Seafood Calendar Singapore: A Guide to the Best Seafood Seasons and Festivals in Singapore

Are you a seafood lover visiting Singapore? You're in for a treat! Singapore is a seafood paradise with a rich variety of seafood dishes available throughout the year. From the famous chili crab to the lesser-known but equally delicious black pepper crab, Singapore has it all. In this article, we will introduce you to the seafood calendar of Singapore, so you can plan your visit around the best time to indulge in your favourite seafood.

Singapore Seafood Overview: Singapore's seafood dishes are a blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan cuisines. This unique blend of cultures has resulted in a diverse range of seafood dishes, each with its own distinct flavour. Singapore's seafood is known for its freshness, with most seafood being caught and served on the same day. The seafood is usually cooked with a variety of spices and herbs, resulting in dishes that are both flavourful and healthy.

Iconic Seafood Restaurants and Dishes: Singapore is home to many iconic seafood restaurants, each with its own specialty dish. From the famous chili crab at Jumbo Seafood to the black pepper crab at No Signboard Seafood, there is no shortage of delicious seafood to try. Other popular dishes include salted egg yolk crab, butter crab, and seafood hor fun. Whether you're looking for a fancy restaurant or a casual eatery, Singapore has something to offer every seafood lover.

Key Takeaways

• Singapore is a seafood paradise with a rich variety of seafood dishes available throughout the year.
• Singapore's seafood is known for its freshness, with most seafood being caught and served on the same day.
• From the famous chili crab to the black pepper crab, Singapore has many iconic seafood dishes to try at its popular seafood restaurants.

Singapore Seafood Overview

When it comes to seafood, Singapore is a culinary paradise with a diverse range of cuisines that cater to all tastes and preferences. From local seafood specialties to international flavors, Singapore offers a wide range of seafood options that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Local Seafood Specialities

Singapore is known for its live seafood and fresh seafood dishes. The famous Chilli Crab and Black Pepper Crab are local favorites and must-tries for anyone visiting Singapore. These dishes are made with mud crabs that are stir-fried with a spicy and flavorful sauce. Fish head curry is another popular dish that is a must-try. It is a spicy curry made with fish head, vegetables, and spices.

Cultural Influence on Seafood

Singapore's cuisine is heavily influenced by Chinese, Japanese, and other Asian cultures. Seafood dishes such as prawns, oysters, shellfish, and clams are commonly found in many Asian cuisines. Alaskan King Crab and Sri Lankan Crab are also popular seafood choices in Singapore.

Seasonal Seafood Varieties

Seasonal seafood varieties are also available in Singapore. During the winter months, you can find Dungeness Crab and Lobster, while during the summer months, you can find Stone Crab and Blue Crab. Singapore also offers a variety of international seafood options, such as Cajun and contemporary seafood.

In conclusion, Singapore is a seafood lover's paradise with a wide range of seafood options that cater to all tastes and preferences. Whether you're looking for local seafood specialties or international flavors, Singapore has something for everyone.

Iconic Seafood Restaurants and Dishes

If you're a seafood lover, Singapore offers an abundance of choices for you to indulge in. From traditional zi char to Michelin-rated restaurants, the city-state has it all. Here are some of the most iconic seafood restaurants and dishes that you must try when in Singapore.

Traditional and Michelin-Rated Spots

If you're looking for traditional seafood dishes, you can't go wrong with Palm Beach Seafood, Uncle Leong Seafood, and New Ubin Seafood. These restaurants serve up classic zi char dishes such as chilli crab, black pepper crab, and salted egg yolk crab. The steamed giant grouper fillet in celery sauce and bamboo clams are also must-tries.

For those looking for a more upscale experience, Red House Seafood and Humpback are Michelin-Plate restaurants that offer a mix of traditional and modern seafood dishes. Red House Seafood's signature dish is the golden sauce crab, while Humpback is known for its oysters and lobster dishes.

Popular Seafood Delicacies

Jumbo Seafood is a household name in Singapore and is known for its chilli crab and Jumbo signatures such as the crispy baby squid and the prawn paste chicken. Mellben Seafood is another popular restaurant that's famous for its crab bee hoon and salted egg yolk crab.

If you're looking for a unique seafood experience, Scaled by Ah Hua Kelong is a farm-to-table restaurant that serves up fresh seafood caught from their own fish farm. Their dishes include the bamboo clam soup and the grilled whole fish.

Last but not least, Chin Huat Live Seafood is a popular spot for its Boston lobster and the claypot crab vermicelli soup. The restaurant also offers a variety of seafood dishes cooked in different styles such as steamed, fried, and baked.

