1M per person for a crab? At this legendary Singaporean spot in Medan, watch this before you book.
qponx
2026-03-06
Planning a fancy seafood feast in Medan? Palm Beach Seafood, a legendary Singaporean import, offers an upscale dining experience perfect for special occasions. It’s famous for its incredible crab dishes, especially the rich and addictive Butter Crab. While the 'wok hei' is authentic and the flavors are top-notch, be prepared for a hefty price tag and potentially inconsistent service. This review tells you what to order and how to get the best experience before you book your table.
Bringing important guests to Medan was such a headache. The streets are full of street food, and trying to find a high-class, impressive place for a banquet, the options are really limited. Finally, a local friend pointed me to this place, Palm Beach Seafood, saying it's a time-honored brand from Singapore that specializes in high-end seafood. Alright, this is the one!
🦀️ A Feast for Crab Lovers, The Sauce is The Soul
The moment I walked in, wow, the place is seriously spacious. The tables are set far apart, so you don't have to shout to be heard. The decor has an understated elegance, with a bit of a beach vibe but still very refined. It's definitely impressive enough for a business dinner or for bringing the elders[1].
We came specifically for their crabs. We ordered the signature Butter Crab[2], Anjay! That butter sauce was so rich and thick, and the crab meat was super fresh and plump. My friends who came with me all said this stuff is addictive. There's also the classic Chili Crab[3]—the sauce is amazing with rice! Their stir-fried dishes are top-notch; you can taste that special 'wok hei'[4] unique to Chinese restaurants, not just carelessly thrown together.
Another dish, the King Prawn Soup[5], was also a pleasant surprise. One sip, and it was so savory it blew me away, Mantap!
💸 Your Wallet Will Hurt, Service is Hit-or-Miss
To be honest, it's not cheap. The crabs are priced by the gram; the cheese crab we ordered was about 108k/100g[6]. A casual meal can easily cost hundreds of thousands or even millions per person. Your wallet will really feel the pain, so I'd recommend saving it for 'big occasions' like birthdays, anniversaries, or important banquets[7].
But what I really want to complain about is the service... it's really polarized. Some people online praise it to the heavens, but the day I went, the staff was a bit slow to respond; it took ages to get someone's attention[8]. It felt like it didn't quite match the price point. Maybe they get overwhelmed when it's busy, so the experience is a bit of a lottery.
📝 Editor's Honest Guide (Save This!)
Alright, here are a few tips to avoid any pitfalls. If you're planning to go, you must read this!
- The Ultimate Way to Eat It: You have to get the Butter Crab[9] with fried mantou buns! Dip those golden, crispy little buns into the sauce, pop one in your mouth, and who understands the joy of carbs + fat!
- Want to Eat Lobster?: Their signature Coco Lobo is super popular. If you want to try it, it's best to book a week in advance[10], otherwise, you'll most likely have made the trip for nothing.
- Upgrading Your Service Experience: If you have high expectations for service, or want a bit more privacy, just book a VIP room[11]. Although there's a minimum charge, I've heard the service experience improves dramatically, helping you avoid the awkwardness of being 'ignored' in the main dining area.
- Halal-Friendly: This place is No Pork, No Lard[12], so it's perfectly fine to bring Muslim friends. That's a big plus.
- Butter Crab's rich butter sauce coats fresh, plump meat. Mop it up with fried mantou for ultimate carb+fat bliss[1].
- King Prawn Soup is incredibly umami—a pure, natural sweetness from the ingredients, no MSG. Absolutely Mantap![2].
- A Singaporean institution for high-end seafood. Perfect for business dinners or treating elders. You're guaranteed to impress[3].
Similar Articles
Who says Bak Kut Teh is only peppery? This rich herbal soup in Medan: one sip and you're hooked
Tired of the usual peppery Bak Kut Teh? This Medan eatery serves the authentic Malaysian style, boasting an insanely rich and dark herbal broth that will hook you from the first sip. At this no-frills, local favorite, you’ll find fall-off-the-bone tender pork ribs and amazing value. For the ultimate experience, be sure to order fried dough sticks (Cakwe) to soak up the comforting, flavorful soup. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves bold, hearty flavors.
Under 50k per person: How has "Indonesia's #1 Spicy Noodle" stayed hot for a decade?
Discover why Mie Gacoan is hailed as "Indonesia's #1 Spicy Noodle"! This super popular spot is a favorite among young crowds for its incredibly affordable and fiery noodles, with customizable spice levels from 0 to 8. But don't sleep on the dim sum—the Udang Keju is a must-try. Cool down with a refreshing Es Gobak Sodor. While it's always crowded and lively, the amazing value and delicious food make the wait totally worth it.
This 4.9-star god-tier shop in Medan: Is buying a donut harder than math?
Discover a 4.9-star bakery in Medan that's famous for its heavenly desserts! While its ordering process can be as tricky as a math problem, the food is absolutely worth it. The must-try items are the super fluffy Italian doughnuts (Bomboloni) bursting with generous fillings and the incredibly moist, chewy brownies hailed as the best in town. This guide gives you the inside scoop on what to order and how to navigate the confusing menu for a blissful dessert experience.
Hailed as Medan's Best Bread, But Be Warned About the Cakes! I Have a Love-Hate Relationship With This Shop.
Discover All Day Bread, a chill spot in Medan hailed for having the city's best bread. Dive into their must-try signature salted egg yolk fried bread or a creamy avocado dessert in a quiet, comfortable atmosphere perfect for working or chatting. But here's a heads-up: while the bread is a winner, be very cautious when ordering custom cakes. This review breaks down the highs and lows, plus tips on scoring free donuts and other deals.