Our Top Zi Char Recommendations in Singapore [2025]

Website	https://www.8crabs.com/
Contact Details	+65 8725 0725 hello@8crabs.com
Menu	Crabs, Lobster, Crawfish (Xiao Long Xia), Prawns, Fish, Scallops, Premium La La, Squid

Known for its rave reviews, 8 Crabs is a household name when it comes to premium crab dishes. They are the only zi char restaurant in Singapore using wild-caught grade AAA Sri Lankan mud crabs—known for their larger size and sweet, firm meat. Many reviews highlight the staff’s quick respond time, making it a popular first stop for those craving zi char. Additionally, to ensure further satisfaction to their customer, 8 Crabs offers full refunds via store credit for late express deliveries. Diners can either order delivery or dine in at their restaurant space at Kapo Factory. Reservations are highly recommended for walk-ins. Whether you’re planning a weekend seafood feast or just craving fresh crab, 8 Crabs delivers restaurant-quality and tasty zi char to your table.

Website	https://jiak.com.sg/
Contact Details	+65 6265 1097 contact@jiak.com.sg
Menu	Signature Fish Head, Black Bee Hoon, Claypot Golden Chicken, Sambal Kang Kong, Beansprouts With Salted Fish, Claypot Beancurd, Thai Style Tau Kwa, Si Chuan Spicy Soup, Sweet and Sour Fish Slice, Ginger Parsley Fish Slice, White Pepper Lala

Jiak is a modern, halal-certified zi char restaurant offering a cosy ambience and delicious bold flavours—a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. The name “Jiak,” which means “eat” in Hokkien, reflects their philosophy: sharing comforting, hearty meals around the table. Located at HillV2 and One Shenton, Jiak offers both delivery and dine-in options, with affordable weekday set meals starting from $32.80 for two pax. They also have affordable weekday set meals for 4 to 8 pax. Jiak is a go-to spot for a family dinner or gathering with friends, with zi char dishes that are full of flavour and heart.

Website	https://www.jumboseafood.com.sg/en/home
Contact Details	dpo@jumbogroup.com.sg
Menu	Beef Fillet With Black Pepper Sauce, Baby Lamb Rack Grilled With Pepper and Honey Sauce, Scallops Wrapped in Yam Ring, Seafood Bacon Roll Tossed With Salad Cream, Mee Goreng, Cod Fish Steamed With Preserved Radish and Diced Chilli, Shelled Prawns Fri

JUMBO Seafood is a household name in Singapore’s dining scene, known for offering some of the best seafood dishes on the island. With decades of experience and multiple awards, including TripAdvisor and Singapore Tatler’s Best of Singapore, it’s no wonder that Jumbo has become one of the best zi char restaurant options for locals and travellers in Singapore. It began as a single outlet at East Coast Seafood Centre in 1987 and has since grown into a multi-location brand across Singapore and Asia. Its signature dishes, like Chilli Crab and Black Pepper Crab, are iconic, attracting both local and international food lovers. With several outlets—including premium locations at Resorts World Sentosa, The Riverwalk, and ION Orchard—JUMBO continues to deliver fresh seafood with consistent quality and flavour.

Website	https://newubinseafood.com/
Contact Details	+65 9740 6870
Menu	Signature Meat Platter, Foie Gras Egg Special, US Black Angus Ribeye Steak, Cze Char Chicken, Spicy Chicken Masala, Slipper Lobster, Salted Egg Soft Shell Crab, King Tiger Prawns

New Ubin Seafood is where Singaporean zi char meets Western-style indulgence. What began as a seafood kelong restaurant on Pulau Ubin has grown into a distinctive brand offering hearty, inventive fare. Located now in the heart of CHIJMES, the restaurant is known for dishes like USDA Black Angus Ribeye with Heart Attack Fried Rice and Foie Gras Satay, which are very tasty yet tender. This is not your typical zi char spot—it’s where bold flavours and creativity come together, making it ideal for adventurous foodies and family dinners alike.

Website	https://sinhoisai.ezqr.sg/
Contact Details	+65 6440 6956
Menu	Butter Prawns, Cereal Prawns, Shark Fin Omelette, Soya Sauce Prawns, Claypot, Black Bean Sauce Crab, Chilli Crab, Butter Crab, Deep-Fried Baby Squid, Kung Pao Chicken (Stir-Fried Chicken with/ Dried Chilli), Marmite Chicken, Sweet and Sour Pork

A longstanding favourite in the East Coast area, Sin Hoi Sai Eating House is beloved for its extensive zi char menu and late-night hours. Established in the late 1970s, this family-run restaurant has earned a loyal following over the decades. Open daily until 3 am, it’s a go-to spot for supper lovers to satisfy a midnight craving. From seafood dishes like butter crab and soya sauce prawns to comforting classics like sweet and sour pork, the variety here makes it easy to find something for everyone.

From modern halal dining to late-night hotspots and seafood-centric eateries, these zi char places represent some of the best zi char dishes Singapore has to offer. Whether you’re sharing a bubbling pot of fish head steamboat, a bowl of rice noodle soup, digging into tofu prawns, or enjoying the crispy crunch of deep-fried pork ribs, there’s something deeply comforting about zi char meals.

So the next time you’re wondering where to go for your next family dinner, group gathering, or casual weekday meal, take this list with you—and bring your appetite to enjoy zi char favourite dishes.

What are some popular zi char dishes to try in Singapore?

Zi char dishes in Singapore range from classics like chilli crab and cereal prawns to hotplate tofu, sambal kang kong, and hor fun. These dishes reflect Singapore’s multicultural food heritage and are often cooked fresh to order, making zi char a beloved option for family dinners and group gatherings.

What signature dishes should I look for at top zi char eateries?

At leading zi char eateries, signature zi char dishes often include black pepper crab, marmite pork ribs, salted egg prawns, and claypot tofu. Each zi char place has its own specialties, often crafted by a dedicated head chef who brings decades of experience and personal flair to the kitchen.

How do I choose the best zi char places for a family meal?

The best zi char places usually have a wide menu, generous portions, and great reviews for service and flavour. Look out for eateries led by an experienced head chef, known for delivering consistent quality across their signature dishes. Dining at a well-loved zi char spot ensures a hearty and satisfying meal for everyone at the table.

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