Seafood Category in Singapore: A Guide to the Best Places to Eat

If you're a seafood lover, Singapore is the place to be. The city-state is renowned for its seafood cuisine, and it's not hard to see why. With its proximity to the sea, Singapore has access to some of the freshest seafood in the world. From chilli crab to fish head curry, there's no shortage of delicious seafood dishes to try.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at Singapore's seafood scene. We'll explore the most popular seafood dishes, iconic seafood restaurants and hawker centres, and the cultural influence on seafood cuisine. Whether you're a local or a tourist, this article will give you a better understanding of Singapore's seafood culture and help you discover some new seafood favourites.

Key Takeaways

• Singapore is renowned for its seafood cuisine due to its proximity to the sea.
• Chilli crab and fish head curry are among the most popular seafood dishes in Singapore.
• Singapore's seafood culture is heavily influenced by its diverse cultural heritage.

Overview of Singapore's Seafood Scene

When it comes to seafood, Singapore is a foodie's paradise. The country's proximity to the sea means that its seafood scene is diverse and rich, with a wide variety of seafood types available. From chilli crab to black pepper crab, prawns, fish, lobster, squid, clams, mussels, oysters, and shellfish, you can find it all in Singapore.

The Singaporean seafood scene is deeply rooted in the local culinary heritage, with a vast array of seafood dishes that are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Whether you prefer your seafood grilled, fried, steamed, or boiled, Singapore has something for everyone.

One of the most famous dishes in Singapore is the chilli crab. The dish is made with a spicy tomato-based sauce and is served with steamed buns or rice. Black pepper crab is another popular dish that is similar to chilli crab but has a different sauce. Both dishes are a must-try for any seafood lover.

Singapore is also known for its seafood restaurants. There are many restaurants in the city that specialize in seafood, ranging from casual street food stalls to high-end establishments. Some of the best seafood restaurants in Singapore include JUMBO Seafood, Red House Seafood, and Mellben Seafood. These restaurants serve up some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in the city.

In addition to Singaporean seafood, you can also find a variety of Asian seafood dishes in the city. From Japanese sushi to Thai curries, there is no shortage of Asian seafood cuisine to try in Singapore.

Overall, if you're a seafood lover, Singapore is the perfect destination for you. With its diverse and delicious seafood scene, you're sure to find something that will satisfy your cravings.

Popular Seafood Dishes in Singapore

If you're a seafood lover, then Singapore is the place to be. With its proximity to the sea, Singapore has a wide variety of seafood dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Here are some of the most popular seafood dishes in Singapore.

Chilli Crab: Singapore's National Dish

No discussion of seafood in Singapore is complete without mentioning the iconic Chilli Crab. This dish is so popular that it has been designated as Singapore's national dish. The dish consists of fresh mud crabs cooked in a thick, sweet and savoury tomato and chilli sauce. The sauce is so good that you'll be tempted to lick it off your fingers. The dish is usually served with steamed buns or rice to soak up the sauce.

Black Pepper Crab and Other Crustacean Delights

If you prefer your crabs with a little more bite, then you should try the Black Pepper Crab. The dish is prepared in a similar way to Chilli Crab, but with a black pepper sauce that gives it a spicy kick. Other popular crustacean dishes in Singapore include Sri Lankan Crab, Alaskan King Crab and Lobster. These dishes are usually prepared in a similar way to Chilli Crab or Black Pepper Crab and are just as delicious.

Fresh and Steamed Seafood Varieties

If you're looking for something a little lighter, then you should try some of Singapore's fresh and steamed seafood dishes. Steamed fish is a popular choice and is usually served with soy sauce, ginger and scallions. Oysters, mussels and clams are also popular and are usually steamed with garlic and white wine. These dishes are perfect if you want to taste the natural flavours of the seafood.

Grilled and Barbecued Seafood Specialties

If you prefer your seafood grilled or barbecued, then Singapore has plenty of options for you. Grilled seafood dishes include Baby Squid and Tiger Prawns, which are usually grilled with a sambal marinade. Sambal is a spicy chilli-based sauce that is popular in Southeast Asia. Another popular dish is Sambal Mackerel, which is grilled and served with a spicy sambal sauce. These dishes are perfect if you want something with a little more heat.

In summary, Singapore has a wide variety of seafood dishes that are sure to satisfy any seafood lover. Whether you prefer your seafood steamed, grilled or cooked in a delicious sauce, Singapore has something for everyone. So, go ahead and indulge in some of Singapore's finest seafood dishes.

Iconic Seafood Restaurants and Hawker Centres

If you're a seafood lover, Singapore is the place to be. From high-end seafood dining to casual eateries, there's something for every budget and taste. Here are some of the most iconic seafood restaurants and hawker centres in Singapore that you should definitely check out:

High-End Seafood Dining

If you're looking for a fine dining experience, Palm Beach Seafood and Jumbo Seafood are two restaurants that you should definitely consider. Both of these restaurants are known for their fresh seafood and excellent service. In fact, Jumbo Seafood has been awarded the Michelin Plate for its outstanding food quality and service.

Quayside Isle is another great option for high-end seafood dining. Located at Sentosa Cove, this waterfront dining destination offers a stunning view of the marina. Some of the restaurants at Quayside Isle that you should check out include Solepomodoro Trattoria Pizzeria, Mykonos on the Bay, and Sabio by the Sea.

