Hands-on Fresh Seafood at Crab in da Bag at Singapore Sports Hub

Got a hankering for some fresh seafood, mama? We check out Crab in da Bag’s scenic new location at Singapore Sports Hub!

It’s not every day in Singapore you come across something billing itself as “Louisi-Asian”, but that’s just how Crab in da Bag describes its hands-on seafood fare, which combines an intriguing blend of Cajun-style fresh seafood seasoned with Asian flavours. We reviewed the original location at Big Splash when it opened a couple years ago, but when we heard a new location had just opened at MRT-convenient Singapore Sports Hub, we wanted to check it out. Plus we’re always suckers for a nice view!

Situated right along the Kallang River, Crab in da Bag offers gorgeous views of the Tanjong Rhu and city skyline. You can take full advantage of this with their famous Caboodle Boil, a super-fun outdoor group dining concept where fresh seafood is cooked and laid out for you on a six-foot-long, custom-built boat!

For those who prefer aircon, you’ll be greeted with a hearty AHOY! upon entrance. If you’re really lucky (or let them know your kids would appreciate it), you might even meet their giant crab mascot. You’ll also have tons of kid-friendly dining options, with staples like pasta and tomato sauce, mac & cheese and sausages with corn on the cob. Kids meals also come with a Minute Maid Pulpy and dessert, so you know they’ll be content to hang out through dinner!

Crab in da Bag offers a truly extensive menu of fresh seafood, but funnily enough one of my favourite menu items was the Crinkled Cauliflower, an addictive finger food that’s deep-fried, sprinkled with seasoning and served with a delectable Tahini sauce. Surely the nutritious cauliflower balances out the fried part, right?

Sports Hub has its own special seasoning, “Salty Splash”, which combines salted egg with Cajun herbs and spices. Diners’ ability to choose which seasoning their seafood is cooked in is one of Crab in da Bag’s coolest features. My other faves were “Ultimate Curry” – a spicy North Malaysian mix combining aromatic curry leaves with lots of chili padis – and “Mum’s Special” with sautéed onion rings and garlic in a savoury sweet and sour brown sauce. (All the menu references to “Mum” are in fact owing to the owner’s mum, whose own Malaysian family recipes are the foundation of the unique menu. As mamas, we think this definitely adds to Crab in da Bag’s charm!)

There are also a few new menu items unique to this location, including Mum’s Pasta in da Bag, which combines linguini in a thick, rich sweet and sour sauce with heaps of yummy Venus clams (and bratwurst for good measure). It almost feels like laksa’s Cajun cousin.

Sports Hub has its own special seasoning, “Salty Splash”, which combines salted egg with Cajun herbs and spices. Diners’ ability to choose which seasoning their seafood is cooked in is one of Crab in da Bag’s coolest features. My other faves were “Ultimate Curry” – a spicy North Malaysian mix combining aromatic curry leaves with lots of chili padis – and “Mum’s Special” with sautéed onion rings and garlic in a savoury sweet and sour brown sauce. (All the menu references to “Mum” are in fact owing to the owner’s mum, whose own Malaysian family recipes are the foundation of the unique menu. As mamas we think this definitely adds to Crab in da Bag’s charm!)

Of course the main star of the show is the fresh seafood that you’re encouraged to eat by hand. We recommend visiting Crab in da Bag in a group so you can sample an array of crustaceans including Boston Lobster, Alaskan King Crab, Tiger Prawns, Cray Fish, Squid and much more. Order the Caboodle Boil (available in portions for 4-6 diners) and you will thoroughly enjoy the experience, mamas. They’ve even helpfully provided a hand-washing area so you can easily clean up afterwards!

Opening hours: Tue-Fri: 4-11pm; Sat-Sun: 12-11pm. Closed Mondays.

Crab in da Bag, Water Sports Centre, 8 Stadium Walk, #02-05, Singapore 387699, Tel: (+65) 6384 3511, www.crabindabag.com