Established in 1976, Red House Seafood is one of the oldest Chinese restaurants in Singapore and they have been offering masterful creations that display Singapore’s kaleidoscopic gastronomical palate to their loyal customers for decades. Their menu sees finely-crafted dishes that speak of incredible thought and finesse.

Mention Red House Seafood and most people will think of quality seafood and exquisite hand-crafted dim sum. But not many people know that Red House Seafood’s latest outlet at The Grand Copthorne Waterfront is easily one of the most gorgeous Chinese restaurants in Singapore.

Dressed in tasteful hues and gorgeous furnishings, Red House Seafood at The Grand Copthorne Waterfront is a place that is suitable for all occasions—it is perfect for family gatherings, date night with your loved one as well as a business luncheon to host your clients and business partners.

Here is some good news if you are planning to dine at Red House Seafood. It is offering 20% OFF total bill for food only (excluding promotional items and beverages), and the Alaskan King Crab is available at a whopping 60% discount at S$98/kg (usual price S$248/kg).

Red House Seafood has recently introduced a new daily a la carte dim sum buffet at the The Grand Copthorne Waterfront and Prinsep Street outlets. Enjoy unlimited servings of dim sum, congee, noodles and specialities from S$23.80++/pax.

From Braised Alaskan Crab Bee Hoon to the Signature Creamy Custard Lobster and Crab Meat Pao Fan, here are the iconic dishes that you have to order when you are dining at Red House Seafood.

Get entranced as you step into their luxurious abode. Preceding the main dining area is a stunning walkway decked out in an alluring Oriental theme. Floral watercolour prints trail across the luminous walls, reminiscent of a historical Chinese courtyard house.

Warm reddish hues create an absolutely intoxicating atmosphere, enveloping whoever walks into their embrace.

As if the walkway wasn’t sophisticated enough, enthroned at the main foyer is an eye-catching floral centrepiece that will have you pressing your brakes.

Decorated with lush trees, earthy tones, and dainty pops of colour, their aesthetically-pleasing main dining area stands out from the usual interior of Chinese restaurants with its contemporary touches.

Large glass windows allow natural light to filter in and brighten up the whole space. With the vibrant woven chairs and playful wall designs, it almost feels like an indoor patio.

SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD

Fresh seafood is at the core of Red House Seafood’s menu and you will be happy to know that Red House Seafood sources for the freshest seafood from global sustainable suppliers around the world.

Every week, shipments of seafood harvested from the boats of fishermen in the North Sea, Indian Ocean and South China Sea arrive at Red House Seafood. You can rest assured that you are getting the best seafood when you dine here.

BRAISED ALASKAN CRAB BEE HOON

If there was one dish that could bear testament to the restaurant’s culinary prowess, it would be their Braised Alaskan Crab Bee Hoon. This majestic dish features a regal Alaskan crab draped in stir-fried glass noodles and bee hoon laced with spring onions and ginger slices.

Every strand of noodle was well-coated with a smoky, crab-infused essence. The layering of textures of the noodles added a wonderful dimension to the dish. And as expected, the crab was supremely fresh and plump, making us feel extremely undeserving.

As mentioned earlier, Red House Seafood is having a 60% discount for its Alaskan King Crab at only S$98/kg (usual price S$248/kg). Don’t miss out on this promotion!

SIGNATURE CREAMY CUSTARD LOBSTER

Red House Seafood sources their lobsters from the deep blue waters off of Nova Scotia and spins them into wondrous masterpieces. From the array of sauces available on their menu, the Signature Creamy Custard Sauce is one of the most popular options amongst diners.

The lobster was cooked so well and was evidenced by its bouncy, sweet flesh. Golden and buttery, this accompanying sauce won us over. It trod the fine line between sweet and savoury, and was addictively creamy. If they sold this sauce in bottles, we would gladly wipe out their shelves.

“TEOCHEW” COLD BROWN CRAB

For a stripped-down, straightforward crab dish, the “Teochew” Cold Brown Crab is a no-brainer. This deconstructed crab dish is served cold, with the shells pre-cracked and cut. It’s an absolute dream for lazy eaters.

The absence of accompanying sauces allowed the freshness of the crab to shine through. Every bite sent us straight into the deep blue oceans.

SPICY SEAFOOD COMBINATION WITH MANTOU 

Their Spicy Seafood Combination entails a medley of prawns, scallops and squid tossed in a rich Thai-style gravy.

If someone told us that there was seafood fresher than this, we would highly question that. The seafood was immensely juicy and succulent, exploding with briny sweetness in every bite.

The thick spicy sauce had an aromatic lemongrass-galangal profile and was enriched with fragrant coconut milk. Pair it with deep-fried crispy mantou for a divine experience.

CRAB MEAT PAO FAN

You simply cannot leave Red House Seafood without ordering their Crab Meat Pao Fan. Unlike the more familiar congee or porridge, this comforting dish is made by adding pre-cooked rice into the fabulous broth and letting it simmer for a long duration.

Crispy rice bits are generously scattered across the soup just before consumption to add a delightful crunch to the soupy dish. Every mouthful promises soft and plump rice grains drenched in an almost creamy broth brimming with crab essence; comfort food at its best.

ASSORTED HANDCRAFTED DIM SUM

Although seafood is this restaurant’s main forté, their artisanal dim sum could easily join the ranks of the most esteemed Cantonese restaurants in Singapore and maybe, even Hong Kong.

Their dim sum range features the likes of Siew Mai, Shrimp Dumplings, Truffle Wild Mushroom Dumplings, BBQ Pork Char Siew Flaky Pastry and the Chilli Crab Bao.

The stand-out dim sum dish at Red House Seafood has got to be the Chilli Crab Bao, which sees an innovative local twist on traditional dim sum. This pan-fried charcoal bun encases a flavourful chilli crab gravy that nails the sweet-to-spicy ratio.

CHILI CHOCOLATE WITH ICE CREAM

End your feast with a bang in the form of this feisty dessert — Chili Chocolate With Ice Cream. Velvety smooth ice cream and chilli chocolate truffles sit in a pool of chocolate lava, finished with a topping of buttery crumble.

While chilli-chocolate may not be everyone’s cup of tea, this dish will convert any unbeliever. The spicy kick is mellowed out by the sweet milkiness of the ice cream, creating a perfect harmony of flavours. The icing on the cake is that buttery crumble, which adds a gorgeous, decadent crunch.

If Red House Seafood isn’t already on your list of go-to Chinese restaurants in Singapore, you know where to go now. With three locations across Singapore—Prinsep Street, Clarke Quay and The Grand Copthorne Waterfront—this sophisticated Chinese restaurant is a fantastic dining option for an unforgettable Asian-fusion feast.

Red House Seafood
392 Havelock Rd, Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Level 2
Singapore 169663
Tel: +65 6735 7666
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5 – 10pm
Nearest Station: Fort Canning

This post was brought to you by Red House Seafood.

From Cajun-spiced crustaceans to glorious grilled seafood platters and everyone’s favourite Singapore-style chilli crab, sunny Singapore has them all for seafood lovers.

Yes, there really is no shortage of seafood restaurants. Whether you fancy an unpretentious meal at a humble zi char stall in a coffee shop or a more chi-chi experience at a posh restaurant, we’ve got you covered with today’s installation.

Heck those cholesterol levels and whatnot, because we are all going on a ‘see food’ diet! Here are 13 amazing seafood restaurants in Singapore for the freshest seafood.

CAJUN ON WHEELS

Located on Level 3 at the extension of Plaza Singapura, Cajun On Wheels is a Halal-certified seafood diner serving unadulterated and fresh seafood in true American fashion. As its name suggests, Cajun On Wheels is a Cajun-themed restaurant and one where you can expect all dishes on its menu to pack a punch.

Must-tries include The Incrawdibles that features a mountain of fresh crawfish tossed in Old Bay Seasoning as well as the Poseidon Bucket that sees an array of seafood delights tossed in a spicy cheese sauce.

