Currently listing approximately 130 HDB rental coffee shops offering meals at $3.50 or less and drinks at $1.20 or below, the initiative plans to expand to all 374 HDB coffee shops by 2026. To support sustainability, HDB offers participating coffee shops a 5% rental discount, encouraging them to maintain affordable food options. Coffee shops display an orange “Budget Meal” sticker, making these value options easy to identify.
1. Ci Yuan Hawker Centre
Address: 51 Hougang Avenue 9, Singapore 538776 Ambience: This is a modern hawker centre with spacious seating, good ventilation, and bright lighting. The space is clean and well-maintained, and there is a community garden on the rooftop.
Notable Budget Meals:
A. Fu Zhou Poh Hwa Oyster Cake (Stall #01-37) Oyster Cake – $3.00
Tasting Notes: This traditional Fuzhou snack is becoming increasingly rare in Singapore. The oyster cake features a crispy exterior and a soft, slightly chewy interior studded with small oysters, minced pork, and peanuts.
Approximate Recipe:
- 100g rice flour
- 50g sweet potato flour
- 150ml water
- 30g fresh small oysters
- 30g minced pork
- 1 tablespoon chopped spring onions
- 1 tablespoon chopped coriander
- 15g roasted peanuts, crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil for deep-frying
Cooking Method: Mix flour and water to form a batter. Add the remaining ingredients except the oil. Heat oil in a wok. Scoop the mixture and deep-fry until golden and crispy.
B. Xin Lu Teochew Fishball Noodle (Stall #01-21) Fishball Soup with Rice – $3.00
Tasting Notes: These handmade fishballs have a bouncy texture and fresh fish flavour. They are served in a light yet umami-rich broth alongside steamed rice.
Approximate Recipe:
- For fishballs:
- 200g fish paste (Spanish mackerel or yellowtail)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 500ml fish and pork bone stock
- 1 cup steamed rice
- Chopped spring onions and fried shallots for garnish
Cooking Method: Mix the fish paste with seasonings. Shape into balls and poach in simmering water until they float. Prepare stock separately. Combine cooked fish balls with hot stock. Serve with rice on the side.
2. Berseh Food Centre
Address: 166 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208877 Ambience: This is an old-school two-storyyy hawker centre with a nostalgic feel. It is less crowded than the tourist-heavy food centre and offers an authentic local experience.
Notable Budget Meals:
A. Heng Kee Curry Chicken Noodle (Stall #02-02) Curry Chicken Bee Hoon – $3.50
Tasting Notes: This is a comforting bowl of rice vermicelli in a rich, aromatic curry broth with tender chicken pieces and potatoes. The curry has depth without overwhelming heat.
Approximate Recipe:
- 100g bee hoon (rice vermicelli)
- 80g chicken thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small potato, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 200ml coconut milk
- 300ml chicken stock
- 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 shallot, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Cooking Method: Sauté shallot and garlic in oil. Add curry powder and stir until fragrant. Add chicken pieces and cook until no longer pink. Add potato, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, stock, coconut milk, salt, and sugar. Simmer until the chicken and potatoes are tender. Soak the bee hoon until soft, blanch briefly, then add to the curry.
B. Fu Ming Cooked Food (Stall #02-14) Yong Tau Foo with Rice – $3.50
Tasting Notes: A selection of stuffed tofu, vegetables, and fish paste items served with steamed rice and a light soy-based sauce is healthier than many budget options while remaining satisfying.
Approximate Recipe:
- 1 piece of fried tofu stuffed with fish paste
- 1 piece bitter gourd stuffed with fish paste
- 1 piece of brinjal stuffed with fish paste
- 1 piece of chilli stuffed with fish paste
- 1 fish ball
- 1 cup steamed rice
- For sauce:
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
Cooking Method: Steam or boil the yong tau foo items until cooked through. Mix the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil until thickened. Serve the yong tau foo items over rice with the sauce drizzled on top.
3. Chinatown Complex Food Centre
Address: 335 Smith Street, Singapore 050335 Ambience: Singapore’s largest hawker centre has over 260 food stalls and a bustling atmosphere, especially during lunch hours. The ground floor has been renovated with improved ventilation.
