For indulging in one of Singapore’s national dishes – chilli crab – Dancing Crab hits the spot with its finger-licking, messy, communal-style experience. With several outlets across the city, I headed to their Marina Bay Sands location to get my fix of fresh Sri Lankan crabs doused in aromatic chili sauce.
Stepping into the restaurant, stacks of crab shells and bibs immediately signal you’re in the right place. The atmosphere is lively yet casual – great for group dining. While waiting for my 1.5kg crab to arrive, I sipped on a refreshing lychee lemonade drink.
When the star of the show appeared, it looked positively divine. The sauce clings thickly to the plump crab pieces, perfuming the air with spicy, garlicky aromas. Donning the plastic bib, I dove into wresting crablegs from the shell and relishing the tender meat soaked in tangy gravy.
The distinct sweetness of the crab meat perfectly balances the complex savory flavors. It takes some work breaking down a whole crab, but that’s part of the fun! I paired it with fried mantou buns to mop up the last of the sauce.
At $78 per kg, chilli crab is not cheap. However, Dancing Crab does it well, sticking to traditional recipes rather than cutting corners. For an iconic Singapore experience with great ambience, come hungry and ready to get messy!
FAQ
Are there discounts for booking Dancing Crab online?
Yes, there are discounts for booking Dancing Crab online here.
What are the signature dishes besides chilli crab?
Other popular dishes are black pepper crab, salted egg crab, sambal crab, and crab bee hoon.
What sides go well with chilli crab?
Great pairings are fried mantou buns, rice or noodles to soak up the sauce. Vegetables like broccoli are light complements.
What is the average price per kg for chilli crab?
Chilli crab is typically S$68-78 per kg depending on size and market prices. Expect to pay $50-60 for 6-8 crabs.
Do they accept reservations?
Yes, reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially on weekends.
Is there a dress code?
The dress code is casual. But clothes that are too nice may get messy during mealtime!
Do they serve smaller portions for single diners?
Yes, they have individual crab and crab meat dishes so you don’t have to order a whole crab.
Is takeout or delivery available?
Takeout and delivery is available within a 5 km radius for select dishes.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
Yes, you can bring your own wine or alcohol. Corkage fees apply per bottle.
Do they cater for dietary restrictions?
Yes, inform them in advance of any allergies or dietary needs. They can modify dishes.
Is parking available?
Yes, paid parking is available in the Marina Bay Sands parking garage. Valet parking is available too.
Zhuang Jia Wen serves as the chief reviewer for Singaporeairport.com, leveraging her passion for travel and aviation.
A native Singaporean, Zhuang draws upon her extensive experience exploring her home country to provide authoritative reviews and travel tips. She holds a bachelor’s degree in tourism management from the National University of Singapore.
Prior to becoming Singaporeairport.com’s review expert, Zhuang worked for five years as a travel agent helping organize personalized itineraries. When not visiting Singapore’s latest attractions, she enjoys cuisine from across the Lion City’s dynamic culinary landscape.
Zhuang hopes her insider perspective helps travelers make the most of their visits to her country.
