Zhang Xiao Hai is a chef known for his work at a zi char stall in Hougang, Singapore. He was notably involved in a news incident concerning a counterfeit banknote received at his workplace.
Located in Hougang, 21 Seafood is a casual zi char (stir-fried dishes) restaurant known for its affordable seafood options, particularly crabs. It's a no-frills establishment offering good value for money.
Customer Perception
Customers generally find the crabs to be reasonably fresh and the prices to be good value, especially for the crab offers. However, some reviews mention that the sauces, like black pepper and chilli gravy, can be mediocre or have an unusual taste. The quality of other dishes like butter sotong and sambal sweet potato leaves has also received mixed feedback, with some finding them overcooked or not up to par. There's a sentiment that the restaurant may have been better in the past.
Additional Details
The restaurant is situated near Kovan MRT Station. They offer promotions on crabs, such as 3 crabs (300g each) for S$55.
The crabs were reasonably fresh. We ordered two 500g crabs for $80. The meat was firm, though it lacked the natural sweetness you’d get from higher-quality crabs. The black pepper gravy was rather mediocre and a little weird tasting.
The butter sotong was slightly overcooked and a bit tough, but the batter was quite tasty. While I think their crabs are reasonably priced, their sauces are quite sub par. We have tried their chilli crabs in the past.
We ordered delivery after 8pm, and it arrived around 9pm. Unfortunately, this was easily the worst zi char we had in the past year.
It tasted as though the chefs had all gone home and left the cooking to the drink stall aunty. The sambal sweet potato leaves were more like vegetable soup. The sweet and sour pork tasted as though it had taken a spaceship as it was out of this world, but in a bad way. The crab had gravy that was mid at best and could almost classify as vegetarian due to the non-existent meat.
What makes it more disappointing is that this place was actually great 10 years ago when we first tried it. Sadly, it now feels like one of those spots better left as a fond memory rather than revisited.
4
Heard about this place from few friends, went to try their chilli grab as you get it at a good price when compared to other places here. 3 small crabs for 55 which can easily be shared by 3pax.
Loved the chilli grab sauce which was so tasty and served hot. Definitely one of the good ones you can find at this price and can try it when around. Got to pair this with mandu buns which is 2 dollars for 5 buns. The crab was fresh and good but could have been cleaned better taking out some fats.
Tried the oyster omelete which was okay. The oyster had a strong after flavour and needed some drinks to suppress it. Wouldn’t recommend this much. The chicken with dried chilli was very good and also the hot plate tofu.
Definitely worth the price as its not so expensive for seafood in singapore and can try once!!!
4
Stumbled at this zi char place and ordered two portions of crabs. One chilli. The other Black Pepper. Also ordered the salted egg squid. A hot plate of deer meat and two plates of staple food comprising Mee Goreng and Fried Mian Xian.
Truth be told, this no-frill zi char was above decent. First, the crabs were fresh and comes with a great offer. Offers such as 3 crabs (3oograms) at S$55 was the crowd favourite and was already sold out by the time we ordered at 8pm. We took the two crabs (400 grams) offer at S$50. I must state that the crab was fresh. Wasn't expecting the crab to be infused with roes and 3 out of 4 crabs were female as the role-infused roes accentuated well with the black pepper and chilli gravy. We also ordered 3 orders of "man-tou" to dip into the gravy and it was just great.
The squid and deer meat were decent with no special shoutout. The Mee Goreng and Mian Xian were cooked to perfection with adequate wok-hei and flavours. Portions were generous and filled with ingredients.
The meal cost about S$161 with no GST and service charge. Great value for money.
2
Chilli Crab sauce tasted very fishy, spicy and taste wise not really something very pleasant or to my liking. Crab Quality is not really good as it feels not meaty or plump and the texture is more soft not firm as I expected it to be. Overall Quite disappointed as they specialise in crabs and we only ate the crabs and mantou, not to forget their mantou are quite cheap $2 for 5. Price wise $80 for 2 , 500g crab still okay not cheap either.
