Chili Crab

If you were to eat just one dish in Singapore, then it should definitely be chili crab. It’s a national dish and regarded by many as Singapore’s greatest culinary invention. In fact, it’s one of just two Singaporean dishes on CNN Travel’s list of the World's 50 Best Foods.

Chili crab is prepared by stir-frying crabs, preferably mud crabs, in a tomato- and chili-based sauce. Egg is often used to thicken the sauce which you can mop up with a side of fried mantou bread. 

In spite of its name, chili crab isn’t very spicy at all. Instead, it tastes tangy and a little sweet with just a hint of spiciness.

Visit a good chili crab restaurant in Singapore and it becomes apparent how abundantly proud Singaporeans are of this dish. I can still remember the look of pride on our server’s face when he served us this overflowing bowl of chili crab. It was like he was showing off his baby.

As described, be sure to get it with a side of fried mantou as the bread works really well with the rich tomato-ey sauce. It’s absolutely delicious and a must-try when visiting Singapore.