HolyCrab

HolyCrab is a crab restaurant in the Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski, in Singapore's Civic District. Chef Elton Seah cooks crab in many styles, from local classics to his own recipes. His cooking puts a strong focus on wok hei, the smoky "breath of the wok".

The story began around 2009, as a private dining concept in Seah's own home. In 2017 HolyCrab opened its first restaurant, a 25-seat shophouse on Tan Quee Lan Street. It has since moved to its current home in the Capitol Arcade.

What to order

Crab is the main event here. HolyCrab uses crabs from Sri Lanka and says they are free from antibiotics. You can order the two Singapore classics, Singapore Red Chilli Crab and Black Pepper Crab. The more personal dishes, though, are the chef's own recipes:

• The Sauna: crab that is steamed, then roasted, with the house blended sauce.
• CrabTree & Evelyn: crab that is poached and roasted, then served on a crab sauce.
• White Peppa: crab braised in crab broth with a blend of pink and white peppercorns.

There is also Salted Egg Crab. For sides, look at Oriental Bacon, fried pork belly seasoned with shrimp paste and curry leaves. Scorched Vermicelli is a plate of charred rice noodles, good for soaking up sauce. There is also an omakase menu of Singaporean dishes, which must be booked in advance.

The setting

The restaurant is on the ground floor of the Capitol Arcade. The arcade is part of the restored Capitol complex, a group of heritage buildings that also includes the Capitol Theatre and Stamford House. HolyCrab favours shared plates and a relaxed meal, which suits crab well. Expect to use your hands.

Good to know before you go

• Bookings: reserve ahead by phone or through Chope. For private events, call the restaurant.
• Getting there: City Hall MRT station is about a minute's walk away.
• Groups: crab is best shared, so come with a few people and order several styles to compare.
• Awards: HolyCrab won an Epicurean Star Award in 2020, as the most innovative single-outlet food and drink brand.
• Classes: the restaurant also runs immersion classes, where you learn wok skills from the chef.

Menus and contact details are on the official HolyCrab website.

Nearby

Before or after dinner, walk to CHIJMES or the National Museum of Singapore, both within walking distance. Staying at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore puts you in the same complex. For another local meal, try National Kitchen by Violet Oon. You can also compare more chilli crab and seafood restaurants or browse restaurants around City Hall and Clarke Quay.