Sep
05
2011
0

The joy of landing and the pepper crab – House of seafood, Singapore

The hero of the story

For me the best part of a flight is when the plane’s wheels hit the tarmac at the airport. Any airport, any kind of voyage. And when the airport happens to be the gateway to a long awaited holiday then… oh, joy.

Little do they know, the passengers of any airline bound for Singapore from Europe that when they arrive at Terminal 1 at Changi they are a mere few feet away from the best the little island has to offer in terms of culinary delight. Little did I know about this until my last visit to the island-state when a good friend took me out to a dinner that promised “the best pepper crab in SIngapore”. Further more, I was assured, that the culinary treat we were about to indulge was award winning and that we were about to dine at a very famous “House of Seafood” branch, nearby the Changi Prison.

The seafood noodles - a meal in itself

It took us a while to locate the restaurant. It’s quite new and sometimes inexperienced taxi drivers have a bit of a hard time finding it. It’s quite close to the Changi Prison but not just around the corner, anyway, when in the area, it is clearly signed and advertised.

Now, first, you fall in love with the location. It has indoor and outdoor seating but I suggest you chose the later – not only for the great weather, the beautiful setting with a fish pond and little island like paths that lead you to the tables but for the proximity to, you guessed it, the landing area of Terminal 1 at Changi. Imagine: the joy of the people that land combined with your own personal joy when ordering the mouth watering goodies that smile at you from the photo menu presented by the curteous staff.

Pork ribs and asparagus

It’s a night for Mr Crab but first, our hosts insist on some hors d’oeuvre… and I’ll just mention them for you, my mouth filled with water at the not so distant memory: juicy plump pork ribs, honey glazed and so flavorful and meaty that they could really be a meal in itself; wok-fried prawn with fragrant butter, thai style fish and chinese noodles plus a side of asparagus, diced and stir fried with butter and brandy and an eye catching dish of bean curd with mushrooms – all cooked to perfection, all served with style and grace… all but an introduction to the feast that was about to begin! They call it (and it was voted) the best pepper crab in Singapore. And the “House of Seafood” really delivers the goods and stands up to its reputation. It is the best pepper crab on the island. Come to think about it, it’s the best one I ever had so I have the right to call it the best in the world. But this is memory talking. When at the table with the crab in front of you it’s all breaking and cracking and slurping and licking and not waisting anything of the white tender meat and not a drop of the best pepper sauce that ever existed. The whole table is a mess, your clothes and face included but who cares? Not even in Singapore would anyone dare question you table manners when you indulge in the “House of Seafood” pepper crab.

Artistic view of the chilli crab :)

A good size crab can feed a party of six but for good measure and balance, order up a chilli crab as well. I highly recommend it and it’s gonna be another culinary discovery that will make you sorry you’ve eaten anything the whole day. After the meal you don’t care anymore about the nice setting and the beautiful story of the landing planes just a few feet away… you just smile satisfied and already plan your next visit to the “House of Seafood”…

Mmmm... Tofu.

Aside from the Crosford Road branch (Near Changi Prison), House of Seafood has another three outlets at 36 and 180 Yio Chu Kang Road and in Bedok North. Restaurant is popular with large celebrating families, discerning foodies and ever on the look for something new expats. No matter what branch you choose, the food, quality of service and the great ambiance will be the same.

The feast!

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