Notable Budget Meals:
A. Lao Liang Pig Organ Soup (Stall #02-63) Pig Organ Soup with Rice – $3.50
Tasting Notes: This is a traditional Teochew dish featuring various pig innards in a clear, peppery broth. Served with a bowl of rice, this protein-rich meal is surprisingly flavorful and tender.
Approximate Recipe:
- 150g assorted pig offal (liver, intestines, stomach)
- 500ml pork bone stock
- 5g white peppercorns, crushed
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup steamed rice
- Chopped coriander and spring onions for garnish
Cooking Method: Clean the offal thoroughly. Blanch it briefly in boiling water, then rinse. Bring stock to a boil with crushed peppercorns and garlic. Add the blanched offal, wine, soy sauce, and salt. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Serve hot with rice on the side, garnished with coriander and spring onions.
B. Hong Xing Handmade Fishball & Meatball (Stall #02-112) Fishball Soup with Minced Meat Noodles – $3.00
Tasting Notes: Springy noodles topped with savoury minced meat sauce and served with a bowl of clear soup containing bouncy handmade fishballs.
Approximate Recipe:
- 100g egg noodles
- For minced meat sauce:
- 50g minced pork
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- For soup:
- 300ml anchovy and pork bone stock
- 3 handmade fishballs
- Chopped spring onions for garnish
Cooking Method: Cook noodles until al dente. For the sauce, sauté the garlic in oil until fragrant. Add minced pork and cook until browned. Add sauces and sugar and simmer briefly. Toss cooked noodles in sauce. For soup, bring stock to a boil, add fishballs, and cook until they float. Serve noodles with soup on the side.
4. Old Airport Road Food Centre
Address: 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051 Ambience: One of Singapore’s most famous hawker centres, featuring high ceilings, good ventilation, and an extensive selection of renowned food stalls. It’s often crowded but well worth the visit.
Notable Budget Meals:
A. Xin Mei Xiang Zheng Zong Lor Mee (Stall #01-116) Small Lor Mee – $3.00
Tasting Notes: Thick yellow noodles in a starchy, flavorful gravy are topped with braised pork, half a boiled egg, and crispy bits. The dish is accompanied by chilli paste, minced garlic, and black vinegar, which you can add according to your preference.
Approximate Recipe:
- 100g thick yellow noodles
- For gravy:
- 300ml pork and chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch slurry
- Toppings:
- 50g braised pork belly, sliced
- 1/2 boiled egg
- 1 tablespoon fried fish bits
- Condiments:
- Minced garlic
- Sambal chili
- Black vinegar
Cooking Method: Bring stock to a boil with five-spice powder, dark soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Thicken with cornstarch slurry. Blanch noodles briefly and place in a serving bowl. Pour hot gravy over noodles. Add toppings. Serve with condiments on the side.
B. Ru Ji Kitchen (Stall #01-37) Fishball Minced Meat Noodle – $3.50
Tasting Notes: A dry version of fishball noodles featuring springy noodles tossed in a savoury-sweet sauce, topped with minced pork, sliced fish cakeand fishballs. Accompanied by a light, clear soup.
Approximate Recipe:
- 100g mee pok (flat egg noodles)
- For sauce:
- 1 tablespchilliihili sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon lard oil
- 1/4 teaspoon white vinegar
- Toppings:
- 40g minced pork, stir-fried with soy sauce
- 2 fishballs
- 2 slices of fish cake
- 200ml anchovy stock for soup
Cooking Method: Cook noodles until al dente. Mix sauce ingredients in a serving bowl. Add drained noodles and toss well. Top with cooked minced pork, fish balls, and fish cakes. Serve with hot soup on the side.
5. Geylang Bahru Market & Food Centre
Address: 69 Geylang Bahru, Singapore 330069 Ambience: This recently renovated hawker centre has improved ventilation and lighting. It is less crowded than the more famous food centres, making for a more relaxed dining experience.
