JUMBO Seafood - Dempsey Hill

seafood restaurant — Dempsey Hill · Singapore

About JUMBO Seafood - Dempsey Hill

JUMBO Seafood is where the JUMBO Group's story began, starting from humble beginnings in 1987 as a single outlet at East Coast Seafood Centre — now the brand's flagship restaurant. The restaurant built a loyal following on the promise of the freshest seafood cooked to perfection, with dishes like Singapore Chilli Crab and Black Pepper Crab capturing the hearts of local and overseas diners.

As its reputation grew, so did its footprint. JUMBO Seafood now comprises multiple restaurants across Singapore and the People's Republic of China, with franchises across Asia. Alongside its award-winning Chilli Crab, the chain serves its Signature Black Pepper Crab, Golden Salted Egg Prawns and Crispy Fried Baby Squid, along with other innovative menu items and special seasonal dishes.

JUMBO Seafood has picked up a long list of culinary, service and franchising accolades over the years, including recognition from Singapore Tatler, TasteAtlas, CHOPE, FLA Singapore and Meituan Dianping, among others. The brand describes its philosophy simply: doing what it does best — bringing diners the best seafood cuisine Singapore has to offer. JUMBO Seafood is part of the wider JUMBO Group, which also operates Jumbo Signatures, Xing Yue Xuan, Zui Teochew Cuisine, Chao Ting, NG AH SIO Bak Kut Teh, Kok Kee Wonton Noodle, JUMBOREE, Tsui Wah, Mutiara Seafood, Love Afare, JUMBO Catering, Singapore Seafood Republic and JUMBO Academy.

JUMBO Seafood: The Home of Singapore Chilli Crab Since 1987

JUMBO Seafood is where the JUMBO Group's story starts. The brand's humble beginnings trace back to 1987, when it opened as a single outlet at East Coast Seafood Centre — a location that remains the brand's flagship restaurant today. From that first outlet, JUMBO built its reputation the straightforward way: serving only the freshest seafood, cooked to perfection.

The Dish That Built the Brand

Two dishes in particular carried JUMBO's early reputation and remain central to its identity today: the Singapore Chilli Crab and the Black Pepper Crab. Both dishes captured the attention of local diners and international visitors alike, and JUMBO describes the Chilli Crab specifically as 'an iconic dish that is truly Singapore.' As word spread, JUMBO's single East Coast outlet grew into a wider restaurant group, and today JUMBO Seafood operates multiple restaurants across Singapore and the People's Republic of China, with franchises spread across Asia.

Beyond the Crab

While the Chilli Crab and Black Pepper Crab remain the headline dishes, JUMBO Seafood's menu extends further, with Golden Salted Egg Prawns and Crispy Fried Baby Squid also named as signature items. The chain also introduces other innovative and distinctive menu items over time, including special seasonal dishes that give returning diners something new to try alongside the classics.

A Long List of Recognition

JUMBO Seafood has built up an extensive collection of culinary, service and business accolades over the years. On the food and dining side, recognition has come from Singapore Tatler (Best of Singapore in both 2017 and 2018, including a 'Best Taste of Singapore' award), Tatler Asia's Best Southeast Asian Cuisine Award in 2023, and a placement at No. 77 on TasteAtlas's list of the 150 Most Legendary Restaurants In The World in 2023. Diners' choice and review-based awards include CHOPE's Diners' Choice Award for Best Seafood in 2017 and Restaurant of the Year Runner-Up in 2020, an Excellent Service Award and TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2017, and multiple Meituan Dianping recognitions, including a Certificate of Popularity in 2017 and a Customer Review Award in 2018 for the East Coast outlet. Regional press and dining guides have also weighed in, including Wine & Dine's Singapore's Top Restaurants lists for 2016 and 2017/2018, Shanghai WOW!'s Top 50 Best Seafood Restaurants readers' pick in 2016, and China Feast's Best Asian Restaurant award in 2016/2017. More recently, JUMBO Seafood's Dempsey Hill outlet was named in Meituan Dianping's Popularity for the Year in 2024, the Riverside Point outlet won CTrip's Gourmet Award (Gold) in 2023, and JUMBO Seafood The Riverwalk made DianPing's Must Eat List in 2023.

On the business side, JUMBO has also been recognised for its franchising operations, winning FLA Singapore's International Franchisor of the Year (Overall Winner) in 2023 and Franchisor of the Year (Overall Winner) in 2022, along with Franchise Leader and Franchise Manager awards in 2023 and runner-up placements in both 2022 and 2023.