68 Orchard Road, #03-92
Plaza Singapura
Singapore 238839
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

CAPTAIN K SEAFOOD TOWER

Fit for all sorts of communal gatherings where seafood is a key craving, Captain K Seafood Tower is a great option to consider for the fact that they offer diners a massive selection of quality seafood items and excellent service.

The restaurant combines luscious seafood and an excitingly unusual seafood tower concept which make for a delicious, satisfying and more importantly enjoyable dining experience.

112 Middle Road, #01-00
Midland House
Singapore 188970
Tel: +65 6255 5744
Mon: 5.30pm – 11pm
Tue to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 1am
Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

DANCING CRAB

Those who have been to Dancing Crab by TungLok Group will surely know that a meal there is life-changing, to say the least. Specialising in authentic Louisiana-style seafood dishes, what one can expect is nothing short of sheer luxury coupled with rustic dining.

Get your bare hands out and dive right in because using cutlery is not the norm here. If you’re in a group, you should definitely opt for one of their Signature Combo Bags that comprise prawns, crabs, mussels, clams and basically everything you could ever want seafood-wise.

VivoCity #03-10
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6222 7377
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

GREENWOOD FISH MARKET

For many years now, Greenwood Fish Market has been around and still, it continues to wow us with their stellar fish and chips and seafood offerings. This is a no-nonsense and minimal extravagance sort of place, offering fresh and honest seafood that are prepared with simple techniques.

If you are looking to splurge, the seasonal Alaskan king crab will do just the trick. If not, nothing like a plate of crispy fish and chips to put your tummy in a happy place.

34 & 38 Greenwood Avenue,
Singapore 289236
Tel: +65 6467 4950
Daily: 12pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tan Kah Kee

JUMBO SEAFOOD

This colossally popular Chinese seafood restaurant is no stranger to anyone who loves seafood. Yet, with so many outlets dotted all over the country, what keeps us going back to the same few ones is their consistent quality, undeniably fresh seafood and impeccable service.

These folks don’t play around when it comes to seafood. Only the best catches make it to their woks, resulting in a mind-blowing seafood experience every time.

2 Orchard Turn, #04-09/10 ION Orchard, Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6737 3435
Nearest Station: Orchard

LONG BEACH SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

A haven for crab lovers, Long Beach Seafood Restaurant stands as an icon in Singapore’s massive slew of seafood institutions. Being an awardee of several culinary awards, you know you can count on them to provide an unforgettable seafood experience.

Hot favourites include their lip-smacking chilli crab that is considerably spicier than others as well as the black pepper crab that comes with a gorgeous layer of aromatic and irresistibly tasty black pepper sauce.

25 Dempsey Road,
Singapore 249670
Tel: +65 6323 2222
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Farrer Road

NEW UBIN SEAFOOD

One of our favourite spots to get quality seafood and mind-blowing grub is New Ubin Seafood. Introducing fresh twists to traditional zi char classics, what you can hope to find in this cosy coffee shop is comfort food prepared with gourmet-level mastery.

To give you a clearer picture of what we mean, consider their Steamed Egg Custard with Uni Sauce or even their Porridge with Tofu Butter and Swordfish—also not forgetting various crab delights and Black Angus ribeye steak that people seem to go gaga over.

63 Hillview Avenue, Level 6 (Canteen),
Singapore 669569
Tel: +65 6466 9558
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Hillview

NUDE SEAFOOD

Featuring a contemporary take on seafood, what you can expect here is a repertoire of fancily dolled up plates that look more exquisite than it costs. The quality here is excellent and every item from their fish to their cuttlefish goes through a rigorous curation process to ensure that only the best quality ingredients are used.

Applying the fine dining background of their kitchen team, their dishes such as their Fisherman’s Stew and Miso Red Snapper come adorned with specks of elegant finishes but taste honest, simple and transparent. Hence the name, nude.

12, #01-02 Marina Blvd,
Tower 3 Marina Bay Financial Centre,
Singapore 018982
Tel: +65 6443 1167
(Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Downtown

ROLAND SEAFOOD

The birthplace of Singapore’s iconic chilli crab—bet you didn’t know that—Roland Seafood over at Marine Parade is where anyone yearning for authenticity should definitely check out. While many other restaurants prepare a slightly sweeter variation of chilli crab to cater to tourists and the general masses, Roland keeps it as real to its roots as possible by serving it up spicy.

Other seafood options are available as well and they are all pretty darn delicious too.

#06-750, 89, Marine Parade Central,
Singapore 440089
Tel: +65 6440 8205
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 11am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Eunos

THE BOILER

When cajun-style seafood meets booze, you know you are not going home disappointed. The Boiler over at Paya Lebar brings together the concept of American seafood boils featuring delicious crustacean delights.

The restaurant features a laid-back setting, allowing you to choose fresh seafood that are boiled to order. Once served, diners can feel free to ravage through their food using nothing but their bare hands—that’s right, formalities are literally chucked aside here and that is why we love it so much.

18 Howard Road #01-06,
Novelty Bizcentre,
Singapore 369585
Tel: +65 6635 1285
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm –10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

THE PELICAN

Offering diners a gorgeous view of the Marina Bay skyline, as well as a bountiful selection of marine favourites, prepared several ways, The Pelican at One Fullerton is a no-frills dining spot that promises an unforgettable experience regardless of the occasion.

For folks like us who will always be down for seafood in a heartbeat, we were utterly blown away by the likes of their signature Snapper Pie and colossal Grilled Seafood Platter.

1 Fullerton Road, #01-01
One Fullerton
Singapore 04921
Tel: +65 6438 0400
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 4pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

TUNGLOK SEAFOOD

Specialising in locally-inspired seafood delicacies, this seafood-focused concept by the established TungLok Group aims to deliver topnotch grub worthy enough to rival the greats such as Roland or even Long Beach.

Known for their commendable service and quality seafood, expect nothing short of a stellar dining experience at this award-winning establishment. Their signature TungLok Chilli Crab is a must-try and you can count on their hearty Mee Goreng to delight both your palate and your tummy.

Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road , #11-05
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6834 4888
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 10am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

THE NAKED FINN

Dishing out awesome lobster rolls, prawn noodles and other seafood dishes, The Naked Finn is a gem hidden within Gillman Barracks that is worth the find. The folks here are all about quality and they make it a point to source for only the best and freshest catches.

We recommend paying a visit during lunchtime. Besides the fact that it looks prettier in the day, it is also mainly because their prized Lobster Roll is only available then. Featuring 90g of lobster flesh, served with homemade mayonnaise and straight-cut fries, this is a true luxury.

39 Malan Road,
Gillman Barracks,
Singapore 109442
Tel: +65 6694 0807
(Closed on Sundays & Mondays)
Tue to Thu: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Labrador Park

Upholding its reputation as one of the best Louisiana restaurants in Singapore, one can expect only the best of Louisianan seafood to be served on their dining tables at Dancing Crab by TungLok Group. Those who have been to the restaurant would know that a meal there is life changing and the dining experience redefines perspectives of how seafood should be enjoyed.

Dancing Crab has done away with the usual tableware so that diners are able to enjoy their food freely using bare hands. That’s right, the casual restaurant is like a home away from home but much better with scrumptious country-style Cajun seafood, a boisterous atmosphere and creative alcoholic beverages.

We are very excited to share that Dancing Crab has unveiled an updated menu featuring new dishes that come with prices that won’t shock you. Needless to say, signature dishes such as their Dancing Crab Combo Bags are here to stay as well.

Are you ready to find out what Dancing Crab has to offer? You’d be sorry if you do not read on.

DANCING CRAB SIGNATURE SEAFOOD COMBO BAGS

Those who have been to the restaurant would know that the best memories at Dancing Crab are forged when groups share the Signature Combo Bags. There is no need to be shy when you are indulging in the seafood boils.

