Wholly Crab (勿洛)

Opened by MediaCorp actress Felicia Chin in May 2015, Wholly Crab is a seafood eatery specialising in American / Louisiana style seafood boil, where a big bucket of steamed seafood is dumped onto a table for sharing. The difference is in their sauces offered, a variety of Singaporean and Asian flavours that sets it apart from other eateries. The pun-ny name Wholly Crab refers to, in the actress's own words, "a whole crab, or wholeness, like full of love, full of everything", although I imagine some other meanings which shouldn't be repeated in polite company.

Ambience at Wholly Crab is laid-back casual. Both outlets are located in a shared hawker space, as such, much of the ambient lighting, decor, atmosphere, and furniture depends on the location you're at. There usually is ample free seating available, which is modern and decently comfortable, and the general atmosphere is usually bustling. Both outlets are brightly lit and clean, with clear menu displays, though they don't display their seafood openly for hygiene reasons. While you could order takeaway, I find it best to actually dine here on the spot, as their food is best consumed freshly cooked.

Service at Wholly Crab is largely self-service, with ordering, payment, and collection of orders done over the counter. Slightly more service is provided at the 1st outlet at Satay By The Bay, as staff will serve orders to your table. Otherwise, the only engagement with staff occurs when placing your order, or if you interact with them at the stall. I find them knowledgable on the menu, able to describe dishes, as well as make recommendations on the various types of sauces available. I do wish however, that they would provide serviettes or disposable gloves, which is essential when using your hands to eat seafood coated in sauce!

Food at Wholly Crab is all about seafood, focusing on shellfish and crustaceans. Presentation is in the classic seafood boil style, a heap of seafood poured onto the table for communal dining. But taste is largely Asian inspired, with a variety of sauces to coat the seafood, very similar to Chinese style Zi Char in taste. I like that the seafood is fresh and clean-tasting, with portion sizes being medium to large for individuals. Prices at Wholly Crab are very affordable, much lower than prices elsewhere, yet the seafood is of good quality! Budget about SGD $20 per person for a meal, which I feel is reasonable and wallet-friendly.

Love Bucket In Chili Kicap Sauce

The Clams In Original Sauce (SGD $18 / 500g) has a generous portion of fresh, savoury sweet, shell-on clams, served along with soft roasted potatoes, caramelised onions, fragrant garlic cloves, and tender corn kernels. The original sauce, A.K.A. au-naturel, while slightly oily at the bottom of the bucket, allows the rustic, natural taste of each ingredient to shine through.

Clams In Original Sauce

The Mussels In Original Sauce (SGD $18 / 500g) has a generous portion of fresh, savoury sweet, shell-on mussels, medium in size but meaty! Served along with soft roasted potatoes, caramelised onions, fragrant garlic cloves, and tender corn kernels. Again, the original sauce, while slightly oily, allows the rustic, natural taste of each ingredient to shine through.

Mussels In Original Sauce

The Crabs In Kung Pao Sauce (SGD $28 / 500g) has a good portion of crab, mostly the legs and pincers, and the crab meat is fresh, sweet, and tasty. The kung pao sauce is outstanding, savoury, tangy, and sweet, with a slightly spicy heat. Pairs really well with the crab, making it so yummy! Wallet-friendly for the quality too! However, I wish they provided shell cracking utensils, as it's very messy to constantly bite through the crab shell to crack it.