Head to this zi char stall in Hougang for a crab feast that wouldn't break the bank. The Sri Lankan crabs here are priced at $40 for two sizeable crustaceans. The only downside is that they only allow one style of cooking for two crabs; consider following in Burppler Kelly Must Eat's footsteps and ordering four crabs instead! There are about 16 different cookings styles to choose from but the classics are still what the Burpple community favours. The crowd-pleasing salted egg sauce is flawlessly buttery and creamy, while Burppler Tansy loved that they were generous with the eggs in the mildly spicy chilli sauce. Just be mindful that there are two salted egg preparations for the crabs — one wet and one dry; the wet is highly recommended and better for dipping mantous into. The zi char spread here is decent, but save your tummies for the crabs. A simple plate of Seafood Fried Rice ($6) works as a canvas for soaking up any remaining sauce.
Avg Price: $20 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Wei Zhi Chiang
This unassuming coffeeshop stall in Hougang serves decent zi char fare, but what you must come here for are their finger-licking good crabs. Indoor seating is limited and can get a little warm, so dress cool to sit alfresco with your group instead. The Sri Lankan crabs ($25 for three smaller crabs, $30 for two medium, $40 for two large) can be cooked in 16 different styles including chilli, black pepper and cereal oats. A major plus: the crabs can be cooked in separate sauces at additional cost, perfect for a big group situation — because no one is actually excited about sharing their crabs. For maximum enjoyment, go for the saucy options like Chilli and Salted Egg Sauce (additional $3) and order the Fried Mantous ($2 for six, $3 for nine and $4 for 12) to mop up all the juices and the gravy!
Avg Price: $20 per person
Photo by Burppler Dixon Chan
If you're on a budget but craving some finger-licking good crabs, head over to this unassuming coffeeshop stall in Hougang. Apart from regular zi char fare, they also serve Sri Lankan crabs ($25 for three smaller crabs, $30 for two medium, $40 for two large), cooked in a variety of styles including salted egg yolk (additional $3), black pepper and chilli. The pricing system can get confusing but fret not — in our opinion, two medium crabs is just enough for two hungry tummies. Be sure to order the Mantou ($2 for six) to mop up the juices and gravy!
