I fondly remember how delicious the food were at HolyCrab when they were at Tan Quee Lan Street. Hence, when I heard that they have shifted to The Capitol Kempinski with a revamped menu, I was excited to check them out.
I kid you not, be prepared to order this dish for both takeaway and to maintain the peace while dining with your friends. This is one of the dishes that got the approval of everyone around the table and something that nobody wanted to share. Capricorn is actually corn kennels that are battered, deep fried and beautifully coated with salted egg yolk sauce. It is such an addictive dish that one would even suggest that to replace popcorn in the cinema.
Ddon’t be deceived by its look. This is not any ordinary scotch egg that you can have elsewhere. Instead of swaddling the egg with sausage meat, HolyCrab uses a special prawn paste. On top of that, the egg yolk is similar to a ramen egg, rich and runny in the center.
Another hot favourite is Open Sesame. Inspired by a creation of the chef’s Malaysian friend, my fellow diners around the table were in awe with how evenly coated the sesame seeds were. We like it that the chicken is juicy, moist and slightly savoury. Chef has also shared that the chicken is brined with salt for eight hours before it is is painstakingly studded with sesame seeds. That is why the chicken is already very flavorsome on its own.
Using a family recipe from the chef’s grandmother, Green Assam Fish is cooked with a homemade tamarind green chilli sauce which is tangy, savoury and packed with a gentle heat. This paired very well with the fresh fish. In fact, it is very addictive.
You can also find a similiar version for the crabs. Green Mumba Crab is the restaurant’s rendition to the Singapore Red Chilli Crab with a twist. Using 12 different types of ingredients such as coriander, lemongrass, ginger, and mint leaves as well as 2 types of green chilli (green chilli padi and green chilli). The crab version is not as tangy as the fish but I like that it compliments with the crabs and brings out the natural crustacean sweetness.
Inspired by Thai curry crab, oOoOtak is made with kaffir lime leaves, homemade sambal, coconut milk and eggs. While I don’t find this dish very ‘otak-ish’, this dish has a more intense coconut curry flavour than the Thai version. Definitely something more interesting and refreshing compare to the usual crab offering. Oh yes, please order some golden brown fried mantous ($4 for 5) to go with it.
If you still have some tummy space, don’t forget to order HolyCrab’s Chao Tah Bee Hoon. I like that it is fried on both sides to a crispy. Hence, you will get to enjoy more textural bites along with the ingredients such as prawn, squid and chai poh aka preserved radish that is hidden in this beautiful golden brown mess.
If you are looking for a place for gathering and to enjoy fresh seafood with Asian Twist, HolyCrab is definitely up your alley. Do make a table reservation before heading down to avoid disappointment of not getting a table.
HolyCrab Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski
Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore 13 Stamford Road, #01-85, Singapore 178905
Tel: +65 8444 2722
Opening Hours: Lunch Mon – Sun: 1130 – 1430
Dinner Mon – Sun: 1730 – 2230 (Last order 2130)