Notable Budget Meals:
A. He Jia Huan Ban Mian (Stall #02-58) Dry Ban Mian – $3.50
Tasting Notes: Handmade flat noodles tossed in a savoury sauce with minced pork, crispy ikan bilis (anchovies), and an onsen egg. The dish offers excellent texture contrasts and umami flavour.
Approximate Recipe:
- For noodles:
- 150g plain flour
- 1 egg
- Pinch of salt
- Water as needed
- For sauce:
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- Toppings:
- 50g minced pork, stir-fried with soy sauce
- 15g fried ikan bilis
- 1 soft-boiled egg
- Chopped spring onions
Cooking Method: For noodles, mix flour, egg, salt, and enough water to form a dough. Rest for 30 minutes. Roll out and cut into strips. Cook in boiling water until al dente. Mix sauce ingredients in a serving bowl. Add cooked noodles and toss well. Top with minced pork, ikan bilis, soft-boiled egg, and spring onions.
B. Ah Liang Ipoh Hor Fun (Stall #02-61) Ipoh Hor Fun with Shredded Chicken – $3.00
Tasting Notes: Silky smooth flat rice noodles served in a light but flavorful chicken broth, topped with shredded poached chicken, bean sprouts, and chopped spring onions.
Approximate Recipe:
- 150g fresh hor fun noodles
- For broth:
- 500ml chicken stock
- 1 inch ginger, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- Toppings:
- 50g poached chicken breast, shredded
- A handful of blanched bean sprouts
- Chopped spring onions
- 1 tablespoon fried shallots
Cooking Method: Simmer chicken stock with ginger, garlic, wine, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes. Strain. Blanch the hor fun briefly in boiling water. Place in a serving bowl. Pour hot broth over noodles. Top with shredded chicken, bean sprouts, spring onions, and fried shallots.
DIY Budget Meals for Home Cooking
For those who prefer cooking at home, here are five budget-friendly recipes inspired by hawker dishes that can be prepared for under $3 per serving:
1. Simple Oyster Sauce Vegetable Rice
Cost per serving: Approximately $1.80
Ingredients:
- 150g rice (uncooked) – $0.30
- 150g cabbage – $0.40
- 1 carrot – $0.20
- 2 eggs – $0.60
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce – $0.15
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce – $0.10
- 1 clove garlic – $0.05
Cooking Method: Cook rice according to package instructions. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add diced carrots and sliced cabbage and stir-fry until tender-crisp. Push vegetables to one side, crack eggs into the empty space, and scramble. Mix everything together. Add cooked rice, oyster sauce, and soy sauce. Stir-fry until well combined.
2. Budget-Friendly Congee
Cost per serving: Approximately $1.50
Ingredients:
- 100g rice (uncooked) – $0.20
- 1 litre of water – $0
- 50g minced pork – $0.50
- 1 egg – $0.30
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce – $0.10
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil – $0.10
- 1 spring onion – $0.05
- 1 inch ginger – $0.05
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper – $0.05
- 1 tablespoon fried shallots – $0.15
Cooking Method: Rinse rice and add to a pot with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season minced pork with a little soy sauce and white pepper. Add to congee and cook for 5 minutes. Drizzle beaten egg over congee while stirring. Serve topped with sliced spring onions, julienned ginger, fried shallots, a dash of sesame oil, and white pepper.
3. Sardine Fried Rice
Cost per serving: Approximately $2.00
Ingredients:
- 150g rice (uncooked) – $0.30
- 1 can of sardines in tomato sauce – $1.20
- 1 onion – $0.15
- 1 clove garlic – $0.05
- 1 egg – $0.30
Cooking Method: Cook the rice and let it cool. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant. Add drained sardines (reserve the sauce) and break into smaller pieces. Push the mixture to one side, crack an egg into the empty space and scramble. Add cooked rice and reserved sardine sauce. Stir-fry until well combined and heated through.
