Chilli Crab Singapore: A Must-Try Dish for Seafood Lovers

If you’re looking for a truly iconic dish to try in Singapore, look no further than chilli crab. This national dish is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its sweet and spicy flavour and juicy crab meat. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, chilli crab is a must-try when visiting Singapore.

But what exactly is chilli crab, and where did it come from? This dish has a fascinating history that dates back to the 1950s, when it was first created by a local chef. Today, there are countless variations of chilli crab available throughout Singapore, each with its own unique twist on the classic recipe. Whether you prefer your crab smothered in a tangy tomato sauce or drenched in a fiery chilli paste, you’re sure to find a version of this dish that suits your taste buds.

Key Takeaways

• Chilli crab is an iconic national dish in Singapore known for its sweet and spicy flavour and juicy crab meat.
• The dish has a rich history dating back to the 1950s, and there are countless variations available throughout Singapore today.
• Whether you prefer a tangy tomato sauce or a fiery chilli paste, there’s a version of chilli crab out there for everyone to enjoy.

Origins and History

Cher Yam Tian and the Creation

Chilli crab is a beloved dish in Singapore, and its origins can be traced back to the mid-1950s. Cher Yam Tian, a Singaporean cook, is credited with creating the dish. She added bottled chilli sauce to her usual ingredient, tomato sauce, when cooking her stir-fried crabs. This new recipe was an instant hit, and Cher Yam Tian and her husband began selling the dish from a pushcart along the seaside in 1956.

Cher Yam Tian’s creation was a combination of Malay and Chinese cuisine, reflecting the multiculturalism of Singapore. The dish quickly gained popularity among both locals and tourists and has since become a staple of Singaporean cuisine.

Evolution into Singapore’s Staple

Over the years, the recipe for chilli crab has evolved and become more refined. The original version created by Cher Yam Tian was sweeter and less rich than the current version. However, it was this version that made her recipe so popular that they decided to start selling the dish along Upper East Coast Road.

By 1956, they had progressed from a pushcart to a little shack that was lit by hurricane lamps. The dish continued to gain popularity, and soon other cooks and restaurants began to offer their own versions of chilli crab. Today, it is considered one of the national dishes of Singapore and is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

In conclusion, the history of chilli crab is a testament to the multiculturalism of Singapore. Cher Yam Tian’s creation combined elements of Malay and Chinese cuisine and has since evolved into a staple of Singaporean cuisine.

Preparation and Ingredients

Key Ingredients and Variations

To prepare a delicious chilli crab dish, you will need some key ingredients such as mud crabs, chilli sauce, garlic, spices, tomatoes, vinegar, and sambal. The recipe may vary based on personal preferences and regional differences. Some variations may include adding egg to the sauce, or using different types of chilli sauce.

Mud crabs are the most common type of crab used in this dish. They are known for their sweet and succulent meat. When selecting mud crabs, make sure they are alive and fresh. The crabs should be cleaned and cut before cooking.

Chilli sauce is a crucial ingredient in chilli crab. It adds a spicy and tangy flavour to the dish. You can use store-bought chilli sauce or make your own by mixing chilli paste with vinegar, sugar, and salt. Sambal, a type of chilli paste, can also be added to enhance the flavour.

Garlic and spices like black pepper and ginger are used to add depth and complexity to the sauce. Tomatoes can be used to balance the spiciness and acidity of the dish. Vinegar is added to give the sauce a tangy flavour.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the most common cooking technique used in preparing chilli crab. The crab is stir-fried in a wok with the sauce until it is fully cooked. The sauce should be thick and sticky, coating the crab evenly. The dish is usually served with steamed rice.

To prepare the sauce, start by sautéing garlic and spices in oil until fragrant. Add the chilli sauce, sambal, and tomatoes, and stir until well combined. Then, add the cleaned and cut crab to the wok and stir-fry until the crab is fully cooked and coated with the sauce.

In conclusion, preparing a delicious chilli crab dish requires fresh mud crabs, chilli sauce, garlic, spices, tomatoes, vinegar, and sambal. The cooking technique of stir-frying in a wok is used to cook the crab and coat it with the sauce. Enjoy this iconic Singaporean dish with steamed rice and get ready to get messy while savouring the delicious flavours!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the best chilli crab in Singapore?

There are many seafood restaurants and hawker centres in Singapore that serve chilli crab, but some spots stand out from the rest. JUMBO Seafood Restaurant, Long Beach Seafood Restaurant, No Signboard Seafood Restaurant, and Mellben Seafood @ Ang Mo Kio are all popular spots among locals and tourists. Some hawker centres that serve delicious chilli crab include Newton Food Centre, East Coast Lagoon Food Village, and Chomp Chomp Food Centre.

What is the typical price range for chilli crab in Singapore?

The price of chilli crab in Singapore can vary depending on where you go and the size of the crab. Generally, you can expect to pay between £15 and £40 for a serving of chilli crab at a restaurant. However, if you go to a hawker centre, you can expect to pay less, usually between £10 and £15.

Can you recommend a good chilli crab recipe?

There are many recipes available online for making chilli crab at home. However, we recommend trying the recipe from the Singapore Tourism Board’s website, as it is an authentic recipe that has been approved by local chefs.

Which restaurants or hawker centres are famous for their chilli crab?

JUMBO Seafood Restaurant, Long Beach Seafood Restaurant, and No Signboard Seafood Restaurant are all famous for their chilli crab. Mellben Seafood @ Ang Mo Kio is also a favourite spot among locals. Some hawker centres that are famous for their chilli crab include Newton Food Centre, East Coast Lagoon Food Village, and Chomp Chomp Food Centre.

How spicy is the chilli crab found in Singapore?

The spiciness of chilli crab in Singapore can vary depending on the restaurant or hawker centre you visit. However, most places serve a moderately spicy version that is suitable for most people. If you prefer your food less spicy, you can always request for a milder version.

Are there any options for chilli crab delivery in Singapore?

Yes, many seafood restaurants and hawker centres in Singapore offer delivery services for chilli crab. Some popular options include JUMBO Seafood Restaurant, Long Beach Seafood Restaurant, and No Signboard Seafood Restaurant. You can also order chilli crab from food delivery platforms like Deliveroo and GrabFood.