What Do Singaporeans Love Most About Chilli Crab? 58% Say Everything, From Mantou To Sauce

Singaporeans vote on the best chilli crab pairing

In a survey last year, we’ve already established that chilli is Singapore’s flavour of choice when it comes to crab dishes, winning 42% of the votes. But what exactly do locals love so much about this iconic dish? Is it the spicy gravy, the sweetness of the crab meat, the golden pillows of fried mantou, or the full package?

Well, the results are in.

According to our latest poll of over 300 Singaporeans, a majority of believe the dish is perfect as a sum of its parts—58% of voters indicating that they enjoy the whole package: the combination of crab, sauce, and mantou. The unifying balance of flavours and textures is clearly a winning aspect for many.

But it doesn’t stop there. 15% of those polled highlighted the importance of the sauce as a standout feature. For 17%, the crab meat itself is instead the hero of the dish. 

Surprisingly, mantou trails with 10% of the vote, but we all know it’s still a beloved side dish that has a firm place in the chilli crab experience.

Whatever team you’re on, as long as you’re a chilli crab fan, you’ll be pleased to know that KFC is pulling out all the stops in your favour to celebrate the nation’s 60th birthday.

From now, while stocks last, all KFC outlets islandwide, except at Sentosa and Singapore Zoo, will be offering a delicious new twist on this iconic dish with their limited-edition chilli crab menu items.

Note: these items will not be available from 20 August to 2 September at the Sun Plaza, Tampines Mall, and West Mall outlets either.

First up is the Chilli Crab Mantou Zinger ($7.95), where a crispy Zinger patty comes drenched in chilli crab’s fiery, sweet sauce, sandwiched between a fluffy, golden mantou bun. 

We’re huge fans of the sauce here—reminiscent of zi char chilli crab, the balance of spice, sweetness, and tang that hits all the right notes.

Level up your feasting with the Chilli Crab Chicken ($9.70), starring KFC’s finger-lickin’ signature served with two mini mantous and the same moreish sauce as a dip.

If you’re team mantou all the way, you’ll be happy to note that you can get a 4-piece Mini Mantou With 1 Chilli Crab Sauce Dip, as an add-on to your meal for just $4.20.

End off the meal on a sweet note with the Ondeh Ondeh Egg Tart ($2.50). This crowd favourite is making a comeback, in all its creamy pandan and molten gula melaka glory. 

Finally, the brand is letting chilli crab fans rep their mantou love with a limited edition KFC Mantou Crossbody Bag, available at all outlets except Sentosa and Singapore Zoo. You can purchase the bag for $24.90, or for only $19.90 if you buy it with a Chilli Crab Meal or Box(from $9.80). While stocks last.

No matter how you enjoy your chilli crab—whether it’s the full shebang, the sweet crab meat, or the comforting combo of mantou and sauce—KFC’s latest menu proves it’s the perfect dish to celebrate National Day. So, head down to an outlet near you to enjoy these patriotic delights, while stocks last.

Order the KFC National Day menu here!

This post was brought to you by KFC.
Photos taken by Paula Formantes.