4. Simple Soy Sauce Chicken with Rice
Cost per serving: Approximately $2.80
Ingredients:
- 150g chicken thigh (bone-in) – $1.50
- 150g rice (uncooked) – $0.30
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce – $0.20
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce – $0.15
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (optional) – $0.15
- 1 tablespoon sugar – $0.05
- 2 cloves garlic – $0.10
- 1 inch ginger – $0.05
- 1 spring onion – $0.05
- 1 cup water – $0
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil – $0.10
- Cucumber slices (optional) – $0.15
Cooking Method: Heat oil in a pot. Sauté smashed garlic, sliced ginger, and spring onion until fragrant. Add chicken thigh, soy sauce, wine, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove the chicken and slice it. Cook rice according to package instructions. Serve sliced chicken over rice with some of the cooking sauce drizzled on top. Garnish with cucumber slices if desired.
5. Budget-Friendly Stir-Fried Noodles
Cost per serving: Approximately $2.50
Ingredients:
- 150g yellow noodles – $0.80
- 50g cabbage – $0.15
- 1 carrot – $0.20
- 50g bean sprouts – $0.25
- 1 egg – $0.30
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce – $0.20
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce – $0.15
- 1 clove garlic – $0.05
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil – $0.10
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper – $0.05
- Dash of sesame oil – $0.05
- 1 spring onion – $0.05
- 1 tablespoon fried shallots (optional) – $0.15
Cooking Method: Blanch noodles briefly in boiling water, then drain well. Heat oil in a wok. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add julienned carrot and sliced cabbage, stir-fry until tender-crisp. Push vegetables to one side, crack an egg into the empty space and scramble. Add blanched noodles, bean sprouts, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and white pepper. Stir-fry until well combined and heated through. Finish with a dash of sesame oil. Garnish with chopped spring onions and fried shallots if using.# Budget Eats in Singapore: A Comprehensive Review of BudgetMealGoWhere Offerings
In the heart of Singapore, where the cost of living continues to rise, the BudgetMealGoWhere initiative shines as a beacon for budget-conscious foodies. Launched in May 2023 by the Housing & Development Board (HDB) and Government Technology Agency (GovTech), this program aims to connect residents with affordable dining options across the island. I visited several participating locations, including Kopitiam Corner at Block 476D Upper Serangoon View, to sample their budget-friendly offerings and share my experiences.
The BudgetMealGoWhere Initiative
Location & Ambience
Kopitiam Corner
Block 476D Upper Serangoon View
Singapore
This traditional coffee shop embodies the authentic Singaporean hawker experience. The open-air setting features multiple stalls arranged around communal seating areas, creating a bustling atmosphere that’s characteristic of Singapore’s vibrant food culture. The space hums with activity during peak hours, with the clinking of dishes and sizzling woks providing a sensory backdrop to your meal.
The coffee shop is well-maintained, with each stall prominently displaying the orange Budget Meal sticker. Lighting is bright and practical, focusing attention on the food rather than creating ambience. Seating consists of simple tables and stools, designed for efficient dining rather than lingering conversation. During my visit, the location was clean, if utilitarian, with efficient staff managing the bustling crowd.
Dishes, Recipes & Tasting Notes
1. Kimly Seafood: Zha Jin Mui Fan ($3.00)
Tasting Notes: This dish delivers impressive wok hei (breath of the wok) flavour. The rice is glistening with savoury sauce that penetrates each grain, while the prawns, though small, add a sweet brininess. The sliced pork provides satisfying texture, and vegetables add freshness to balance the richness.
Approximate Recipe:
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 50g sliced pork
- 30g small prawns
- Assorted vegetables (typically cabbage, carrots)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch slurry
Cooking Method: Heat oil in a wok until smoking. Quickly stir-fry pork until nearly cooked. Add prawns and vegetables. When nearly done, add sauces, sugar, and pepper. Thicken with the cornstarch slurry. Pour over rice and serve immediately.
2. Ding Ji Teochew Noodle: Meatball Noodles ($3.00)
Tasting Notes: A standout dish with perfectly springy mee pok noodles tossed in a well-balanced sauce that’s savoury with hints of vinegar, and the handmade pork meatballs are tender and flavorful, complemented by a clean-tasting soup served on the side.
