With inflation soaring higher than ever, every dollar counts, especially when it comes to putting food on the table. In Singapore, where prices can climb quickly, being smart about meals is more important than ever.
Imagine walking through the bustling hawker centres, searching for filling dishes that won’t empty your wallet. The fragrant aroma of nasi lemak calls out; just a few dollars for coconut rice, egg, and crispy chicken. For something comforting, a bowl of fishball noodles or yong tau foo lets you choose your ingredients and keep portions budget-friendly.
Don’t overlook the economic rice stalls, where you can pick two vegetables and a meat for under $5. Sometimes, the simplest meals—like kaya toast with soft-boiled eggs—make a hearty breakfast without costing much. Cooking at home also helps stretch your budget; local markets offer fresh produce for stir-fries or soups.
With a bit of planning and creativity, enjoying tasty meals in Singapore doesn’t have to break the bank.
1. Komala Villas Restaurant
Address: 76-78 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 217981 Phone: +65 6293 6980 Website: www.komalavilas.com.sg Hours: Daily 7 am–10:30 pm
Dishes & Ingredients
- Vegetarian Thali – served with pure ghee
- Palak Paneer – spinach and cottage cheese curry
- Veg Jalfrezi – mixed vegetable stir-fry
- Dosas – fermented rice and lentil crepes
- Pooris – deep-fried bread
- South Indian specialities– authentic preparations
Cooking Style
- Authentic South Indian cooking methods
- Traditional vegetarian preparations
- Use of pure ghee for authentic flavours
Pricing
- Budget-friendly (specific prices not mentioned)
- Good value for money
Delivery Options
- Delivery available
- Takeaway available
- Dine-in available
Ambience
- Homely atmosphere
- Fast service
- Pure vegetarian restaurant
2. Singapore Zam Zam Restaurant
Address: 697-699 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 19.8675. Phone +65 626298 66320ite: zamzam.sg Hours: Tue-Sat 7 7– am111 pmSun 7 7 am 87 m,, Closed
Dishes & Ingredients
- Murtabak – stuffed pancake with meat/vegetables
- Biryani – fragrant rice with chicken/lamb
- Chicken dishes – various preparations
- Lamb dishes – traditional Indian Muslim style
Cooking Style
- Indian Muslim cooking techniques
- Traditional biryani preparation methods
- Over a century of cooking heritage
Pricing
- Affordable prices
- Generous portions
- Good value for money
Delivery Options
- Delivery available
- Takeaway available
- Outdoor seating available
Ambience
- Historic restaurant (over 100 years)
- Fast service
- Iconic status in Singapore
- Welcoming atmosphere
3. Bugis Street Food
Address: 64 Queen St, Singapore 188543 Hours: Daily 1010 am to 10:30 PM
Dishes & Ingredients
- Sausages (various types, including cheese sausage)
- Sugar cane juice a a fresh, natural beverage
- Fast food options
Cooking Style
- Fast food preparation
- Fresh beverage extraction
Pricing
- Reasonable prices
- Budget-friendly options
Delivery Options
- Limited information available
Ambience
- Casual atmosphere
- Good for kids
- A variety of food options
4. Dumpling Darlings
Address: 86 Circular Rd, Singapore 049438 Phone: +65 8889 9973 Website: www.dumplingdarlings.com.sg Hours: Mon-Sat 11 11 am32:30 pm Closed
Dishes & Ingredients
- Various dumplings – multiple varieties
- Small plates – appetiser portions
- Alcoholic beverages – beer, cocktails, wine
Cooking Style
- Traditional dumpling preparation methods
- Beautiful presentation techniques
Pricing
- Mid-range pricing for quality
- Good value for portion sizes
Delivery Options
- Delivery available
- Takeaway available
- Outdoor seating available
Ambience
- Cozy atmosphere