Hawker Centres and Casual Eateries

If you prefer a more casual dining experience, there are plenty of hawker centres and casual eateries that serve delicious seafood at affordable prices. Lai Huat Signatures at Sembawang is one such eatery that is known for its fresh seafood and reasonable prices. The seafood is cooked to perfection and the portions are generous.

New Ubin Seafood is another casual eatery that you should check out. This restaurant is known for its unique fusion of Chinese and Western cuisine. The seafood dishes are particularly popular and are cooked to perfection.

Keng Eng Kee Seafood is a family-run restaurant that has been serving delicious seafood for over 40 years. The dishes are cooked to order and are always fresh. The restaurant is particularly known for its black pepper crab and salted egg yolk crab.

Specialty Seafood Restaurants

There are also some specialty seafood restaurants in Singapore that are worth checking out. Scaled by Ah Hua Kelong is a seafood restaurant that prides itself on serving sustainably sourced seafood. The restaurant is located on a fish farm in the middle of the sea and offers a unique dining experience.

Humpback is a seafood restaurant that is known for its oysters and seafood towers. The restaurant has a casual and laid-back atmosphere and is perfect for a night out with friends.

The Boiler is another specialty seafood restaurant that you should check out. The restaurant is known for its seafood boil, which is a Louisiana-style seafood feast that is cooked in a bag with a variety of spices and seasonings.

Red House Seafood and Uncle Leong Seafood are two other specialty seafood restaurants that are worth checking out. Both of these restaurants are known for their fresh seafood and delicious dishes.

Whether you're looking for high-end seafood dining or a casual seafood feast, Singapore has something for everyone. So, grab your friends and family and head out to one of these iconic seafood restaurants or hawker centres for a memorable dining experience.

Cultural Influence on Seafood Cuisine

Seafood is an integral part of Singaporean cuisine and culture. The country's history and geography have influenced its cuisine, resulting in a diverse range of seafood dishes. Singaporean cuisine is a blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences, and this is reflected in the seafood dishes.

Chinese and Singaporean Seafood Traditions

Chinese cuisine has had a significant influence on Singaporean seafood cuisine. The Chinese have a long tradition of seafood consumption, and this has been passed down to Singaporeans. Chin Huat Live Seafood is a popular seafood restaurant that serves traditional Chinese seafood dishes such as steamed fish and crab. Dim sum is another Chinese seafood tradition that is popular in Singapore.

Singaporean seafood traditions include dishes such as chilli crab, black pepper crab, and fish head curry. These dishes are a fusion of Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences. Singaporeans also enjoy seafood in hawker centres, which are open-air food centres that serve a variety of local dishes.

International Flavours in Local Seafood

Singapore's location as a global trading hub has resulted in the introduction of international flavours to its seafood cuisine. Mediterranean and European seafood dishes such as paella and bouillabaisse are available in Singaporean restaurants such as Sabio by the Sea. American and Cajun seafood dishes such as lobster rolls and gumbo are also popular in Singapore.

Fusion and Innovative Seafood Dishes

Singaporean chefs have also created fusion and innovative seafood dishes that combine local and international flavours. Coco-Lobo is a restaurant that serves fusion dishes such as miso-dijon salmon and seafood salad with wasabi dressing. Foie gras is another ingredient that has been incorporated into Singaporean seafood dishes.

In conclusion, Singaporean seafood cuisine is a blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences. The country's location as a global trading hub has resulted in the introduction of international flavours to its seafood cuisine. Singaporean chefs have also created fusion and innovative seafood dishes that combine local and international flavours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the word on Singapore's seafood scene?

If you're a seafood lover, Singapore is the place to be. With its strategic location, Singapore has access to some of the freshest seafood in the world. The seafood scene in Singapore is vibrant and diverse, with a wide range of dishes to choose from. From the famous chilli crab to the lesser-known black pepper crab, there's something for everyone.

How pricey is seafood around these parts?

The price of seafood in Singapore can vary depending on the type of seafood and the restaurant you visit. Generally, seafood is more expensive than other types of food, but it's worth the price for the quality and freshness. You can find affordable seafood options at hawker centres and wet markets, while high-end restaurants offer more expensive seafood dishes.

Where's all the seafood in Singapore coming from?

Most of the seafood in Singapore is imported from neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. However, Singapore also has its own fishing industry, and some seafood is caught locally. The country's strategic location and well-developed infrastructure make it an ideal hub for seafood distribution.

Just how much seafood do Singaporeans get through?

Singaporeans consume a lot of seafood, with an average of 22kg per person per year. The most popular seafood dishes include chilli crab, black pepper crab, and prawn noodles. With such a high demand for seafood, it's important to ensure that it's sourced sustainably.

Is Singapore doing its bit for sustainable seafood?

Yes, Singapore is taking steps to promote sustainable seafood practices. The government has set up a Sustainable Seafood Group to encourage sustainable fishing practices and raise awareness among consumers. Some restaurants also source their seafood from sustainable sources and display the certification on their menus.

What's the impact of too much fishing in Singapore's waters?

Overfishing can have a significant impact on the marine ecosystem and the livelihoods of fishermen. Singapore has implemented measures to prevent overfishing, such as limiting the number of fishing licenses and banning certain types of fishing gear. It's important to ensure that fishing practices are sustainable to protect the marine environment for future generations.