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Crab in da Bag: Singapore Seafood Restaurant Review

Not just a seafood dinner – An experience.

“Ahoy! Welcome Aboard!” is the standard greeting shouted at each patron who innocently walks through the door at Crab in da Bag. While it can be a little alarming, the staff is setting the tone for the night – a nautical-themed, seafood feast. Get ready to get your fingers dirty and work for your supper, because Crab in da Bag is a true hands-on dining experience.

Crab in da Bag’s newly opened second location at the Singapore Sports Hub, stays true its theme of Louisi-Asian seafood dishes. The overall idea is a combination of classic Louisiana menu items and cooking techniques blended with various South East Asian spices. Crab in da Bag aims to put a Singaporean twist on the classic Cajun country flavor.

Crab in da Bag-Interior
Crab in da Bag-Interior
Crab in da Bag-Interior Bar
Crab in da Bag-Interior Bar

The interior of the restaurant is set up to mimic the inside of a ship and is strategically situated to overlook the Kallang River. The relative quiet of the area and spectacular sunset views make setting serene, albeit a little hard to find (located on the backside of the Water Sports Complex).

The fresh blue and white decor beautifully contrast the steaming red and orange crustaceans lining the long family-style tables. Tables lined with paper, bib-wearing patrons, Frank Sinatra crooning over the speakers and the intermittent ding of a ship’s bell, reinforce the casual, fun and friendly vibe of the restaurant.

Crab in da Bag-Lemonaid
Crab in da Bag-Lemonaid

I highly recommend pairing your dinner with an ice-cold fresh lemonade ($5.00). It’s very refreshing and the sour taste washes down the taste of the seafood nicely. I ended up having two myself.

Crab in da Bag also has a large menu of beers and spririts if you are in the mood for something a little stronger.

Crab in da Bag-Crinkled cauliflower
Crab in da Bag-Crinkled cauliflower

Our dinner at the newly opened Sports Hub location started out with a pile of Crinkled Cauliflower ($8.00). The soft, tiny, salty bites came with a side of thick tahini dipping sauce. Seeing as how the cauliflower is deep fried, you can probably trick the kids into eating this vegetable since anything fried is awesome.

Crab in da Bag-Crispy chewy baby squid
Crab in da Bag-Crispy chewy baby squid

Next up was a sticky little mound of Crispy Chewy Baby Squids ($12.00). The baby squids are coated in a rich, sedan spice. Chewy is an understatement with the candied, tough texture dominating most of the squid taste.

The starters on the ‘fry it’ menu were tasty, but if you plan on diving into the pasta, curry or crab pots, you may regret wasting your stomach space on the small, fried bits.

Crab in da Bag-Mums pasta in da bag
Crab in da Bag-Mums pasta in da bag
Crab in da bag-Mums pasta in da bag
Crab in da bag-Mums pasta in da bag

Mum’s Pasta in da Bag ($16.00), is made with owner AP Tan’s mother’s sauce recipe (hence the name) consisting of venus clams and slices of bratwurst. For me this dish had the strongest and most authentic Cajun flavors. The pasta looks innocent enough, but carries some heat.

The pasta in da bag dish – as well as the salad, kiddies, and curry bags – are brought out to your table for presentation. The steaming hot bags are tied shut, given a good shake, turned over and cut at the top for easy access. The restaurant’s namesake technique plays homage to the classic Cajun crawfish boil.

Crab in da Bag-Titanic pot
Crab in da Bag-Titanic pot

Now on to the big show – the Titanic Pot ($299). Although the price is steep, it’s good for 4 pax and it will leave you stuffed. A loud ding! of the Titanic bell alerts the entire restaurant that a big-ole steaming pot is on its way out to one lucky group of people.

In classic Louisiana fashion, the crustaceans (Boston lobster, Sri Lankan crab, Alaskan king crab legs, yabbies, tiger prawns, Boston Bay mussels, Venus clams, bratwurst and sausages) are boiled in water with a mix of secret spices. A variety of vegetables (corn on the cob, potatoes, onions and lemons) are added to the pot for sustenance.

Crab in da Bag-Titanic pot
Crab in da Bag-Titanic pot

Once at the table, the boiled contents of the pot are haphazardly sprawled across the paper-lined table and it’s time to dig in – literally. Crab in da Bag provides a variety of scissors and crab crackers for assistance.

Crab in da Bag-Titanic pot
Crab in da Bag-Titanic pot

The crab, lobster, yabbis and clams are cooked fresh and live, making for easy removal from the shell and moist, thick meat.

Crab in da Bag-Dipping sauce
Crab in da Bag-Dipping sauce

The seafood would not be complete without a variety of dipping sauces. We tried all three choices, Thai Green Bird, Northern Malaysian Sambal and Louisiana Garlic Butter (complimentary). I stuck with the garlic butter as it’s the most original Cajun taste.

The red and green dips provide that Asian flare some might be looking for to add to their meal.

Crab in da Bag-salty splash prawn
Crab in da Bag-salty splash prawn

Next up was the Salty Splash with Tiger Prawns ($26.00). Any of the five seasoning options can be added to your seafood selection of choice. The salty splash promises an ‘East meets West’ taste. Although the salty egg had a lot of nice flavor, for me it was a little heavy on the Asian and light on the Cajun.

Crab in da Bag-Ultimate curry clams
Crab in da Bag-Ultimate curry clams
Crab in da Bag-Ultimate curry clams
Crab in da Bag-Ultimate curry clams

Lastly, we paired Crab in da Bag’s best selling Ultimate Curry with Live Venus Clams ($21.00). Mum was serious about her curry, only buying it from her go-to guy in Northern Malaysia. The same mix of curry leaves and chili padis are used today.

The curry has serious smack and it’s no wonder this dish is a best seller. I recommend ordering the clams or mussels in order to scoop up all that curry goodness.

Crab in da Bag-Titanic pot lobster
Crab in da Bag-Titanic pot lobster

Crab in da Bag is a unique dining experience. If you are looking for some down-and-dirty fun with the family, or a group of friends, and don’t mind eating with your hands, I recommend heading over to the Sports Hub for your next meal. However, just make sure you enjoy seafood and make sure you save your manicure for tomorrow.

Related Article: Cajun Kings Food Review

Expected dammage: $50 – $90 per pax

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Crab in da Bag: 8 Stadium Walk, #02-05, Water Sports Centre, 397699 | Tel: 6384 3511 | Website

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