- Lively environment
- Bustling restaurant (reservations recommended)
- Friendly staff
5. Kim Dae Mun Korean Food
Address: 100 Orchard Rd, #01- 03DD Concorde Shopping Mall, Singapore 238840 Website: www.facebook.com Hours: Tue-Sun 11 11 amP8 pm Closed
Dishes & Ingredients
- Authentic Korean dishes – traditional preparations
- Various Koreaspecialitiesses
Cooking Style
- Authentic Korean cooking methods
- Traditioflavourravor profiles
Pricing
- Excellent value for money
- Generous portions
- Affordable Korean cuisine
Delivery Options
- Takeaway available
- Dine-in available
Ambience
- Fast service
- Comfortable setting
- Popular among Korean food lovers
6. Chin Chin Eating House
Address: 19 Purvis St, Singapore 188598 Phone: +65 6337 4640 Website: chinchineatinghouse.com Hours: Mon-Thu 11 11 amP9 Fri-Sun11:11:30 amPM
Dishes & Ingredients
- Chicken Rice – steamed and roasted
- Roasted Chicken – tender Chicken for full
- Steamed Chicken -Chickente preparation
- Combination plates available
Cooking Style
- Traditional Hainanese chicken rice preparation
- Roasting and steaming techniques
- Classic Chinese cooking methods
Pricing
- Reasonable prices
- Good value for quality
Delivery Options
- Information not specified
Ambience
- Classic eating house style
- Super fast service
- Busy during lunch hours
- Smooth payment process
7. New Station Snack Bar
Address: Far East Plaza 14 Scotts Road #05-95, Singapore 228213 Phone: +65 6734 2862 Website: www.newstationsnackbar.com Hours: Daily 11:30 am–8:45 pm
Ingredients
- Salted Egg Pork Rice – crispy and flavorful
- Zhi Char dishes – authentic Chinese home-style cooking
- Coffee and small plates
Cooking Style
- Traditional Sichuan cooking methods
- Home-style Chinese preparations
- Quick service cooking
Pricing
- Affordable prices
- Generous portions
Delivery Options
- Delivery available
- Takeaway available
- Wheelchair accessible
Ambience
- Casual atmosphere
- Cozy spot
- Family-friendly
- Homely dishes
- Friendly staff
8. Liao Fan Hawker Chan (Chinatown)
Address: 78 Smith St, Singapore 058972 Website: www.liaofanhawkerchan.com Hours: Daily 10:30 AM10:30 am
Ingredients
- Char Siu – BBQ pork with sweet glaze
- Soya Chicken Braised Chicken
- Roasted Pork: Porky skin preparation
Cooking Style
- Traditional Cantonese roasting techniques
- Michelin-recognised preparation methods
- Char siu and soya chicken specialisation
Pricing
- Affordable prices
- Good value for Michelin-starred food
Delivery Options
- Delivery available
- Takeaway available
Ambience
- Hawker centre setting
- Quick service
- Plentiful seating
- Tourist and local favourite
9. BK Eating House
Address: 21 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058661 Website: m.facebook.com Hours: 24 hours (Mon-Sat), Closed Sunday
Dishes & Ingredients
- Various hawker centre offerings
- Tiger Beer – chilled large servings
Cooking Style
- Multiple cooking styles from different stalls
- Hawker centre variety
Pricing
- Very affordable prices
- Great value for money
Delivery Options
- Information not specified
Ambience
- Open-air food court
- Indoor and outdoor seating
- Chill atmosphere
- 24-hour operation
- Card payments accepted
- Late-night food options
10. Isle Eating House (Parklane Shopping Mall)
Address: 35 Selegie Road #02-08/09/10/11/12 Parklane Shopping Mall, Singapore 188307 Phone: +65 6337 1695 Hours: Mon-Sat 6:30 am–6:30 am68 pmam 8 pm
Ingredients
- Singaporean cuisine – authentic local dishes
- Coffee and small plates
Cooking Style
- Traditional Singaporean cooking methods
- Local flavourprofiles
Pricing
- Reasonable prices
- Good portion sizes
- Great value for money
Delivery Options
- Takeaway available
Ambience
