IF SOME people would settle for big, I refuse to do so and would always opt for Jumbo anytime of the year.

A recent trip to Singapore had me encounter one of the biggest gastronomic treats I have ever had. Not only was it big, it was jumbo!

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Dining in one of Singapore's most popular restaurants, Jumbo at the River Pointe, during a weekend was already a feat in itself with the long queue of clientele waiting to be seated in an already jam-packed restaurant.

But thank you to the Singapore Tourism Board who made the arrangements, not only were we immediately whisked to our tables, we were also given one of the best seats in the house, right beside the Singapore River!

While basking the in the upbeat night life of Singapore, with the neighboring Clarke Quay which was throbbing with life, was just across the river.

One of the biggest draws of Singapore is its uniquely blended cuisine which is strongly influenced by a number of countries, especially its neighbors, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Though similar, the cuisine of Singapore is still distinct with that uniquely Singapore taste.

No dining experience in the financial and cultural hub of Southeast Asia is complete if you have not tasted Singapore's famed Chilli Crabs, and that is simply what Jumbo is famous for among other specialties.

Served with a basket of small buns, the aroma of Jumbo's Chilli Crabs is more than enough to trigger your senses into frenzy.

The thick egg based sauce of the Chilli Crabs with a strong orange hue that smothers the crab is best tasted by smothering one of the mini buns with it.

With just the perfect hint of chili, and a cornucopia of flavors, one could live on the bun and sauce alone.

The crab is nothing short of perfect, cooked just right, and just of the right size. Since my two companions were rather conscious about their diet, I was left all alone to finish a dish that could have fed four people. But who was I to resist such sinful piece of heaven?

There is a plethora of dishes served at Jumbo, mostly fresh seafood. The snapper which was deep fried in an artistic manner was not only a treat to the eyes. The fish was cooked crunchy on the outside.

Another dish not to be missed is the caramelized baby squids which is a good appetizer.

Dining al fresco is at times challenging especially with the humid weather in South East Asia, but with Soursop coolers and other fresh fruits, it helped ease the weather a lot.

The next time you stop by Singapore, make sure to drop by Jumbo and feast on their Chilli Crabs. It's one trip you will never forget and will lure you to come back again and again.