Best Spots for Satay and BBQ Seafood in Singapore

Singapore, often called the Lion City, is a global hub where cultures converge, and nowhere is this more evident than in its vibrant food scene. While the city is known for its futuristic architecture and lush green spaces, it's the incredible array of culinary delights that truly captures the hearts of visitors. From bustling hawker centres to world-class restaurants, Singapore offers a gastronomic journey like no other. Among the countless must-try dishes, two stand out for their smoky, savoury, and utterly addictive flavours: satay and BBQ seafood.

Dishes like 辣椒螃蟹 (Chili Crab) are considered representative of Singaporean cuisine, a flavour-packed experience that is a rite of passage for any food lover. Paired with this is the humble yet delicious 沙爹 (Satay), skewers of marinated meat grilled over charcoal, serving as a perfect snack or a full meal. This guide will take you through the best spots in the city to indulge in these sizzling specialties. We’ll explore legendary hawker stalls, iconic seafood establishments, and local favourites that promise an authentic and unforgettable taste of Singapore's grilled and barbecued treasures. Prepare your taste buds for an adventure through the smoky, spicy, and sweet flavours that define Singaporean street food.

The Authentic Satay Experience

When it comes to satay in Singapore, one name echoes through the city's food-loving circles: Lau Pa Sat. This historic market, with its striking Victorian cast-iron architecture, transforms into a vibrant open-air food street at night, famously known as 'Satay Street'. The air becomes thick with the irresistible aroma of grilling meat, a siren call for anyone seeking an authentic hawker experience. While many stalls vie for attention, local foodies often point to a specific gem for the ultimate satay feast.

Nestled within this bustling environment is Best Satay 7 & 8, a stall renowned for its perfectly grilled skewers. Located at Stall 8 in Lau Pa Sat at 18 Raffles Quay, this is where you can witness the art of satay-making up close. The process is a spectacle in itself: marinated meat, typically chicken, is threaded onto bamboo skewers and grilled over a blazing charcoal fire. The cooks expertly fan the flames, ensuring each skewer is cooked to perfection with a beautiful char and a juicy, tender interior.

The satay here is served in the traditional style, accompanied by a rich, chunky peanut sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savoury. It also comes with sides of sliced cucumbers, raw onions, and ketupat (compressed rice cakes), which provide a refreshing crunch and a neutral base to complement the intensely flavourful meat and sauce. Whether you are a seasoned satay aficionado or a first-time taster, a visit to Lau Pa Sat for a platter from Best Satay 7 & 8 is an essential Singaporean experience.

Singapore's National Dish: The Mighty Crab

No culinary tour of Singapore is complete without indulging in its most celebrated seafood dish: crab. The city is famous for two distinct preparations that have sparked friendly debates among locals and tourists alike: the fiery Chili Crab and the aromatic Black Pepper Crab. Both are messy, hands-on, and incredibly delicious affairs that define the local seafood experience.

Many flock to Jumbo Seafood to get their first taste of these iconic dishes. It's a place where you can experience the quintessential Singaporean crab feast. The Chili Crab here is a showstopper, featuring large, meaty crabs drenched in a sweet, savoury, and slightly spicy tomato-and-chili-based sauce, thickened with swirls of egg. The ultimate way to enjoy it is by mopping up every last drop of the glorious sauce with fluffy, deep-fried buns called mantou. For those who prefer heat of a different kind, the Black Pepper Crab offers a powerful punch of fragrant black pepper, stir-fried with butter and other spices until the crab is coated in a rich, dark, and peppery crust.

While Jumbo is a household name, locals also have their go-to alternatives. New Ubin Seafood, located at Chijmes, is often highlighted as a more cost-effective option that doesn't compromise on flavour. It’s particularly praised for its fantastic pepper crab, delivering that intense, smoky flavour that crab lovers crave. Whether you choose the sweet and tangy chili or the bold and spicy pepper, you're in for a treat. To make your dining experience smoother, it's often recommended to book your table via Klook, especially for popular spots during peak hours.

So, which one should you choose?

• Chili Crab: Opt for this if you love a rich, sweet, and tangy sauce with a mild spicy kick. It's all about the sauce, so be prepared to get your hands dirty and order extra mantou.
• Black Pepper Crab: This is for those who enjoy a drier, more intense, and aromatic peppery spice. It's less about the gravy and more about the fragrant pepper coating the fresh crab meat.

More Local Favourites

While crab and satay often steal the spotlight, Singapore's BBQ and seafood scene offers a much deeper pool of flavours to explore. For those looking to venture beyond the most famous names, several other local institutions serve up incredible grilled and cooked seafood dishes that are equally worthy of a visit. These spots are often where you'll find locals enjoying a late-night meal or a family dinner, offering an authentic taste of the city's food culture.

One such destination is the Newton Food Centre, a bustling hawker centre that comes alive at night. It's a fantastic place for a casual dinner, especially if you're craving charcoal-grilled delights. The atmosphere is vibrant, with numerous stalls offering a wide variety of dishes, including fantastic BBQ seafood. You can pick your fresh fish, prawns, or stingray and have it grilled to perfection right before your eyes.

For a different but equally delicious crab experience, consider a trip to 龙海鲜螃蟹王 (Mellben Seafood). Located at 232 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, this is a beloved spot among Singaporeans, famous for its crab dishes, particularly its Claypot Crab Bee Hoon Soup. It’s a comforting, milky broth brimming with the sweet flavour of crab, a must-try for seafood soup lovers.

Another must-visit for seafood enthusiasts is 灌记砂锅 (Guankee Pot). This spot is celebrated for its claypot dishes, which lock in moisture and flavour. A standout dish recommended by locals is the "黑虎虾虾球粉丝煲" (Black Tiger Prawn with Vermicelli Claypot). The glass noodles soak up the savoury sauce and the essence of the fresh, succulent tiger prawns, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that showcases the simple yet profound flavours of quality seafood cooked with care.