Go ahead and reach out for that juicy crab pincer, slurp some mussels or whatever you fancy that day. Don’t be afraid to get messy because that is the idea actually; it is all part of the fun!

Dancing Crab Chili Crab Served With Country Bread (S$88++) is a crowd-pleaser and it is not hard to see why. Served fashionably in a handcrafted bread bowl, this dish is more than just a visual feast for your eyes. We recommend dipping the tender crab meat into the thick and savoury chili crab sauce.

You can never go wrong with Dancing Crab Black Pepper Crab (S$88++) as well. This is a perennial Chinese favourite and we love the robust peppery spice that enhances the freshness of the seafood.

Creamy Pepper is a flavour that is exclusive to Dancing Crab @ VivoCity, so make sure you go for this flavour when you order your combo bags at VivoCity’s outlet. In comparison with the rest, this light and creamy sauce will strike a good balance on your palate after the usual heavy sauces.

Other combos that will delight all shellfish affectionados are Crawfish Combo (S$75++) and Dungeness Crab Combo (seasonal price) With Miso Butter. Do note that the Miso Butter sauce is exclusive to Dancing Crab @ Orchard Central.

The Crawfish Combo features 600g of crawfish, 350g of prawns, clams, corn and sausages; while Dungeness Crab Combo is filled with 1 large Dungeness Crab, 350g of prawns, clams, corn and sausages.

APPETISERS

Dancing Crab may be known for their signature combo selections but you should never skip the appetisers on the menu.

For salads, we loved the Crab and Shrimp Ceviche Salad (lunch – S$12++, dinner – S$15++) and Cajun Sweet Potato Salad (lunch – S$12++. dinner – S$15++). The former is a delightful plate of leafy greens with fresh shrimps and tender crab meat while the latter boasts crispy deep-fried sweet potatoes lying atop crunchy green vegetables.

If you are looking for something comforting, Crabby Corn Chowder (lunch – S$8++, dinner – S$10++) is what you have to order.

DANCING CRAB CLASSICS

You probably wouldn’t think of anything non-seafood when at Dancing Crab, but we are telling you the Chicken and Waffles (S$15++) is the bomb. The deep-fried chicken is ever insanely addictive—crispy golden brown chicken skin that crumbles when you bite into it, unveiling tender white chicken meat beneath. On top of that, you also get warm waffles that go really well with sweet honey and cream.

Nothing screams party food like Crab Nachos (S$12++). The portion of nachos is generous, making it great for sharing and is best paired with cold booze. Other Dancing Crab Classics to look out for include Popcorn Shrimp Po’ Boy (S$15++) and Lobster Roll (S$29.90++).

SINGLE PLATES

Thinking of dropping by for a quick meal during lunch? Dancing Crab has got that covered with their rice and pasta dishes which come in a wide array of flavours.

Pasta “Goreng” (lunch – S$12++, dinner – S$15++) is a mee goreng inspired dish. The fried noodles are replaced with traditional spaghetti and we applaud the chef’s creativity in infusing local spices together with the pasta and seafood ingredients.

Fans of Aglio Olio should not skip Dancing Crab’s Seafood Aglio Olio (lunch – S$12, dinner S$15++)—what you get is a plate of warm, buttery pasta with fresh seafood such as prawn, clams, mussels and calamari.

Originating from coastal South Carolina and Georgia, Shrimp and Grits (lunch – S$15++, dinner – S$17++) is an iconic Southern dish. While it looks like a simple recipe, the rich and creamy grit received many praises from all of us at the table.

FROZEN BEER IN SEVEN FLAVOURS

Nothing goes better with seafood than a mug of ice-cold beer. But why stop at one when you can have seven different flavours?!

Options include French Vanilla, Mango, Lychee, Watermelon, Wild-berry, Bubblegum for the adventurous and Plain for those who simply prefer the classic taste of beer. Mix and match any four flavours for S$32++.

MASSIVE ICE CREAM SUNDAE TO END YOUR MEAL WITH A BANG

The kid in us was screaming in delight when we saw this massive ice cream sundae which can easily feed more than 5 people!

Layers upon layers of ice cream, marshmallow and strawberries are piled on top of each other to build this outrageous ice cream sundae. That is not all—it is then topped off with more ice cream cones, waffles, creamy whipped cream and strawberries.

Dancing Crab
VivoCity #03-10
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6222 7377
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

Orchard Central #07-14/15
181 Orchard Road
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6509 1878
Fax: +65 6509 1879
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30 – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

The Grandstand
200 Turf Club Road
#01-20/21 Singapore 287994
Tel: +65 6466 3303
Tue to Fri: 5pm – 10.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Sixth Avenue

This post is brought to you by Dancing Crab.

Sitting on the City Hall Rooftop of our beloved National Gallery is Yàn, a stunning restaurant that offers elevated and luxurious authentic Cantonese cuisine served in modern day presentations. The elegant restaurant boasts a modern setting and intimate seating. Yàn also has private rooms which are ideal for hosting private sessions and to celebrate occasions.

Having loved what Yàn had to offer before, we set our bar high on our most recent visit. We were lucky enough to try several different seasonal seafood, each cooked in its own special way. Something to appreciate about the fresh seafood at Yàn is that you get to choose your preferred cooking method(s).

Have it steamed with Chinese wine a la the traditional way or go for something a little more unique like deep-fried with white wine sauce; your pick, your way. And now, we need to share with you more about our memorable lunch when we luxuriated with premium seafood in this gem of a restaurant.

Enjoy 15% off Live Seafood selections when you quote ‘Ladyironchef’ upon reservation, applicable till 31 May 2017.

STEAMED ALASKAN KING CRAB WITH CHINESE WINE AND EGG WHITE

We thanked our lucky stars when we saw the massive Alaskan King Crab (S$20++/100g, min. 2kg) in front of our eyes. Weighing about 4kg, our crab was massive. It is ideal for large groups because of its colossal size.

Alaskan King Crab is in season and we got the freshest catch, still alive minutes before it was cooked and served to us.

Yàn’s Master Chef Chan highly recommends to cook it with a combination of egg and Chinese wine. The crab is surrounded by the steamed egg that has been flavoured with the Chinese wine. With this style of cooking, the flesh turned out to be extremely sweet, juicy and oh-so-soft! Nothing can beat seafood that is simply steamed because you get to taste the undisturbed genuine flavours.

The fragrance of the Chinese wine was also very prominent and complementary to the sweet flesh of the crab.

STEAMED BAMBOO CLAMS WITH CHEF’S SPECIAL SOY SAUCE

These Bamboo Clams (S$14/piece) from Scotland were so meaty and substantial that we slurped them up in seconds. We had ours steamed with Chef’s special soy sauce and a dollop of delicious homemade chilli sauce on top.

The subtle soy sauce and a hint of fiery heat from the chilli were great complements to the actual fleshy clam. Each bite was just so pleasurable.

STEAMED TURBOT FISH WITH OLIVE LEAF

All the way from Busan in Korea, the Turbot Fish (S$18++/100g) is a luxurious fish. It is priced at a higher range than your regular grouper or pomfret and has a firmer flesh, almost like a combination of monkfish and stingray.

This flat fish might not seem like much, but have it steamed in this classic fashion and you have gold. There is something about Turbot Fish that is a little acquired but not difficult to love. Because of its firmer texture, eating it feels more gratifying in return!

DEEP-FRIED LOCAL LOBSTER WITH CHARDONNAY WHITE WINE SAUCE

Lobsters have long been regarded as an expensive treat. The Local Lobsters (S$18/100g) here at Yàn are amazing when deep fried with a side of Yàn’s house-made Chardonnay White Wine Sauce.

This cooking method is more of an upmarket Western style as opposed to the cooking style of the previous few dishes.

It is easy to overcook lobsters like this where it becomes rubbery, but fret not, the chefs have aced the deep frying and when you have the lobster served immediately, the flesh inside is still nice, warm and juicy.

