When one thinks of Singaporean cuisine, a singular, glorious image often comes to mind: a magnificent crab drenched in a sweet, spicy, and savoury crimson sauce, served with fluffy fried mantou buns for dipping. Chilli Crab is, without a doubt, a national icon and a rite of passage for any visitor. Establishments like Jumbo Seafood at the vibrant Clarke Quay have built empires on this legendary dish, and for good reason. It's a messy, indulgent, and unforgettable experience.

However, to let the story of Singaporean seafood end there would be a disservice to the incredible depth and diversity of the island's culinary landscape. Beyond this celebrated crustacean lies a world of oceanic delights, from humble, soul-soothing soups found in bustling hawker centres to modern, decadent crab creations that excite the palate in new ways. This guide is an invitation to look beyond the bib and dive deeper into the true seafood soul of Singapore. It's a journey through fragrant broths, fiery wok-tossed masterpieces, and simple, perfectly executed classics that are beloved by locals but often missed by travellers. Prepare to discover the other seafood dishes that make Singapore a true paradise for food lovers.

While Chilli Crab may wear the crown, other contenders for the throne are equally worthy of your attention. Singapore's love affair with crab is multifaceted, offering a spectrum of flavours from aromatic spice to creamy indulgence.

• Black Pepper Crab: If Chilli Crab is the beloved monarch, Black Pepper Crab is its fiery, bold, and charismatic rival. Often found on the same menus at renowned seafood destinations like Jumbo Seafood, this version forgoes the tomato-based sauce for a powerful and aromatic blast of black pepper. The crabs are fried with heaps of cracked black pepper, butter, and other seasonings, creating a dry, intensely fragrant coating that clings to every inch of the sweet crab meat. It's a less saucy but arguably more intense experience, showcasing the pure synergy between spice and fresh seafood.

• Salted Egg Yolk Crab: A more recent but wildly popular addition to Singapore's crab repertoire, Salted Egg Yolk Crab is pure, unadulterated decadence. One traveller simply declared, "Salted Egg Yolk Crab is so delicious!" Imagine succulent crab pieces coated in a rich, creamy, and slightly grainy sauce made from the yolks of salted duck eggs, curry leaves, and chilli padi. The sauce is a masterful balance of savoury and sweet, and its luxurious texture is the perfect partner for the plump crab within. It's a modern classic that has firmly cemented its place in the hearts of local foodies.

• Crab Bee Hoon Soup (螃蟹米粉汤): For a truly comforting and soulful experience, look no further than Crab Bee Hoon Soup. This dish is less about aggressive flavours and more about deep, umami-rich satisfaction. At specialty restaurants like Long Beach Seafood (or as one user called it, '龙海鲜螃蟹王'), this is often the star attraction. A whole, fresh crab is simmered in a milky, flavourful broth with thick rice vermicelli (bee hoon). The noodles soak up the essence of the crab and the savoury stock, while the crab meat itself is described as incredibly "plump and sweet." The soup is noted as being "really fresh and delicious," making it a must-try for those seeking warmth and profound flavour over fiery spice.

The true heart of Singaporean cuisine beats within its legendary hawker centres and food courts. These bustling culinary hubs are where you'll find locals grabbing a quick, affordable, and incredibly delicious meal. It's here that some of the most underrated seafood dishes shine.

• Laksa: A cornerstone of Peranakan cuisine, Laksa is a rich and spicy noodle soup that is simply unforgettable. The broth is a creamy, fragrant concoction of coconut milk, chilli, and various spices, often containing shrimp and fish cakes. It's a complex bowl of flavours that is both comforting and exhilarating. You can find excellent versions in food courts and even at breakfast chains like Toast Box, where it's served as a hearty set meal.

• Grouper Fish Soup (石斑鱼汤): In a city known for its rich and powerful flavours, the clean, delicate taste of Grouper Fish Soup is a welcome and refreshing counterpoint. Don't mistake its simplicity for a lack of flavour. The broth is typically light but deeply savoury, brewed from fish bones for hours. It’s served with generous, tender slices of fresh grouper, vegetables, and sometimes tofu. It's a healthy, nourishing meal that is a testament to the Singaporean appreciation for fresh ingredients prepared with skill.

• Fish Ball Noodles (鱼圆面): This is a quintessential Singaporean comfort food. The star of the dish is the fish balls themselves—springy, bouncy orbs made of fresh fish paste. Whether served in a clear, light broth or 'dry' tossed in a savoury chilli and vinegar sauce, it's a staple for breakfast or lunch. You'll find famous stalls like 'Ming Fa Fishball' and 'Lixing Fishball' in hawker centres, each with their own loyal following.

• Fujian Shrimp Noodles (福建虾面): A true hawker gem, this dish is a symphony of seafood flavour. It consists of yellow noodles and rice vermicelli stir-fried in a rich, aromatic stock made from pork bones and prawn heads. Served with prawns, squid, and a slice of lime and sambal chilli on the side, it's a deeply satisfying and complex dish that showcases the 'wok hei'—the breath of the wok—that is the hallmark of great stir-fried food.

Finding these dishes is part of the adventure. Singapore offers a range of dining experiences, from riverside restaurants to the humble yet essential food courts, known locally as '食阁'.

Many iconic dishes, including the famous crabs, can be found at restaurants lining the lively Clarke Quay, where the riverside ambiance adds to the experience. However, the heart and soul of everyday Singaporean food lies elsewhere. To truly eat like a local, you must visit a hawker centre or a mall food court. Places like Maxwell Food Centre are legendary, home to famous stalls serving everything from Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice to delectable fish ball noodles and hearty laksa. Nearly every shopping mall, from VivoCity to those on Orchard Road, has a food court in its basement, offering an air-conditioned respite and an incredible variety of affordable, high-quality local dishes. This is where you are most likely to find gems like Grouper Fish Soup and Fujian Shrimp Noodles.

After indulging in these incredible meals, you might feel the urge to explore the Garden City to walk it all off. The city is remarkably pedestrian-friendly and perfect for a long city walk. For the truly adventurous who want to see the entire island, there's even a 155km cycling loop. You can explore a detailed plan for such a journey on platforms like Strava; for instance, one user shared their 155km Round Island Route, proving there's always more to discover in Singapore, both on and off the plate.