Just opened late last month, Crab Shack is the much anticipated comeback of the popular outlet in Upper Thomsom area which was closed a couple of years back. When I learned that it was actually the joint venture of a group of ex-hall friends, I told myself I was so gonna 'show my support'.
We arrived at about 6 on a weekday evening and most of the tables were already taken, many marked by flower crab dishes. What a promising sign.
Due to their busy kitchen during dinner time, it took quite a while for our food to arrive.
Their Seafood Croquettes ($4.50) made a great appetizer. Fried to a salivating golden brown, the lemon flavoured creamy centre was substantiated with crab meat, squid and sun-dried tomato. Best eaten while still hot.
Like the previous dish, our Crab Au Gratin ($4.50) was laden with well-seasoned crabmeat, buried under the cheese layer grilled to a slight crisp.
If not for the fragrant garlic flavour in the Crab Baked Rice ($6.50), it could have been a case of cheese overdose.
2 pc Value Meal ($9.90). Go for the 3 pc meal ($12.9) if you have more headcounts.
When it comes to eating steamed crab, my Cantonese tastebuds still prefer to go along with the Chinese pink vinegar (which complements the sweetness of crabmeat very well), over the provided sweet-tasting sauce. On the other hand, instead of serving just baked beans and fries as sides, I think it will be great if patrons are given more choices. Imagine you have some bee hoon to dip in to the flavourful juice of the crabs.
Total damage was at $27 for two, a real steal if you ask me.
To get to Crab Shack, take bus service 269 from AMK bus interchange and alight 4 stops later, opposite Block 110. As the kopitiam gets pretty packed during dinner time, try to arrive early to beat the crowd.
Crab Shack (Facebook)
Blk 107 Ang Mo Kio Ave 4
Daily, 12noon - 12mn