DEEP-FRIED LIVE PRAWNS WITH FRAGRANT GARLIC, BLACK BEAN & CHILLI

As a great communal dish, go for some Deep-Fried Live Prawns (S$8/100g). We had ours deep fried then stir fried with some fragrant garlic and black bean for a burst of flavours.

Because these prawns have been deep-fried, you can even chow down the flesh with the shell! Nice and crunchy with every bite, we were just blown away by the simple yet intense flavours of this dish.

The next time you crave a really stellar seafood meal, head down to Yàn at National Gallery Singapore for the freshest seafood from the market and have it cooked to your desire. Your next family dinner will be great.

READERS OF LADYIRONCHEF GET 15% OFF LIVE SEAFOOD SELECTIONS

Enjoy 15% off Live Seafood selections when you quote ‘LadyIronChef’ upon reservation, applicable till 31 May 2017.

Terms & Conditions
Advance reservation is required and subject to availabilityValid for Live Seafood on a la carte menu.

Not applicable in conjunction with other promotions, offers, vouchers and privileges

Not valid on eve and day of public holiday, and special occasions.

Instagram perk: Receive a complimentary house dessert when you upload a photo of your Yàn feast and tag @yancantonesecuisine on Instagram.

Yàn
#05-02 National Gallery Singapore
1 St. Andrew’s Road
Singapore 178957
Tel: +65 6384 5585
Opening hours: 11.30am – 2.30pm and 6pm – 10.30pm daily
Nearest station: City Hall

This post is brought to you by Yàn.

TungLok Seafood — a concept by the reputable TungLok Group — has made quite a name for itself amongst Singaporeans with its exceptionally fresh Singapore-style seafood delicacies.

Known for their commendable service and quality seafood, expect nothing short of a stellar dining experience at this award-winning establishment; choose to dine at either the restaurant at Orchard Central or the outlet at Arena Country Club in Jurong.

Everyone who has been to TungLok Seafood only has good things to say about the place, and rightfully so. Their extensive menu only means that you will be spoilt for choice. Look forward to hot favourites such as Laksa Crab Bee Hoon, Salted Egg Yolk Prawns, Mee Goreng and Crisp-fried Baby Squid.

Readers of ladyironchef can flash this article to get 15% off (no minimum spending) a la carte food orders at TungLok Seafood.

Here are 12 Singapore-style Seafood Dishes from TungLok Seafood that we thoroughly enjoyed.

#1 CRISP-FRIED BABY SQUIDS (S$12++/SMALL)

The Crispy-fried Baby Squids (S$12++/small) definitely whets your appetite for more, and it was an appetiser that left all of us in awe.

These baby squids have been deep-fried till crisp, but sink your teeth into them and you would realise that every piece has retained its chewiness within. Covered in sweet sauce and a handful of sesame seeds, these crispy baby squids are pretty damn addictive.

#2 TUNGLOK CHILLI CRAB (S$65++/KG)

Chilli crab is not just a hit among the locals, it has also become one of Singapore’s most iconic dishes. TungLok Seafood’s Chilli Crab (S$65++/kg) is one of the restaurant’s bestsellers and why are we not surprised.

The crabs are cooked to perfection and its plump flesh does not stick to the shell; the outer shell breaks easily hence allowing one to dig into the fresh crabmeat almost effortlessly. The secret ingredient that lies in the chilli-based tomato sauce is one that gives the viscous gravy an extra oomph, and you would never have guessed that it is freshly squeezed orange juice.

Try it and witness the difference. You will be convinced why TungLok Seafood has one of the best chilli crabs in Singapore.

#3 SPICY CURRY LAKSA CRAB WITH THICK RICE VERMICELLI (S$65++/KG)

This new dish is reason enough for you to visit TungLok Seafood.

We all love our XO Crab Bee Hoon, but what if we told you there is a Laksa version? Tunglok Seafood’s Spicy Curry Laksa Crab with Thick Rice Vermicelli (S$65++/kg) serves just the same purpose of bringing comfort to the soul.

This massive pot features premium Sri Lankan crab immersed in an aromatic spicy curry broth. The dish is complemented with a generous portion of chewy thick rice vermicelli. A pot is typically good for 2-3 diners.

#4 DEEP-FRIED PRAWNS WITH CRISPY OATS (S$24++/300GM)

The aroma of TungLok Seafood’s Deep-fried Prawns with Crispy Oats permeated the restaurant when it was presented to us. Huge prawns are deep-fried with oats to crispy, crunchy excellence; this dish perfectly marries sweet with savoury.

It comes in a single serving size starting from S$24++ per 300 grams, but that is enough to feed two. Once again, you will be treated to plenty of prawns stacked on top of a bed of fragrant golden oats.

#5 DEEP-FRIED PRAWNS WITH SALTED EGG YOLK (S$24++/300GM)

What is a seafood meal without some salted egg yolk prawns, right? We have all grown too accustomed to ordering salted egg yolk-something, and when in a seafood restaurant — TungLok Seafood in particular — the Deep-fried Prawns with Salted Egg Yolk (S$24++/300gm) is the ultimate crowd pleaser.

The prawns are deep-fried, leaving it with crispy shells that give way to juicy and succulent prawn meat. See those strips on top of the prawns? Those are salted egg yolk strips that were so irresistibly yummy, like we were munching on chips.

#6 SAUTÉED CLAMS WITH SAMBAL SAUCE (S$18++/SMALL)

Singapore seafood dishes go hand-in-hand with sambal sauce. These Sautéed Clams with Sambal Sauce (S$18++/small) are no different.

A hefty portion of clams is stacked high on the plate, all drenched in sambal sauce that has an irresistible spicy tanginess. The molluscan is fried over high heat quickly to achieve a tenderness and served atop a bed of green lettuce; briny, fresh and spicy.

#7 STEAMED RAZOR CLAM WITH GARLIC AND VERMICELLI (S$10++/PC)

Steamed Razor Clam with Garlic and Vermicelli is a well-loved Hong Kong-style dish that is commonly seen in Chinese restaurants, and TungLok Seafood has hit all the right spots with their rendition.

Priced at S$10++ per piece, the steaming process brought out the sweetness of the succulent meat, and the chopped garlic enhanced the fragrance further. This is such a classic dish and it has become one of our must-orders when at TungLok Seafood.

#8 BAKED NORWEGIAN SALMON WRAPPED IN BANANA LEAF (S$12.80++/PC)

No, that’s not a grilled fish otah. We were initially deceived by the misleading banana leaf wrapper, but soon realised that within the fragrant parcel is actually a high-quality baked salmon (S$12.80++/pc).

The fresh Norwegian salmon is baked with a hint of fragrance borrowed from the banana leaf. This east-meets-west seafood dish far exceeds expectations, and its uniqueness is one that will leave your jaw dropping upon the first bite.

#9 STEAMED SEABASS WITH ASSAM SAUCE, TOMATOES AND EGGPLANT (S$45++/KG)

The rich Assam sauce in this one beckons like no other. If you like tangy flavours, this one is definitely a must. Together with the sweetness of fresh fish, the Steamed Seabass with Assam Sauce, Tomatoes and Eggplant (S$45++/kg) is a clear winner.

#10 THAI-STYLE BRAISED BEANCURD (S$12++/SMALL)

These Thai-style Braised Beancurd features firm tofu cuboids topped with julienned cucumber and chicken/pork floss. The soft white blocks – encased by its fried golden skin – are accompanied by sweet Thai chilli sauce.

#11 BRAISED RICE NOODLE WITH PRAWNS AND CLAMS (S$24++/SMALL)

The Braised Rice Noodle with Prawns and Clams (S$24++/small) is another carbs dish that is great for sharing. It comprises fresh clams, juicy prawns, mushrooms and mixed vegetables, and is especially comforting on a cold rainy day!

