and handling your seafood. Eating raw seafood instead of cooked seafood can make you more prone to food poisoning, so it is important to be aware of the risks and take appropriate precautions.

Import and Export Policies

The import and export of live seafood in Singapore is governed by the Animals and Birds (Live Fish) Rules 2011. This regulation defines "live fish" as any varieties of marine, brackish water or fresh water fishes, crustacea, aquatic mollusca, turtles, marine sponges, trepang and any other form of aquatic life, including the young and eggs thereof, imported or exported whilst living and not intended for human consumption.

The import of certain types of live seafood is prohibited for food safety reasons. For example, the import of chilled shucked raw oyster, chilled blood cockle meat, chilled cooked prawn/shrimp and chilled crabmeat is prohibited. Live oysters may only be imported from countries that meet SFA's requirements for a shellfish sanitation programme.

In addition to these regulations, there are also specific standards in place for food safety and nutrition information panels. The Food Regulations set out specific requirements for date-marking of prepacked food, microbiological standards for ready-to-eat food, and pathogen reduction treatments in meat, among other things.

Overall, there are many regulations and standards in place to ensure the health and safety of live seafood in Singapore. By being aware of these regulations and taking appropriate precautions, you can enjoy the many benefits of fresh, delicious seafood with confidence.

Cultural Significance of Live Seafood in Singapore

If you are a seafood lover, Singapore is the place to be. Seafood has a special place in Singaporean culture and cuisine. It is not just a source of food, but a way of life. The country is surrounded by water, and this has influenced the food culture of Singaporeans.

Seafood is an important part of the local cuisine, and it is used in many dishes. From the famous chilli crab to the humble fish head curry, seafood is an integral part of Singaporean food culture. It is not only delicious but also nutritious.

In addition to being a source of food, live seafood has cultural significance in Singapore. It is a symbol of freshness and quality. Many restaurants in Singapore offer live seafood, and it is a common sight to see live fish, crabs, and lobsters in tanks.

Singaporeans believe that live seafood is the best way to enjoy seafood. They believe that live seafood is fresher, tastier, and healthier than frozen or canned seafood. It is also believed that live seafood has more nutritional value than other forms of seafood.

In Singapore, live seafood is often served at special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations. It is a sign of prosperity and good luck. The Chinese believe that serving live seafood during a wedding banquet symbolizes a long and happy marriage.

In conclusion, live seafood has a special place in Singaporean culture and cuisine. It is not just a source of food, but a way of life. It is a symbol of freshness, quality, and prosperity. If you are a seafood lover, you must try live seafood in Singapore to experience its cultural significance.

Seasonal Availability and Selection Tips

If you're looking for the freshest live seafood in Singapore, it's important to know which species are in season. Some of the most popular seafood species in Singapore include mud crabs, lobsters, oysters, prawns, salmon trouts, groupers, clams, cod fish, Alaskan King Crabs, and abalone. However, the availability of these species can vary depending on the time of year.

For example, mud crabs are typically in season from August to November, while lobsters are in season from May to July. Oysters are available year-round, but they tend to be at their best during the winter months. Prawns are available throughout the year, but they are typically larger and more flavourful during the monsoon season from October to March.

When selecting live seafood in Singapore, it's important to choose specimens that are healthy and active. Look for seafood that is swimming or crawling around in the tank, and avoid specimens that are lethargic or have damaged shells. You should also pay attention to the smell of the seafood - it should smell fresh and briny, not fishy or sour.

If you're not sure how to prepare a particular type of seafood, don't be afraid to ask your seafood supplier for advice. They can provide you with tips on how to cook and serve your seafood to ensure that it tastes its best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the best selection of live seafood for wholesale purchase in Singapore?

If you're looking for the best selection of live seafood for wholesale purchase in Singapore, you can find it at The Ocean Mart. They are Singapore's first imported premium live seafood supplier/wholesaler since 1986. They supply live, fresh and frozen seafood with island-wide delivery to restaurants (Michelin-starred included), hotel chains and retail clients in Singapore.

Which suppliers offer the freshest seafood delivery in Singapore?

The Ocean Mart is known for offering the freshest seafood delivery in Singapore. They have been in the business for over 30 years and have a reputation for supplying top-quality seafood to some of the most renowned restaurants and hotels in Singapore. They have a wide selection of live seafood, including crabs, lobsters, and prawns, among others.

How do I choose a reliable fresh seafood supplier?

When choosing a reliable fresh seafood supplier, it's important to consider their reputation, quality of products, and customer service. Look for suppliers that have been in the business for a long time and have a good track record of supplying top-quality seafood. Check their reviews and ratings online to get an idea of their customer service. The Ocean Mart is a reliable fresh seafood supplier in Singapore that has been in the business for over 30 years.

Can I order live seafood online and have it delivered in Singapore?

Yes, you can order live seafood online and have it delivered in Singapore. The Ocean Mart, for instance, offers online ordering and island-wide delivery of live, fresh and frozen seafood. They have a user-friendly website that allows you to browse their selection of seafood and place an order online. They also offer same-day delivery for orders placed before 12 pm.

What are the reviews saying about fresh seafood delivery services in Singapore?

The reviews for fresh seafood delivery services in Singapore are generally positive. Customers praise the quality of the seafood and the convenience of having it delivered to their doorstep. The Ocean Mart, in particular, has received many positive reviews for their top-quality seafood and excellent customer service.

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