Approximate Recipe:
- 100g mee pok noodles
- 5 pork meatballs (minced pork, white pepper, cornstarch, salt)
- 1 tablespoon pork lard
- 1 tablespoon chilli sauce
- 1 tablespoon black vinegar
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- Dash of white pepper
- Chopped spring onions for garnish
- Side soup (pork bones simmered with white pepper and ikan bilis)
Cooking Method: Boil meatballs until cooked through. Blanch noodles until al dente. Mix the sauces in a serving bowl. Add the drained noodles and toss well. Top with meatballs and garnish with spring onions. Serve with hot soup on the side.
3. Tenderfresh Pasta & Broiler: Chicken Bolognese ($3.00)
Tasting Notes: This Halal-certified pasta dish offers a unique twist on traditional bolognese, using minced chicken instead of beef. The sauce has a sweeter profile than Italian versions, catering to local palates. The spaghetti is cooked to a softer consistency than al dente, and the portion size is generous for the price.
Approximate Recipe:
- 100g spaghetti
- 80g minced chicken
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 100ml tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon dried herbs (oregano, basil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
Cooking Method: Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add minced chicken and cook until no longer pink. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in tomato sauce, sugar, herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes. Toss with cooked spaghetti.
4. Face Ban Mian: Original You Mian ($3.00)
Tasting Notes: The handmade noodles have excellent bite and texture. The broth is clean yet flavorful, enhanced by the umami from fried ikan bilis. The pork balls are tender and well-seasoned, while the vegetables add freshness to this comforting bowl.
Approximate Recipe:
- 100g of handmade youmian noodles
- 3-4 handmade pork balls
- 15g fried ikan bilis (dried anchovies)
- Leafy vegetables (typically sayur manis or chye sim)
- 1 litre pork bone broth
- 1 tablespoon fried shallots
- 1 tablespoon chopped spring onions
- White pepper to taste
Cooking Method: Simmer pork bones with water for several hours to create broth. Boil pork balls in broth until cooked. Blanch noodles and vegetables. Place in a serving bowl with ikan bilis. Pour hot broth over. Garnish with fried shallots, spring onions, and white pepper.
5. Rice Garden: Economy Rice (2 Veg & 1 Meat) ($3.00)
Tasting Notes: The rice is fluffy and well-cooked. Vegetable options vary daily but typically include stir-fried cabbage, long beans, or mixed vegetables. Meat options might include sweet and sour pork, curry chicken, or steamed fish. Portions are reasonable, and the food is prepared with less oil than many similar stalls.
Approximate Recipe (for Sweet and Sour Pork):
- 80g pork, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 onion, cut into chunks
- 1/4 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1/4 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1/2 tablespoon ketchup
- 1/2 tablespoon plum sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- Dash of salt
Cooking Method: Marinate pork with soy sauce, egg white, and cornstarch. Deep-fry until golden. Stir-fry vegetables briefly. Combine sauce ingredients and add to the wok. Return pork to the wok and toss to coat.
6. Beauty Nutritious Soup: Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan) ($3.00)
Tasting Notes: The star is the tender, fatty pork belly braised in a rich soy sauce mixture with subtle five-spice notes. The sauce soaks perfectly into the steamed rice, creating a comforting, flavorful bite. A surprising find at this price point, with meat that melts in your mouth.
Approximate Recipe:
- 150g pork belly, cut into 1cm cubes
- 1 cup steamed rice
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1 star anise
- 1 tablespoon rock sugar
- 1 shallot, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup water
- Chopped spring onions for garnish
Cooking Method: Brown pork belly cubes. Add shallot and garl , and sauté til fragrant. Add soy sauce, wine, five-spice, star anise, sugar, and water. Simmer on low heat for 45-60 minutes until the meat is tender and the sauce has reduced. Serve over rice and garnish with spring onions.
7. Almubarak Restaurant: Rice With Veg & Chicken Wing ($2.50)
Tasting Notes: This Halal-certified dish features fragrant basmati rice served with a crispy-skinned chicken wing and stir-fried vegetables. The chicken is well-marinated with Indian spices, and the vegetables add colour and nutrition to the plate.