#12 MEE GORENG (S$18++/SMALL)

TungLok Seafood’s interpretation of the Chinese-style Mee Goreng (S$18++/small) is hands down one of the best we’ve ever tried in Singapore and we cannot stop raving about it!

These noodles – stir-fried with shrimps and calamari rings – boast a distinctive complex taste profile of sweetness, spiciness and tanginess. Let’s just say we will return to TungLok Seafood just for this dish. No joke about that.

Readers of ladyironchef can flash this article to enjoy 15% off a la carte food orders at TungLok Seafood (no minimum spending). This promotion is valid from now until 30 November 2016 and not valid on eves of and on Public Holidays and special occasions.

TungLok Seafood
Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road , #11-05
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6834 4888
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun and PH: 10am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest MRT Station: Somerset

The Arena Country Club
511 Upper Jurong Road
Singapore 638366
Tel: +65 6262 6996
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun and PH: 10am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest MRT Station: Joo Koon

This post is brought to you by TungLok Seafood.

Singapore is a food paradise and there are many thing to eat on our little island. One of them is definitely live seafood. Whether you are looking for a restaurant to celebrate Chinese New Year or satisfy your seafood cravings, below you can check out 10 of the best seafood restaurants in Singapore.

Where to have seafood in Singapore? Read on to find out.

Chin Huat Live Seafood

Chin Huat Live Seafood at Sunset Way serves competent food at reasonable prices. Besides the usual zi char fare, they also offer a great variety of exotic seafood. A good spot for live seafood if you are in the west of Singapore. Their Lunar New Year menu starts from $398++ for 10 persons.

105 Clementi Street 12
#01-30 Sunset Way Singapore
Tel: +65 6775 7348
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm

Jumbo Seafood

This is one of the most famous seafood restaurants in Singapore. Locals and tourists frequent Jumbo Seafood, and reservations are usually required in advance, especially if you are dining a big group.

The Chinese-style seafood restaurant chain is known for its signature dishes such as the famous chilli crab with deep fried mantou, salted egg yolk prawns, crispy baby squids, and mee goreng.

1206 East Coast Parkway
#01-07/08 East Coast Seafood Centre
Tel: +65 6442 3435
Daily: 5pm – 12mn

Long Beach Seafood Restaurant

The creator of the original black pepper crab, Long Beach Seafood Restaurant currently has five outlets in Singapore. It is a place where locals go for seafood, and it serves a wide variety of seafood from all over the world such as Canadian Dungeness crab, tiger sea mantis and Norwegian rose gold crab.

26 Jalan Benaan Kapal
Kallang Park
Tel: +65 6344 7722
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 1.15am

Mellben Seafood restaurant

The long queue at Mellben Seafood Restaurant is a testament to its popularity. During peak hours, you can find diners feasting on the signature claypot crab bee hoon. Also worth trying is the sensational butter crab.

232 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3
#01-1222
Tel: +65 6285 6762
Daily: 4.30pm – 11.30pm

Ming Kee Live Seafood

The old saying goes if a restaurant is full of locals, then you have chosen wisely. Ming Kee Live Seafood belongs under this category. Tucked among a busy row of restaurants and eateries on Macpherson Road, they are known for serving good and fresh seafood at decent prices.

Some of the must-try items on the menu include Triple Cooked Bee Hoon Crab and Guinness Pork Ribs. I’d definitely recommend Ming Kee Live Seafood for your Chinese New Year dinner celebration.

556 Macpherson Road Singapore
Tel: +65 6747 4075
Daily: 12pm – 2pm, 5pm – 11pm

No Signboard Seafood

When readers ask me where to eat seafood in Singapore, I will always recommend No Signboard Seafood. I like to bring overseas friends who are visiting to No Signboard to indulge in a good meal. I have been to their different branches, but I always return to the original outlet at Geylang Road.

414 Geylang Road
Tel: +65 6842 3415
Daily: 12pm – 1am

Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant

If you are looking for splendid views and good seafood, Palm Beach’s got it all. The overall experience is much appreciated by a clientèle that includes a lot of tourists – partly due to its excellent location at One Fullerton – but this is no tourist trap.

Palm Beach is one of the oldest seafood restaurants in Singapore, and they have been serving good and fresh seafood to discerning guests for many years. This is a good option for entertaining clients over a scrumptious seafood dinner.

1 Fullerton Road
#01-09 One Fullerton
Tel: +65 6227 2332
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm

Red House Seafood Restaurant

Another popular seafood place is Red House Seafood Restaurant. Its main outlet at East Coast Seafood Centre is massive and can easily house five hundred guests, while the other branch at Robertson Quay has a slightly more up-scale interior and caters to the expats living in the area.

1204 East Coast Parkway
#01-05 East Coast Seafood Centre
Tel: +65 6442 3112
Mon to Fri: 12am – 11.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 11.30pm

Seafood Paradise

This seafood restaurant by the Paradise Group is a Chinese seafood restaurant that serves local favourites and quality seafood dishes. People who love choices will have a field day at Seafood Paradise.

The restaurant is currently having a crab fest promotion (only at the Defu Lane outlet) where you can enjoy 30% off crabs on every Tuesday.

91 Defu Lane
10 Swee Hin Building
Tel: +65 6487 2429
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm

Tung Lok Seafood Restaurant

Seafood restaurants are aplenty in Singapore, but it is considerably harder to find one that serves consistently good seafood at affordable prices. Tung Lok Seafood specialises in the best of Singapore-style seafood prepared with the quality and standards synonymous with the Tung Lok brand.

Other than the outlet at East Coast Recreation Centre, you can also find Tung Lok Seafood in town. It is conveniently located at the top of Orchard Central, making it an ideal place for gatherings.

181 Orchard Road
#11-05 Orchard Central
Tel: +65 6834 4888
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 10am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm

Jumbo Seafood is a household name when it comes to having seafood in Singapore. With numerous branches and a strong brand-name, it is safe to say that they are one of the most famous Chinese seafood restaurants in town.

The food is generally good – from the famous chilli crab with deep fried mantou, to salted egg yolk prawns, the crispy baby squids, and mee goreng.

There are people like my pals Fred and Velda, who are regulars as they have been going there for years with their family. There are also many others who frequent Jumbo because it is a relative safe place (somewhere you can’t really go wrong) to bring overseas visitors.

I am not a fan of Jumbo Seafood, though. I find it a little too commercialise and touristy. I don’t mind going there if my friends want a quick fix in town, but I probably will not suggest it on my own.

If you are planning for a seafood feast, go to their East Coast outlet. Otherwise, the branch at Riverside Point is also very popular and enjoys a regular stream of customers.

Jumbo Seafood
1206 East Coast Parkway
#01-07/08 East Coast Seafood Centre
Tel: +65 6442 3435
Daily: 5pm – 12mn

30 Merchant Road
#01-01/02 Riverside Point
Tel: +65 6532 3435
Lunch: 12noon – 2.30pm
Dinner: 6pm – midnight

Zi Char (also known as Zhi Char/Cze Char/Tze Char/Zhu Chao) is a term used to describe a wallet-friendly, home-style cuisine from a Chinese stall, which serves a variety of ala-carte dishes and leaves you spoiled for choice. Most zi char stalls are located in a non-restaurant setting like a coffee shop or a hawker centre. There are also some local seafood restaurants which have air-conditioned dining area.

Here are some of the best zi char restaurants located in the west of Singapore.

Big Eater

Much has been said about Big Eater’s KL-style hokkien mee and crabs. If you are looking for a place to eat in the Jurong West area, make a trip to Big Eater.

Blk 964 Jurong West St 91 #01-342
Tel: +65 6397 0480
Daily: 4pm – 2am

Chin Huat Live Seafood

Chin Huat Live Seafood at Sunset Way serves competent food at reasonable prices. Besides the usual zi char offerings, they also have other unique dishes like Wagyu Beef on the menu.

For people who are staying in the west, Chin Huat is a great place to have live seafood. And you can enjoy your zi char meal in the comfort of an air-conditioned restaurant.

