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Singapore Chilli Crab

Southeast Asian Cuisine: Singapore Chilli Crab

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As the months away from Asia continue to mount, I am continually reminded more and more of dishes that I miss. This morning, a friend here in Belize posted a picture of a crab soup and it instantly made me think — Singapore Chilli Crab.

That gooey, sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce that coats the entire crab. Mmmm…

Singapore Chili Crab https://ourtastytravels.com/blog/southeast-asian-cuisine-singapore-chilli-crab/ #ourtastytravels
Singapore Chilli Crab

Certainly not a first date food..heck, not even a three month relationship food in some instances, but still a must try if you are traveling in Singapore.

Singapore’s multi-cultural background has earned it the reputation of being one of the top food destinations in the world. The country has a range of culinary influences that include Malay, Chinese, Indonesian, Indian, and even the Middle East and some Western traditions. This translates into some substantial culinary offerings that are unrivaled in other parts of the world.

Singapore's famed Newton Hawker Food Center -- perfect spot to try chili crab!  https://ourtastytravels.com/blog/southeast-asian-cuisine-singapore-chilli-crab/ #ourtastytravels
Singapore’s famed Newton Hawker Food Center — perfect spot to try chilli crab!

Considered a signature dish of Singapore, you can find chilli crab at Hawker Centers, local restaurants, and anywhere that serves traditional cuisine.  Each spot will have a different take on the Singapore Chilli Crab, but essentially it’s a whole crab stir-fried with a fragrant sauce that resembles a tomato based gravy. It has garlic, chilli, ribbons of egg, and definitely packs a punch. You sop up the chilli goodness with fluffy white mantou (Chinese buns).

It is believed that the origin of chilli crab dates back to the 1950’s when Cher Yam Tian added bottled tomato and chilli sauces to the crab to spice up the regular dish. She eventually started selling it in a push cart, then moved to a food stall and 15 years later, opened Palm Beach Restaurant, which she sold in 1984. Some believe the more popular version of chilli crab seen today was created by Hooi Kok Wai of Dragon Phoenix restaurant — he modified Cher’s recipe to add eggs, vinegar, sambal, lemon juice, and tomato paste.

I’ve tried Singapore style chilli crab in several restaurants, in and out of Singapore, as well as the famed Newton Hawker Center. The best chilli crab easily was that from the hawker center — it was rich, tomatoey, slightly sweet with a manageable spice level.

Singapore Chili Crab from restaurant in Taipei, Taiwan  https://ourtastytravels.com/blog/southeast-asian-cuisine-singapore-chilli-crab/ #ourtastytravels
Singapore Chilli Crab from restaurant in Taipei, Taiwan

In case you aren’t swayed by our recommendation, CNNGo named Singapore Chilli Crab as one of the World’s Top 50 Foods and Newton Hawker Center even declares it’s one of top 10 foods to try!

Where is your favorite spot for Singapore chilli crab? 

 

                    

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Erin De Santiago

Erin is a freelance travel, food, wine, and Disney Theme Parks writer splitting time between Belize and the Netherlands. She has written for outlets like Viator, TripAdvisor, Roam Right Travel Insurance, Expedia, Hipmunk, Trivago, MasterCard, and she is AFAR Magazine's Belize expert. Erin was the primary author for Belize's official visitor magazine in 2013, and the English language editor for a renowned Spanish chef's second cookbook. Erin also holds a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) designation and has traveled to 70 countries on six continents in search of good food and wine, and all things Disney.

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8 comments
  1. Andi Perullo de Ledesma says:
    February 2, 2013 at 10:07 pm

    Yuuuuum!!!

    Reply
  2. Ed Graham says:
    February 13, 2013 at 1:57 am

    That sauce looks unreal.

    Reply
    1. Brett Domue + says:
      February 13, 2013 at 10:31 pm

      It is, too! Only problem is never enough buns, always have to ask for more to get it all!

      Reply
  3. Liz says:
    March 9, 2013 at 9:45 pm

    OMG – I forgot how good Singapore Chill Crab looks. A friend of ours who comes from Singapore took us out to golf course where we had the biggest Chilli Crab I have ever seen.  You are going to get messy eating it, but it has to be done.  Thank’s for bringing back memories 🙂

    Reply
  4. Mary says:
    March 23, 2013 at 6:37 pm

    Man that looks good! When we were at Newton, I sooo wanted to get the Chili Crab but my husband doesn’t eat spice and I was to embarrassed to order an entire dish just for myself. I should have done it….DOH! Thanks for the memory!

    Reply
  5. Thomas Dembie says:
    April 3, 2013 at 3:07 am

    Food looks delicious! I love the Newton Hawker Food Center. Delicious food at an affordable price! Never tried the crab though. I guess that means it’s time to head back to Singapore :).

    Reply
  6. Chirnese Liverpool says:
    December 14, 2013 at 10:02 am

    you got me! I just new you were gonna include a recipe!

    Reply
  7. [email protected] says:
    November 2, 2016 at 12:34 am

    I’ve only eaten Chili Crab in Singapore once at Long beach Seafood. We almost ate a Jumbo, but went here instead because the reviews were better. Next time we’re in town, I’ll definitely try out the chili crab at. the Newton Food Centre

    Reply

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