There are few dishes more iconic to Singapore than chilli crab. This sweet, spicy, tangy seafood masterpiece is a must-try for anyone visiting the Lion City—and a go-to indulgence for locals. Whether you’re slurping up the savoury sauce with mantou buns or cracking into a meaty Sri Lankan crab, chilli crab is more than just food—it’s a celebration of Singapore’s culinary soul.
So where can you find the best chilli crab in Singapore? We’ve cracked shells and licked sauce-slicked fingers across the city to bring you our top picks. Whether you’re after old-school institutions or new takes on the classic, these are the spots that never disappoint.
1. Jumbo Seafood – The Timeless Favourite
📍 20 Upper Circular Rd, #B1-48 The Riverwalk, Singapore 058416
📞 +65 6532 3435
Ask any Singaporean where to get good chilli crab, and Jumbo Seafood is bound to be mentioned. Established in 1987, Jumbo is practically synonymous with chilli crab. Its East Coast Seafood Centre outlet in particular has become a must-visit for tourists seeking the full crab experience—dining by the sea with a plate of steaming, spicy crab in front of you.
The chilli crab here is rich, balanced, and thick with eggy tomato-chilli gravy—perfect for dipping their ultra-crispy fried mantou. Their Sri Lankan crabs are hefty, meaty, and incredibly fresh. Yes, it’s touristy, but for good reason: Jumbo’s version of chilli crab is consistently excellent and reliably delicious.
Must-try: Classic Chilli Crab with Fried Mantou
Best for: First-timers, tourists, large groups
2. No Signboard Seafood – A White Pepper Legend with a Killer Chilli Crab
📍 414 Geylang Rd, Singapore 389392
📞 +65 6842 3415
Despite being famous for inventing the white pepper crab, No Signboard Seafood also does an outstanding chilli crab that deserves its moment in the spotlight. This spot started as a humble hawker stall and is now a household name in Singapore.
Their chilli crab sauce is slightly spicier than most, giving it a bold, fiery kick that chilli lovers will appreciate. It’s less sweet than other renditions, which balances beautifully with the naturally sweet crab meat. The Geylang outlet maintains a more local, rustic vibe compared to their fancier malls locations, and that only adds to its charm.
Must-try: Chilli Crab with a side of Fried Buns
Best for: Spice lovers, local foodies
3. Red House Seafood – Refined and Family-Friendly
📍 68 Prinsep Street, Singapore 188661
📞 +65 6336 6080
If you’re looking for chilli crab in a stylish yet laid-back setting, Red House Seafood is an excellent choice. Known for its fresh seafood and refined local dishes, Red House offers a chilli crab that’s both traditional and polished. The sauce leans slightly sweeter, with a velvety consistency and delicate spice profile—perfect for families and those new to spice.
They also take pride in sourcing their crabs sustainably, often featuring air-flown selections from Sri Lanka or the Philippines. With beautiful indoor dining and warm service, this is the kind of place where you linger over dinner and wipe your plate clean.
Must-try: Chilli Crab with Steamed Mantou
Best for: Families, date nights, special occasions
4. Mellben Seafood – The Hidden Heartland Gem
📍 232 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3, St 22, #01-1222, Singapore 560232
📞 +65 6285 6762
Tucked in the heart of Ang Mo Kio, Mellben Seafood is a huge hit among locals—and for good reason. It might not have the flashy location of its competitors, but what it does have is some of the best chilli crab you’ll ever taste.
The gravy here is thick, eggy, and addictively savoury with just the right level of heat. Their crabs are massive, and the kitchen doesn’t skimp on the sauce. It’s the kind of meal that leaves you elbow-deep in crab shells and wishing you wore darker clothes—but it’s all worth it.
Insider tip: Come early or be prepared to wait. It’s perpetually packed, and for good reason.
Must-try: Chilli Crab, Claypot Crab Bee Hoon Soup (if you’re feeling adventurous)
Best for: Local eats, heartland foodies, big appetites
5. HolyCrab – Creative, Modern, and Bold
📍 13 Stamford Rd, #01-85 Capitol Piazza, Singapore 178905
📞 +65 8444 7722
With a cheeky name and a playful menu, HolyCrab is a modern seafood bistro that gives chilli crab a fun twist. Their version, dubbed “Orgasmic Crab,” is indeed a showstopper. The sauce is complex—slightly smoky, extra garlicky, and richer than most, without overpowering the crab’s natural sweetness.
This isn’t the traditional hawker-style chilli crab you’re used to. It’s elevated, adventurous, and plated with finesse. HolyCrab also experiments with other flavour styles like Devil’s Crab (spicy) and Balsamic Crab (tangy), so there’s always something new to try.
Must-try: Orgasmic Chilli Crab
Best for: Foodies, date night, modern Singaporean cuisine lovers
Whether you go traditional or modern, fried mantou buns are a non-negotiable when eating chilli crab. These golden pillows of fried dough soak up every bit of that luscious sauce—and trust us, you’ll be fighting for the last one.
Final Thoughts: Chilli Crab in Singapore is a Must-Experience
There’s no one-size-fits-all chilli crab. Some are spicier, others sweeter. Some spots are sleek and air-conditioned; others are bustling and local. But that’s the beauty of it—Singapore’s chilli crab scene reflects the city’s diversity, passion for food, and unwavering love for bold flavours.
If you’re visiting Singapore or simply rediscovering your love for local flavours, add these 5 chilli crab spots to your must-eat list. Just don’t forget the wet wipes.
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