105 Clementi Street 12
#01-30 Sunset Way Singapore
Tel: +65 6775 7348
Daily: 11.30am–2.30pm, 5.30pm–11pm

Fortune Seafood Restaurant

Another Zhi Char restaurant that we frequent is Fortune Seafood Steamboat restaurant along Bukit Timah Road. The no-frills restaurant is air-conditioned but we usually prefer to dine outside.

887 Bukit Timah Road Singapore
Tel: +65 6469 5957
Opening hours: 11am – 2.30pm
Dinner: 5pm – 11.30pm Daily

Ga Hock Seafood Restaurant

Despite its inaccessible location, Ga Hock Seafood Restaurant has a huge following; regulars will go all the way there for a good and satisfying meal. The cze char eatery is tucked at the back of a run-down coffee shop.

794 Upper Bukit Timah Road
Hup Choon Eating House
Tel: +65 6314 5725
Daily: 4pm – 11pm

Holland Village XO Fish Head Bee Hoon

Holland Village XO Fish Head Bee Hoon is famous for its namesake dish, but not everyone knows that they do an excellent har cheong gai (prawn paste chicken). We are going out on a limb to say that this is one of the best har cheong gai in Singapore.

Jumbo Coffee Hub at Blk 19A
Dover Crescent
Tel: +65 6778 3691
Daily: 11.30am–2pm, 5pm–11pm

Keng Eng Kee Seafood Restaurant

Located in a coffee shop at Alexandra Village, Keng Eng Kee Seafood Restaurant is one of the most popular zi char restaurants in the neighbourhood. Prices have increased quite a bit over the years, but the food in general is still pretty good. Even though it is crowded during dinner every night, the kitchen is extremely efficient and you don’t have to wait long for the food.

Blk 124 Bukit Merah Lane 1
#01-136 Alexandra Village Singapore
Tel: +65 6272 1038
Daily: 11.30am –2pm, 5pm–11pm

Kimly Seafood

Kimly Seafood Restaurant is a tze char chain with many outlets around the island. It is one of the zi char places that we go to when we feel like having a simple and fuss-free meal.

Blk 346 Jurong East Street 31
Daily: 2pm – 1am

Master Crab Seafood Restaurant

Crab-lovers must go to Master Crab Seafood Restaurant which serves a fantastic salted egg yolk crab. Besides the branch at Ghim Moh Road, Master Crab also has several branches in Singapore.

Blk 19 Ghim Moh Road #01-229
Tel: +65 6314 1868
Daily: 5pm – 10.30pm

Two Chefs Eating House

Two Chefs Eating Place is a familiar name for most as it is well-publicised in the media. Most of the dishes are decent, but nothing to shout home about. However, we will return just for the awesome Butter Pork Ribs.

Blk 116 Commonwealth Cresent #01-129
Tel: 6472 5361
Mon: 5pm – 11.30pm
Tue to Sun: 11.45am–2.30pm, 5pm–11.30pm

You know a marketing campaign is successful when people still remember the slogan after a long time. When you mention Chin Huat Live Seafood, chances are, people will think of the slogan “lobster bigger than little girl” used in their television advertisement years ago.

Chin Huat Live Seafood at Sunset Way, is of course, more than just lobsters. Besides the typical Sri Lanka crabs, they offer a huge variety of seafood and popular zichar dishes.

The restaurant was pretty full when we went on a weekday for dinner. As it was just a casual family dinner, we decided to play safe and order the usual stuff like chilli crabs, deep-fried chicken, and sambal kangkong.

Everyone knows that Chilli Crab is one of the must-eats in Singapore. But to be honest, I have a love-hate relationship with it.

On one hand, I really love dipping the deep-fried mantou into the savoury-sweet chilli gravy. On the other, the amount of work – from cracking a shell that’s as hard as a bulletproof tank; to trying to coax the meat out from the deep end of the shell – doesn’t justify all the work for so little flesh.

More than anything, I am a lazy person who doesn’t like to dirty his hands just for crabs. But fine, I did it anyway. Who can resist the temptation of Chilli crab with deep-fried mantou?

As much as I’d love to try Chin Huat’s signature Golden Sauce Crab, we only had room for another crab and we went for the Salted Egg Yolk Crab ($43 per kg). It was okay. I felt that the salted egg yolk crab would be better if there was more gravy.

I was trying very hard to concentrate when the Dong Po Rou ($16) arrived. They were magnificent – just look at the picture above!

The others commented that the sauce was a little too sweet, but I thought that it was just nice. Then again, I have a really sweet tooth, so don’t take my word for it.

The Deep-fried Crispy Chicken ($12 for half) was equally good-looking. It’s really difficult to breathe when you have Chilli Crab, Salted Egg Yolk Crab, Dong Po Meat, and Crispy Chicken on the table. I felt as though I was in a room surrounded by gorgeous babes.

Chin Huat Live Seafood at Sunset Way serves competent food at reasonable prices. Besides the usual zi char, they also have other unique dishes like Wagyu Beef on the menu. It is a great place to have live seafood if you are staying in the west of Singapore.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Chin Huat Live Seafood
105 Clementi Street 12
#01-30 Sunset Way Singapore
Tel: +65 6775 7348

For more recommendations, read my Guide to Sunset Way Restaurants

“Where can you find the cheapest crabs in Singapore?”

Irvin’s Seafood Cze Char at River Valley road is probably the place to go. Most of the crabs on the menu – like black pepper crab, chilli crab, butter crab – are available for just $19.9. There’s a catch of course. The crabs are much smaller, around 500g each.

Personally, I thought that it was a good tactic to attract customers. But taste-wise, the crabs that we had were nothing special. Irvin’s Seafood is only worth a try if you a) are on a budget b) want to try a variety of crabs.

The sauce of the Chilli Crab ($19.9 for 500g/$29.9 for 800g/$39.9 for 1kg) was a little too starchy and there was a rather strong vinegar taste to it.

The Salted Egg Yolk Crab ($23.9 for 500g/$33.9 for 800g/$42 for 1kg) was supposed to be Irvin’s seafood signature crab. But again, we didn’t really enjoy it as we felt that the sauce was too buttery and lacked the fragrance of the salted egg yolk.

The Shrimp Paste Chicken ($12.8 for small) was just fine – I mean, deep-fried food always taste good. It’s slightly pricier than normal cze char places, though.

Hot plate black pepper deer meat ($18.8)

Perhaps Irvin’s was having a slightly bad day. Perhaps the crabs were cooked exactly as they were supposed to, and it was because we didn’t know how to appreciate them.

Would I go back to Irvin’s Seafood restaurant again? I don’t think so. While the prices of the crabs are fairly attractive, we didn’t really like them. If I were in the River Valley area, I’d probably head to Spize, Five Star Chicken Rice or Boon Tong Kee for supper.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Irvin’s Seafood Restaurant
397 River Valley Road
Tel: +65 6836 5020
Daily: 11am – 1am

When I was younger, the de facto meeting place for gatherings was definitely at least a cafe, or a nicer restaurant for a special occasion. While I enjoy going out to fancy restaurants, I also like having a simple dinner at a Zhu Chao stall with my friends.

For one of our gatherings, we decided to meet at Tiong Bahru as everyone is working nearby. Since I’ve been to Sin Hoi San Seafood Restaurant, I asked my friend to recommend another eating place in the area, and she immediately suggested Por Kee Eating House – a very popular Zhu Chao Stall at Seng Poh road opposite Tiong Bahru Market.

Like what I’ve mentioned in my Singapore Must-Eats post, Zi Char (also known as Zhi Char/Cze Char/Tze Char/Zhu Chao) is a Chinese stall (in a coffee shop) that serves a variety of ala carte dishes at affordable prices.

The signature Home-made tofu braised with mushrooms is also highly recommended, and this is coming from a guy who only likes hotplate tofu. We also had the famous Champagne Pork Ribs ($16 for small), and it was really good.

