Just another ordinary HDB block
Just like how a crab silently comes and goes, Crab Shack emerges and returns from their hiatus.
Different from the former branch at Upper Thompson, this crustacean-themed kopitiam style cafe now located itself at a brick and mortar HDB block off Ang Mo Kio ave 4. There is, a matter of fact, quite a number of coffeehouses smacked in the same area. But to our relief, their banner gave away their hide-out. Friends and ardent supporters could be reassured that they are still the same as before, if not better.
I find it difficult for Crab Shack not to get popular, when their signature dish is the 2 piece steamed flower crabs value meal at $9.90 nett, which comes with fries and baked beans.
Unfortunately for me, I missed my opportunity this time to try their steamed flower crabs due to the fact that Crab Shack insists in bringing fresh crabs from Malaysia everyday, and they will only arrive by evening. In the scenario that they could not get their hands on these 10-legged seafood in their fresh state, they will not compromise standards. I admire their professionalism, but for someone who came from the west specially for their specialty, i can’t help but be in dismay.
Seafood Croquettes, 4.5
Seafood Croquettes [kroh-ket], 4.5
Deep-fried golden nuggets of crabmeat with squid bites with a velvety creamy center with lemon and sun-dried tomatoes. (8pcs)
These balls were pure sin, with its velvety morsels of seafood goodness that oozed out with each bite. We love the noteworthy crisp that lasted till the very end and the subtle citrus note amidst the creamy core. It was so heavenly when eaten straight out of the fryer, even though you’re probably going straight to hell for indulging in such a badass starter. It is no wonder this dish is a hot item on the menu.
Soft-shell crab, 6.5
Soft-shell crab, 6.5
A favourite starter dish! Crabs are first fried to a light crisp with egg batter, topped with chicken floss. (2pcs)
We got ourselves soft-shell crabs since their steamed flower crabs ain’t available, which appeared to be two small crabs towering over each other, scattered with chicken floss for that extra flavour and decoration. Served with a dollop of zest tartar sauce, the soft shell crabs did not disappoint. The outside was only lightly crisp, as described, and the insides were smooth and creamy.
Crab Baked Rice, 6.5
Crab Baked Rice, 6.5
Our rendition of the classic dish: chockfull of fresh crabmeat & crabstick, topped with cheese and baked to perfection
With only 2 main ingredients: namely crabmeat and crabstick, we felt the baked rice was good but definitely not show-stopping. We could be happier, perhaps, if the golden-brown mozzarella was more generous and also more sauce to the butter rice buried underneath, which appeared to be a tad dry.
Singaporeans dig crabs and so i believe in no time to come, this place would be swarming with fans. With neighbourhood pricing like that, we have no complains. Probably give them a buzz before to check out on the stocks before you learn it the hard way like i did. The greasy chow is definitely decadence with a capital D, so do avoid this before an appointment with your cardiologist.
Blk 107 Ang Mo Kio Ave 4
Daily, 12noon – 12mn