A Simple Philosophy

Underpinning all of this growth and recognition, JUMBO Seafood describes its approach with a simple line: it thrives on doing what it does best — bringing diners the best seafood cuisine Singapore has to offer.

Part of the JUMBO Group

JUMBO Seafood is the founding brand of the wider JUMBO Group, which has since expanded into a portfolio of other dining concepts: Jumbo Signatures, Xing Yue Xuan, Zui Teochew Cuisine, Chao Ting, NG AH SIO Bak Kut Teh, Kok Kee Wonton Noodle, JUMBOREE, Tsui Wah, Mutiara Seafood, Love Afare, JUMBO Catering, Singapore Seafood Republic, and JUMBO Academy. Diners looking to visit can check JUMBO Seafood's outlets page for locations, make reservations online, browse the current menu, or order delivery, with a JUMBO Rewards membership programme also available for regular customers.

Signature items

  • JUMBO Chilli Crab
  • Black Pepper Crab
  • Golden Salted Egg Prawns
  • Crispy Fried Baby Squid
  • Seasonal Specials

Menu

Signature Dishes

  • JUMBO Award-Winning Chilli Crab — The dish that made JUMBO Seafood's name, an iconic Singapore creation
  • JUMBO Signature Black Pepper Crab — One of the chain's founding signature dishes since 1987
  • Golden Salted Egg Prawns — Signature prawn dish
  • Crispy Fried Baby Squid — Signature fried squid dish

JUMBO Group Brands

  • JUMBO Seafood — The group's flagship seafood restaurant brand
  • Jumbo Signatures — JUMBO Group restaurant brand
  • Xing Yue Xuan — JUMBO Group restaurant brand
  • Zui Teochew Cuisine — Teochew cuisine restaurant brand
  • Chao Ting — JUMBO Group restaurant brand
  • NG AH SIO Bak Kut Teh — Bak kut teh restaurant brand
  • Kok Kee Wonton Noodle — Wonton noodle restaurant brand
  • JUMBOREE — JUMBO Group restaurant brand
  • Tsui Wah — JUMBO Group restaurant brand
  • Mutiara Seafood — Seafood restaurant brand
  • Love, Afare — JUMBO Group online shop brand
  • JUMBO Catering — Catering service arm
  • Singapore Seafood Republic — JUMBO Group restaurant brand
  • JUMBO Academy — JUMBO Group training academy

Frequently asked questions

When was JUMBO Seafood founded?
In 1987, starting as a single outlet at East Coast Seafood Centre, now the flagship restaurant.
What is JUMBO Seafood best known for?
Its Singapore Chilli Crab and Black Pepper Crab, described as iconic Singapore dishes.
Does JUMBO Seafood have multiple locations?
Yes, it operates multiple restaurants in Singapore and the People's Republic of China, with franchises across Asia.
What other signature dishes does JUMBO Seafood serve?
Golden Salted Egg Prawns and Crispy Fried Baby Squid, alongside seasonal special dishes.
Has JUMBO Seafood won any awards?
Yes, an extensive list including Singapore Tatler's Best of Singapore, Tatler Asia's Best Southeast Asian Cuisine Award, a TasteAtlas ranking among the 150 Most Legendary Restaurants In The World, and multiple FLA Singapore franchising awards.
What other restaurants are part of JUMBO Group?
Jumbo Signatures, Xing Yue Xuan, Zui Teochew Cuisine, Chao Ting, NG AH SIO Bak Kut Teh, Kok Kee Wonton Noodle, JUMBOREE, Tsui Wah, Mutiara Seafood, Love Afare, JUMBO Catering, Singapore Seafood Republic and JUMBO Academy.
Can I order JUMBO Seafood for delivery?
Yes, delivery is available through the group's online ordering platform.

Tips

  • {"body":"JUMBO Seafood operates multiple locations across Singapore.","title":"Check the outlets page for your nearest restaurant"}
  • {"body":"The Chilli Crab and Black Pepper Crab are the restaurant's most iconic, award-recognised dishes.","title":"Reserve ahead for the signature crab dishes"}
  • {"body":"JUMBO introduces innovative and distinctive dishes beyond its core signature menu.","title":"Ask about seasonal specials"}
  • {"body":"A membership programme is available for regular diners through the JUMBO Group website.","title":"Sign up for JUMBO Rewards"}