As you all know, I’m on a quest to find the best sweet and sour pork in Singapore. Even though I have been disappointed each time, I still continued to try them. Unfortunately, Por Kee’s Sweet and Sour Pork ($12) was only mediocre. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t amazing either.

The food at Por Kee Eating House is good, but not great. Furthermore, the prices at Por Kee are slightly higher than the typical Zhu Chao stalls; vegetable dishes start from $9 (small), and the meat dishes are around $12-16 (small).

I wouldn’t go all the way to Tiong Bahru just to eat this, and even if I am in the area, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Where do you usually eat in Tiong Bahru?

Singapore Food Blog Review
Por Kee Eating House
69 Seng Poh Lane #01-02
Tel: +65 6221 0582

Clementi has lots of good food. Besides the newly opened Clementi Mall, there is also the popular Clementi Food Centre and various coffee shops.

I recently had Tze Char at Ban Tong Seafood restaurant at Clementi ave 5, which is a few minutes walk from the train station. The food is generally good, and prices are what you’d expect from a typical tze char place.

We shared five dishes between the four of us, and we were so full after finishing everything.

Whilst Ban Tong Tze Char did a good job with its Prawn Paste Chicken (Har Cheong Kai), my favourite is still the one from Holland Village XO Fish-head Bee Hoon. There was a slight twist to the ubiquitous Hotplate Beancurd ($10) – it was done spicy. Even though I was perspiring all the way, I loved the dish!

I thought the Sweet & Sour Pork ($6) was only average. But at just six dollars for the small portion, it is certainly one of the cheapest amongst the tze char places in Singapore.

The highlight of the meal at Ban Tong Seafood Restaurant is definitely the Cereal Crayfish ($16 for small). What’s there not to like about de-shelled crayfish that is generously showered with cereal?

Which is your favourite Tze Char Stall in Singapore? Give me some recommendations!

Singapore Food Blog Review
Ban Tong Seafood Restaurant
Blk 378 Clementi Ave 5 #01-334
Tel: +65 9047 9428

A few weeks ago, I received an email from a reader, telling me about Master Crab Seafood Restaurant, a cze char place in Ghim Moh near De Burg burgers. The title of her email was: “best crabs in Singapore“. I think that pretty much sums it up.

Anyway, I could not stop thinking about the yummy crabs, so a few days later, I brought my family to Master Crab for dinner. Apparently, Master Crab Seafood Restaurant also has branches in Choa Chu Kang (Sunshine Place), Compassvale, and Punggol.

I was a little alarmed when my family wanted to have the Black Pepper Crabs as we had Chilli crabs recently. Luckily, I managed to convince them that it is a must to try the famous Singapore Chilli Crab since it was our first time at this crab restaurant.

Sad to say, Master Crab’s Chilli Crab ($48/kg nett) was lackluster – I could not quite put a finger to it, but the chilli gravy was kind of weird.

If you go to Master Crab Seafood Restaurant, order their Salted Egg Yolk Crab instead. Covered with a golden-yellow sauce, the Salted Egg Yolk Crab was magnificent. The sauce, in particular, was rich and very tasty. I am certainly not the first person, nor the last, to sing its praises.

It’s been said before, and I shall say it again: crab prices are getting ridiculous in zi char restaurants. I understand why seafood restaurants like Seafood Paradise and NoSignBoard need to charge $40ish/kg as they are paying higher rentals. But it does not make sense to me why Zi Char places are charging the same amount.

Master Crab’s har cheong kai ($8) was not too bad. It had a thicker coat of flour which gave it a nice crispy skin.

We wanted to order something different from what we usually have, so we went for the Deep-fried Youtiao Fritter ($8), which was run-of-the-mill.

The Scallop Asparagus ($15) was nothing like the menu’s photo, it only had a few tiny scallops. For that kind of price, I would rather order two different vegetable dishes.

Master Crab Seafood Restaurant, like the name suggests, is a good cze char place to go for their crabs. The other dishes are pretty standard, nothing outstanding. The other signature crabs on the menu are: crab bee hoon and stewed crab with vermicelli.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Master Crab Seafood Restaurant
Blk 19 Ghim Moh Road #01-229
Tel: +65 6314 1868

Master Crab Compassvale
Blk 277 Compassvale Link #01-13
Tel: +65 6555 6515

Master Crab Choa Chu Kang
Blk 475 Choa Chu Kang Ave 3 #01-31
Tel: +65 6764 9487

Master Crab Punggol Field
Blk 108 Punggol Field #01-01
Tel: +65 6425 8079

Master Crab Punggol Drive
Blk 639 Punggol Drive #01-07
Tel: +65 6425 9435

Sin Hoi Sai (also known as Sin Hoi San) Eating House has been around for ages and they hold a special place in my heart. When I was a kid, my uncle used to bring me there for dinner every month.

As the years went by, we stopped going there for zi char, but I am really happy to see that Sin Hoi Sai has been doing well. Ask any foodie where you can find a popular Zi Char Restaurant for supper and invariably, the name Sin Hoi Sai at Tiong Bahru will prop up.

Back in the days, we used to eat in the alley under the open sky. They have since expanded to the shop house opposite, increasing their seating capacity.

Even though the standard of the food is still decent, the prices have gone up by quite a bit. It really depends on your perspective though. If you see Sin Hoi San as a Chinese Seafood Restaurant, then their prices are probably quite acceptable.

But for me, Sin Hoi San will always be that place where I had my steamed fish at the “al fresco” area. I feel that their current prices are rather steep for a Zi Char Stall.

Considering the fact that Sin Hoi Sai used to be a no-frills Zi Char place and it now provides air-conditioning in the shop house, I can understand the increase in price. We are also paying more as they are operating throughout the night.

Will I go back to Sin Hoi San Seafood Restaurant? Yes, but only if I am looking for a late night supper place. Given that there are plenty of good cze char places that I have yet to explore, I am not in a hurry to come back.

I am sorry Sin Hoi Sai, you’ve changed. It’s not me, it’s you.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Sin Hoi Sai Eating House
55 Tiong Bahru Road (Opposite Link Hotel)
#01-59 Singapore
Tel: +65 6223 0810
Daily: 5pm – 5am

187 East Coast Road Singapore
Tel: +65 6440 6956
Daily: 5pm – 4am

Keng Eng Kee Seafood restaurant at Alexandra Village used to be my family’s favourite Cze Char place. It has been a while since our last visit here so we decided to drop by for dinner last week.

Besides the good food, some of the regulars probably go to Keng Eng Kee Seafood because the Zi Char Stall has an air-conditioned dining area just opposite the coffee shop.

It was a tough call between the Chilli Crab and Salted Egg Yolk Crab, but eventually we went for the latter as it was apparently a signature dish of Keng Eng Kee restaurant.

The sauce of the Salted Egg Yolk Crab ($39/kg) was very thick, and had a subtle spicy taste. I probably had better salted egg yolk crabs elsewhere before, but this was pretty decent.

We wanted to have Hot Plate Beancurd but it was not available on Keng Eng Kee’s menu. But it was not so bad since the Claypot Beancurd was a good replacement.

The Sambal Kangkong was well done. It was spicy but not to the extent of being tongue-numbing. The small portion comes at $6.

I was quite disappointed that Sweet and Sour Pork is also not available under the Pork section. But there are interesting options like Golden Pork Ribs, Coffee Pork Ribs and Claypot Pork Liver to choose from. We were intriguied by the Claypot Pork Liver as not many cze char restaurants serve it.

Just look at all the oil used to cook the liver! The Claypot Pork Liver ($8) is definitely not for the faint-hearted. But it sure was tasty.

Prawn Paste Chicken is a very popular zi char dish and there are different variations for it. I’ve had very good Har Cheong Kai before, so I was actually looking forward to the ones at Keng Eng Kee. Unfortunately, the Har Cheong Kai ($8) here was quite disappointing: the chicken was very small, and I felt that the shrimp paste marination was rather weak. I’d probably go for the Crispy Roasted Chicken or the Marmite Chicken next time.

