Chili Crab Festival

Looking up the Brooklyn Bridge and a clear blue sky, the street behind the old tabacco factory in DUMBO was filled with people. It was the annual Singapore Chili Crab Festival, sponsored by Tiger Beer. We got there around noon, right after the event started, and there was already a good crowd.

The main dish, chili crab, was served out of woks along the tables on the streets. The competition over seating was really tough, especially since there were many families with kids. Of course, you cannot eat crabs in shells standing. There was no other option for us than to sit on the concrete ground. The chili crab came with a piece of bread and the broth was very rich being mostly coconut milk and chili. To my disappointment, the crab was overcooked and the meat was crumbly. With all the mess on my face and hands, I diligently sucked all the juice and picked meat from thin legs of the crabs. My favorite dish was the Singapore cold noodle with grilled calamari. It was also flavored with coconut milk and shrimp paste, but differed from the chili crab with its refreshing scallion and cilantro.

Food wasn't the only thing you could find at this festival; my friend found a free massage. It was a good 10-minute massage and far better and professional than those you can get at nail salons. I tipped her with my gratitude. I also happened to see one of the cutest dogs in Brooklyn (pic posted). Though the crab itself didn't meet my expectation, it turned out to be a nice summer afternoon in DUMBO.