Approximate Recipe:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 chicken wing
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoochilliili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon yoghurt
- Mixed vegetables (typically cabbage, carrots, green beans)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- Salt to taste
Cooking Method: Marinate chicken wings in yoghurt and spices for at least 30 minutes. Deep-fry until golden and cooked through. Cook rice with a pinch of salt. Heat oil, add cumin seeds, and stir-fry vegetables until tender-crisp. Season with salt. Serve rice topped with vegetables and chicken wings.
8. Teochew Fish Porridge Da Pai Dang: Handmade Meatball Soup & Rice ($3.00)
Tasting Notes: The handmade meatballs are the highlight here—tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. The soup is light yet flavorful, with soft cabbage adding sweetness. Served with a bowl of steamed rice, this dish offers excellent value and comfort.
Approximate Recipe:
- For meatballs:
- 150g minced pork
- 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cabbage, cut into chunks
- 500ml chicken or pork broth
- 1 cup steamed rice
- Chopped spring onions for garnish
Cooking Method: Mix the meatball ingredients well. Form into balls. Bring the broth to a simmer, add the meatballs, and when nearly cooked, add the cabbage. Season with salt and white pepper. Serve hot with rice on the side.
9. Hua Zai Hong Kong Style Roasted Delight: Smoked Duck Hor Fun ($2.90)
Tasting Notes: The hor fun (flat rice noodles) have excellent texture—smooth and silky. The smoked duck adds richness and a wonderful aroma, complemented by a light savoury sauce that coats the noodles without overwhelming them.
Approximate Recipe:
- 150g fresh hor fun noodles
- 50g smoked duck, sliced
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- Dash of white pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Small handful of bean sprouts
- 2 tablespoons water or stock
Cooking Method: Heat oil in a wok. Briefly stir-fry garlic until fragrant. Add hor fun and toss gently. Add sauces, sugar, water, and pepper. Toss to coat noodles evenly. Add bean sprouts and briefly stir-fry. Plate noodles and top with sliced smoked duck. Drizzle with sesame oil.
10. Economic Bee Hoon and Nasi Lemak: Economic Bee Hoon Set with Fish Fillet & Hot Dog ($3.00)
Tasting Notes: The bee hoon (rice vermicelli) is well-cooked,ot too soft or firm. The fish fillet is crispy outside and flaky inside, while the hot dog adds a familiar comfort element. This is a simple yet satisfying meal that delivers good value.
Approximate Recipe:
- 100g bee hoon (rice vermicelli), soaked until soft
- 1 fish fillet (typically dory)
- 1 hot dog
- 1/2 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- For fish fillet coating:
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- Water to form batter
Cooking Method: Stir-fry garlic in oil until fragrant. Add soaked bee hoon, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Fry until dry and well-seasoned. Coat fish fillets in batter and deep-fry until golden. Deep-fry or pan-fry your hot dog. Serve bee hoon topped with fish fillet and a hot dog.
11. Kopi Kiosk: Kopi O & Teh O ($1.00 each)
Tasting Notes: The Kopi O (black coffee) is robust and fragrant, with the characteristic caramelised notes from the traditional sock-brewing method. The Teh O (black tea) is intense and aromatic, providing a perfect companion to any of the savoury dishes.
Approximate Recipe for Kopi O:
- 2 tablespoons coarsely ground robusta coffee beans
- 250ml hot water
- Optionally, a small pinch of salt
Preparation Method: Place ground coffee in a cloth filter (sock). Pour hot water through the grounds, filtering into a cup. For authentic taste, add a tiny pinch of salt to enhance flavour.
Delivery Options
The BudgetMealGoWhere initiative primarily focuses on dine-in options at coffee shops. At the time of writing, there are no official delivery services specifically for these budget meals. However, some of these stalls may be accessible through major food delivery platforms like GrabFood, Foodpanda, or Deliveroo, though this would likely increase the cost beyond the budget meal pricing.
For the most authentic and economical experience, visiting the coffee shops in person is recommended. The BudgetMealGoWhere website allows users to input their postal code to find participating locations nearby, making it easier to locate these budget-friendly options.
