Chilli Crabs

Chilli Crabs are one of the most renowned Singapore dish, and for good reason! They consist of soft shelled crabs that have been marinated in a sweet chilli sauce until the entire crab is permeated with the wonderful flavor. The crab(s) are served with the shell still on, requiring plenty of cracking to get at the delicious meat.

Kieran had already had a big meal of sticky rice and soup, so we only tentatively gave him a bit of crab meat. He loved it and was clamoring for more!! While Maranda carefully gave him pieces that had not come into contact with the chilli sauce, Daddy was not as careful and tossed him several pieces with lots of chilli sauce. Surprisingly, Kieran showed an immediate preference for the pieces doused in chilli sauce!! Wow, lets just say his proud father beamed!

A few bites later the spice caught up with him and his hand went to his mouth. He reached for some more rice and then a quick drink to soothe the burn, and then was back reaching for the chilli crab again. Having regrouped he pounded several more healthy servings of crab.

Toward the end of the dinner the restaurant had mostly cleared out and the staff were very attentively watching Kieran. At one point the cook came out and shook his hand and then took a cell phone picture with him. He enjoyed the attention, especially when the maitre'd took him into the kitchen to introduce him to the tank of bullfrogs. Lots of fun, we left with smiles promising to come back on our next trip to Singapore.