For a taste of Singapore beyond the usual hawker spots, Mellben Seafood remains one of the city’s most enduring seafood institutions.
Founded in 1993 by Sng Boon Chuan and family-run to this day, the restaurant built its name as one of Singapore’s earlier dedicated crab specialists, drawing generations of loyal diners with fresh seafood, bold flavours and a refreshingly unfussy sense of hospitality. For many Singaporeans, Mellben is spoken of with appetite, nostalgia and no small amount of reverence.
Its appeal has always rested on substance rather than spectacle. The atmosphere is lively, and tables are often filled with families, old friends and celebratory groups leaning eagerly over plates meant to be shared.
What to order
The signature order is the celebrated Claypot Crab Bee Hoon Soup, a rich and deeply savoury broth layered with the sweetness of fresh crab and served with thick vermicelli that eagerly absorbs every spoonful.
Mellben’s version is especially prized for its depth of flavour, achieved by cooking multiple crabs in a single pot so their sweetness and aroma fully enrich the broth.
Butter Crab, coated in a luscious sauce fragrant with curry leaves, is another perennial favourite and well worth ordering for the table.
Meanwhile, the classic Chilli Crab continues to satisfy first-time visitors and long-time regulars alike, pairing sweet crab meat with a rich, tangy, gently fiery sauce worthy of its iconic status. Crack open the shells, mop up every last spoonful, and it quickly becomes clear why the dish still commands such affection.
Beyond its signature crab dishes, the menu opens into a generous spread of seafood and classic Chinese-style dishes designed for sharing. Golden Cereal Prawns bring crunch and savoury sweetness, while crispy mantou buns are essential for swiping through every last spoonful of sauce. Savoury Seafood Beancurd and a selection of live fish dishes round out the table, creating an abundant feast Singapore diners know well.
Why visit
Listed in the Singapore Michelin Guide since 2017 and awarded a Michelin Plate in 2019, Mellben has long balanced neighbourhood warmth with serious culinary credibility.
From milestone family dinners to lively catch-ups with friends, Mellben understands the pleasure of a table filled generously and shared well. For visitors, it also offers Singapore’s communal dining culture at its most satisfying.
Come hungry, bring company, and expect to understand why locals have been returning for decades.
Opening hours
Every day: 5pm – 10pm