Final Verdict
The BudgetMealGoWhere initiative delivers excellent value in Singapore’s increasingly expensive food landscape. While these budget meals won’t compete with high-end dining experiences, they provide satisfying, tasty options that fulfill their purpose admirably—keeping Singaporeans fed with dignified meals at affordable prices.
Standout dishes include the Meatball Noodles from Ding Ji Teochew Noodle, the Handmade Meatball Soup from Teochew Fish Porridge Da Pai Dang, and the Lu Rou Fan from Beauty Nutritious Soup at Kopitiam Corner. At other locations, the Yong Tau Foo with Rice at Berseh Food Centre and the Dry Ban Mian at Geylang Bahru Market especially impressed with their flavour-to-price ratio.
For budget-conscious diners, students, seniors, or anyone feeling the pinch of inflation, the BudgetMealGoWhere initiative represents a valuable resource worth exploring. By 2026, with all 374 HDB coffee shops participating, finding an affordable meal anywhere on the island should become even easier.
For those preferring to cook at home, the DIY budget meal recipes provide cost-effective alternatives that can be prepared for under $3 per serving, offering further options for economical eating.
Rating: 4.5/5 for value, flavour, variety, and community impact.
To find budget meals near you, visit the BudgetMealGoWhere portal and enter your postal code.
Delivery Considerations for Hawker Food
Whyq Specialised Service: Whyq specifically focuses on hawker food delivery and may have better coverage for specific centres
- Delivery Fees: Typically range from $3-8 SGD, depending on distance and platform
- Food Quality Concerns: Some hawker dishes don’t transport well (soup noodles, crispy items)
- Bundle Orders: Some platforms allow ordering from multiple stalls in the same hawker centre
- Delivery Timing: Peak meal hours may see longer delivery times from popular hawker centres
- Minimum Order Requirements: Some hawker stalls have minimum order amounts for delivery
- In-Person Experience: Many food enthusiasts believe the authentic hawker experience requires dining in person
Maxthon
In an age where the digital world is in constant flux and our interactions online are ever-evolving, the importance of prioritising individuals as they navigate the expansive internet cannot be overstated. The myriad of elements that shape our online experiences calls for a thoughtful approach to selecting web browsers—one that places a premium on security and user privacy. Amidst the multitude of browsers vying for users’ loyalty, Maxthon emerges as a standout choice, providing a trustworthy solution to these pressing concerns, all without any cost to the user.
Maxthon, with its advanced features, boasts a comprehensive suite of built-in tools designed to enhance your online privacy. Among these tools are a highly effective ad blocker and a range of anti-tracking mechanisms, each meticulously crafted to fortify your digital sanctuary. This browser has carved out a niche for itself, particularly with its seamless compatibility with Windows 11, further solidifying its reputation in an increasingly competitive market.
In a crowded landscape of web browsers, Maxthon has forged a distinct identity through its unwavering dedication to offering a secure and private browsing experience. Fully aware of the myriad threats lurking in the vast expanse of cyberspace, Maxthon works tirelessly to safeguard your personal information. Utilising state-of-the-art encryption technology, it ensures that your sensitive data remains protected and confidential throughout your online adventures.
What truly sets Maxthon apart is its commitment to enhancing user privacy during every moment spent online. Each feature of this browser has been meticulously designed with the user’s privacy in mind. Its powerful ad-blocking capabilities work diligently to eliminate unwanted advertisements, while its comprehensive anti-tracking measures effectively reduce the presence of invasive scripts that could disrupt your browsing enjoyment. As a result, users can traverse the web with newfound confidence and safety.
Moreover, Maxthon’s incognito mode provides an extra layer of security, granting users enhanced anonymity while engaging in their online pursuits. This specialised mode not only conceals your browsing habits but also ensures that your digital footprint remains minimal, allowing for an unobtrusive and liberating internet experience. With Maxthon as your ally in the digital realm, you can explore the vastness of the internet with peace of mind, knowing that your privacy is being prioritised every step of the way.