I was quite impressed with the waiting time at Keng Eng Kee Seafood. The Cze Char restaurant was almost packed when we were there for dinner, yet they managed to serve most of the dishes within 10 minutes.

The food at Keng Eng Kee Seafood was pretty good and it was a bonus that everything came quickly. Prices are what you’d expect from a typical zhi char place, but the portions served were slightly smaller.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Keng Eng Kee Seafood
Blk 124 Bukit Merah Lane 1
#01-136 Alexandra Village Singapore
Tel: +65 6272 1038

Operating Hours:
Daily: 11.30am – 2pm, 5pm – 11pm

Ming Kee Live Seafood is tucked among a busy row of restaurants and eateries on Macpherson Road, and they are known for serving good and fresh seafood at affordable prices. Singapore is famous for our Chilli crabs and most people usually bring their overseas friends to popular places like No SignBoard, Palm Beach, Red House or Jumbo Seafood restaurant.

I have been putting off my visit to Ming Kee Seafood Restaurant as it is not very accessible. But my excuse came when my friends from New York were in town, and thankfully the food did not disappoint.

Many Singapore Food Blogs had written on Ming Kee Live Seafood and the Guinness Pork Ribs was highly recommended. Even though I have never had anything similar before, I must say Ming Kee’s interpretation of the Guinness Pork Ribs was excellent. It had a good proportion of fats to lean meat, and every bite was so good.

Almost every table at Ming Kee Restaurant that night went for the signature Triple Cooked Bee Hoon Crab, but we wanted to show the famous Singapore Chilli Crabs to our New York friends, so we gave that a miss.

Like always, deep fried man tou and chilli gravy are the best couple together. All my friends thought that the Chilli crabs ($58.5, 1kg/$45) were exceptionally good, but I felt otherwise, they were good but not great.

Some of the items that we had at Ming Kee were the Stir-fried bean-sprout ($8) with salted fish, and Sambal kangkong ($8). The vegetables were very well-done, and we particularly enjoyed the bean-sprout.

We were quite full by the time the Sea Grouper came ($114, 100g/$6) came to our table.

Steamed Hong Kong-Style, the whopping 1.9kg grouper was amazingly fresh, and meaty. I do feel that it is a little pricey to pay over a hundred bucks for a fish. After-all, you can get more crab and prawns for the same amount of money. However, if you are a big fan of fish, it is worthwhile to order it from Ming Kee Live Seafood.

Ming Kee Live Seafood is an excellent place for fresh seafood, and the prices are pretty reasonable. I will definitely bring my family back to try their other dishes.

Speaking of which, I need some recommendations for good Zi Char restaurants in Singapore, please leave a comment and share with us.

Singapore Food Restaurant Review
Ming kee Live Seafood
556 Macpherson Road Singapore
Tel: +65 6747 4075
// Closed during Chinese New Year from 3rd – 8th Feb 2011

Oh our love-hate relationship with cravings. It is almost impossible to ignore them, and they always sneak in and catch us unaware during the middle of the night. Sometimes, we don’t really have a choice but to satisfy it.

I was craving for Chilli Crabs a while back, and decided on Seafood Paradise Restaurant at Singapore Flyer since all of us have never been there before.

The Paradise Group of Restaurants have been doing very well recently. Other than their original Seafood Paradise at Defu Lane, and the fine dining flagship restaurant Taste Paradise, they have added Paradise Inn and with the latest being Paradise Dynasty at Ion Orchard.

You know what is the best part about being a food blogger? I get to decide the place, as well as the dishes to order. If you have been reading my blog for some time, you will know that I’m a big fan of chilli crabs ($4.4/100g). Naturally, I persuaded the rest to avoid the pepper crab and go for the deep fried man tou and chilli gravy instead.

Rule number one when it comes to ordering Chilli crab:

Always, always specify the size of the crab to the waitress. Unfortunately, we were too hungry that night and actually forgot to mention that. The poor crab that arrived on our table was undersized – it was just slightly more than 700g, which was barely enough to satisfy our cravings. But everything was forgiven when we dipped the huge deep fried buns into the gravy. There was silence for a few minutes as everyone focused on the crab (& the mantou with chilli gravy).

Another must-order is the Crisp-fried Crystal Prawns with salted egg yolk ($16/small). The one that we ordered only had 5 small prawns, please go for the medium portion ($24) at least.

Hotplate Tofu ($10/small) is one of my favorite dishes when I dine at Zi Char or seafood restaurants. Don’t we all love the sizzling sound coming from the hotplate? The tofu, the minced meat, and the egg tasted perfect together! The one here had additional preserved cai xin to give it a different twist.

Whenever Sweet & Sour Pork appears during dinner, everyone will always turn their head towards me. It is as though there’s the words ‘sweet and sour pork’ written on my forehead.

Other than the rather small portion, I’d think that Seafood Paradise’s rendition was very close to the one that I have been looking for. In short, it’s one of the best Sweet & Sour Pork in Singapore that I had in recent times. With the pineapple and lychee adding to the sweetness, the pork was extremely crispy yet not too oily. Every bite was so good! I managed to get a few extra helpings while everyone was busy with the crabs.

Looking for a Chinese Seafood restaurant to bring your overseas friends for our famous Singapore Chili Crab? Check out Seafood Paradise Restaurant next time!

Which is your favorite seafood restaurant for Chilli crabs?

Restaurant Review
Seafood Paradise Restaurant
30 Raffles Avenue #01-01
Singapore Flyer Singapore
Tel: +65 6336 5101

91 Defu Lane
10 Swee Hin Building Singapore
Tel: +65 6487 2429

* The Palm Beach Seafood Giveaway is now closed. The winners are Daniel (29), Chloe (18), HahazZ (57), Vivian (37). Thank you for participating, better luck next time! *

“My all time favorite is chili crab with deep-fried mantou, what’s yours?” I asked on twitter.

Everyone replied enthusiastically, the popular choices are pepper crab, chili crab, crab bee hoon, salted egg yoke crab and butter crab. Even though I just had chili crab and double baked cheese crab at Palm Beach Seafood recently, I find myself craving for  the thick, sweet-and-spicy gravy of the chili crab, with deep fried mantou of course.

While we are at the topic of crab, I realize people like to debate on which restaurant has the best crab in Singapore. Like what I always say: whichever place you like – has the best crab!

HOW TO ENTER THE PALM BEACH SEAFOOD CRAB GIVEAWAY

I totally understand how it feels to be on your end, looking at all the photos and yet cannot get to taste the food; so I’m happy to announce that Palm Beach Seafood has kindly agreed to giveaway $50 vouchers (no minimum spending required) to 4 lucky readers. If you want a chance to win, here is what to do:

1. Leave a comment on this post

Tell us what’s your favorite crab and why. I’m asking for your favorite style of cooking for the crab, it does not have to be from a particular restaurant. Just tell me what style do you like, and if you happen to like an exotic way of cooking crabs which can be anything for example, Double Baked Cheese Crab, let us know! (***updated***)

And ONE entry per person, you are encouraged to get your friends to join the contest but please play fair and do not post multiple comments under different names.

2. Use a valid & contactable email

Please use a valid & contactable email when you post the comment. I will email the winners shortly after the contest ended, remember to check your email on Monday.

3. And the Four lucky Winners . . .

The four lucky winners will be decided by a highly sophisticated method, and I reserve the right to re-pick if there’s any discrepancy or foul-play involved. I know there are folks from the States, Malaysia, Australia, and other countries reading my blog, but unfortunately this contest is only open to those currently residing in Singapore. But all of you are welcome to share your thoughts too!

The closing date for this giveaway is Sunday 28th of Feb 2359 hrs, and so you have exactly forty eight hours before it ends.

I hope you enjoy the little gift I have for everyone!