Whether you're looking for traditional zi char dishes or modern seafood creations, Singapore has it all. Make sure to add these iconic seafood restaurants and dishes to your must-try list when visiting the city-state.

Cooking Techniques and Pairings

Preparation Styles

There are various preparation styles for seafood in Singapore that you can try. Grilling is a popular method that imparts a smoky flavor to the seafood. You can also try steaming fish to retain its natural flavors. If you prefer fried seafood, you can try salted egg prawns or mee goreng. For a more filling meal, you can pair seafood with bee hoon, hor fun, laksa, or fried rice.

Seafood and Beverage Combinations

Pairing seafood with the right beverage can enhance the dining experience. If you prefer wine, you can opt for a wine bar that offers a variety of wines to complement your seafood dish. For a refreshing drink, you can try a Mediterranean-inspired cocktail. If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, you can try pairing seafood with iced tea or coconut water.

When it comes to pairing seafood with steak, you can try a surf and turf dish that combines the best of both worlds. Grilled seafood pairs well with red wine, while steamed fish goes well with white wine. If you prefer beer, you can try pairing seafood with a light lager or pilsner.

Overall, there are many ways to prepare and pair seafood in Singapore. Whether you prefer grilled, steamed, or fried seafood, there is a preparation style that will suit your taste. Don't forget to pair your seafood with the right beverage to enhance your dining experience.

Seafood Events and Festivals

If you're a seafood lover, Singapore has a lot to offer in terms of seafood events and festivals. Here are some of the most popular ones that you should definitely check out:

Annual Seafood Celebrations

One of the most anticipated events for seafood lovers is the Seafood Expo Asia which takes place annually in Singapore. It is a trade event where buyers and suppliers of seafood from around the world come together to network and conduct business in the lucrative Asia markets. The next event will be held from 4-6 September 2024 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre.

Another annual event is the Singapore International Seafood Festival which features a range of traditional and contemporary seafood dishes. The festival also showcases the best of Singapore's seafood culture and heritage. This event is perfect for those who want to experience Singapore's seafood paradise.

Seafood Markets and Fairs

If you're looking for a more casual event, check out the Greenwood Fish Market which offers a wide variety of fresh seafood. They also have a seafood market where you can buy fresh seafood to cook at home.

For those who prefer halal-certified seafood, check out Keng Eng Kee Seafood which offers a range of Chinese classics and grilled seafood. They are known for their claypot crab bee hoon, salted egg crab, and crispy baby squids.

If you're looking for fine dining, head to Roland Restaurant which offers a range of seafood dishes such as prawn paste chicken, salted egg prawns, and curry fish head. They also have a seafood buffet which is perfect for those who want to try a little bit of everything.

Another popular seafood restaurant is Long Beach Seafood Restaurant which is known for its signature dish, the black pepper crab. They also offer a range of other seafood dishes such as seafood hor fun, cereal prawn, and Hokkien mee.

No matter what your taste buds crave, Singapore has something to offer for every seafood lover. So, come and explore the seafood paradise that Singapore has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

What months are best for catching specific types of seafood in Singapore?

Singapore is home to a diverse range of seafood, and the best time to catch specific types of seafood can vary depending on the species. For example, squid and cuttlefish are most abundant from May to September, while crabs are most abundant from October to December.

When is the peak season for fresh seafood availability in Singapore?

The peak season for fresh seafood availability in Singapore is generally from October to March. During this time, the waters around Singapore are cooler and clearer, which makes it easier to catch a wide variety of seafood.

How do the tides affect fishing times in Singapore?

The tides can have a significant impact on fishing times in Singapore. During high tide, fish tend to move closer to the shore, making them easier to catch. Conversely, during low tide, fish tend to move further out to sea, making them more difficult to catch.

Can you recommend the best times of day for fishing based on the tidal patterns?

The best times of day for fishing in Singapore can vary depending on the tidal patterns. Generally, the best time to fish is during the incoming tide, which is when the water is rising. This is because fish tend to move towards the shore during this time, making them easier to catch.

What should I look out for in the Singapore tide tables when planning a fishing trip?

When planning a fishing trip in Singapore, it's important to pay attention to the tide tables. You should look out for the times of high and low tide, as well as the height of the tide. This information can help you determine the best times and locations for fishing.

Are there any particular seasons when the tidal currents are most favourable for fishing in Singapore?

The tidal currents can be more favourable for fishing during certain seasons in Singapore. For example, during the Northeast Monsoon season (November to March), the tidal currents tend to be stronger, which can make it easier to catch certain types of fish. However, it's important to note that fishing conditions can vary depending on a range of factors, including weather conditions and water temperature.