- Casual atmosphere
- Cozy setting
- Good for children
- Friendly staff (with room for improvement)
11. Happy Food
Address: 1 Kadayanallur St, #01-95, Singapore 069184 Hours: 24 hours daily
Dishes & Ingredients
- Small plates – various hawker offerings
- Flavorful local dishes
Cooking Style
- Traditional hawker cooking methods
Pricing
- Affordable prices
- Generous portions
Delivery Options
- Takeaway available
Ambience
- Casual hawker stall atmosphere
- Good for kids
- Friendly stall owners
- 24-hour operation
12. Ace Eating House
Address: 243 Cantonment Rd, Store 2, Singapore 089770 Phone: +65 9881 3918 Website: discoversg.com Hours: Daily 9 am–12 pm
Ingredients
- Char Siew Rice – BBQ pork with rice
- ThaiFood– various Thai preparations
- Korean food, including kimchi stew
- Wagyu options – premium beef dishes
- Beer – $10 per pint
Cooking Style
- Multi-cuisine cooking styles
- Thai and Koreaspecialisationsns
- Premium meat preparations
Pricing
- Reasonable beer prices ($10/pint)
- Good value options
Delivery Options
- Takeaway available
- Outdoor seating available
Ambience
- Casual atmosphere
- Multiple cuisine options
- Pleasant dining experience
13. Isle Eating House (Orchard Towers)
Address: 400 Orchard Rd, B1-07 Orchard Towers, Singapore 238875 Hours: Mon-Sat 7 am–8 pm,
Ingredients
- Mixed rice dishes – variety of options
- Coffee and small plates
Cooking Style
- Mixed rice preparation methods
- Various cooking styles
Pricing
- Affordable for the Orchard Road area
- Reasonable prices
- Filling portions
Delivery Options
- Takeaway available
Ambience
- Clean environment
- Casual atmosphere
- Good for kids
- Busy during lunch hours
14 Hua Ji Sliced Fish Soup
Address: 304 Orchard Road Lucky Plaza B1-99, #105, Singapore 238863 Phone: +65 9844 1727 Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am–5 pm,10 am- 5 pm
Ingredients
- Sliced Fish Soup – fresh fish in clear broth
- Milky soup – rich and creamy version
- MSG-free broth preparation
Cooking Style
- Traditional fish soup preparation
- Clear and milky broth techniques
- Fresh fish slicing methods
Pricing
- Reasonable hawker prices
- Generous servings
Delivery Options
- Takeaway available (thoughtful packaging)
Ambience
- Casual hawker stall atmosphere
- Good for kids
- Service quality varies
15. Good Eat’s Family Restaurant
Address: 1 Tanjong Pagar Plz, #01-40, Singapore 082001 Phone: +65 9088 5813 Hours: Daily 11:30 am–8:30 pm
Ingredients
- Roast Pork Noodles – with braised egg
- Char Siew – BBQ pork with charred edges
- Roasted Pork Rice – traditional preparation
Cooking Style
- Traditional Chinese roasting techniques
- Noodle preparation methods
- Char siespecialisationon
Pricing
- Reasonable prices
- Great value for money
- Affordable meals
Delivery Options
- Takeaway available
Ambience
- Casual family restaurant
- Kid-friendly
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Authentic Chinese cuisine focuses
16. Fish N Cheap
Address: 5 Hoe Chiang Rd, Singapore 089312 Hours: Not available
Dishes & Ingredients
- Fresh seafood dishes – various preparations
- Affordable seafood options
Cooking Style
- Fresh seafood preparation methods
- Budget-friendly cooking techniques
Pricing
- Affordable prices
- Budget-conscious options
Delivery Options
- Takeaway available
Ambience
- Cosy restaurant setting
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Good for kids
- Casual dining experience
Summary of Common Features
Popular Ingredients Across Venues:
- Rice (chicken rice, mixed rice, biryani)
- Chicken (roasted, steamed, soya chicken)
- Pork (char siew, roasted pork)
- Fish, sliced fish soup, and fresh seafood)
- Vegetables (in various preparations)
- Noodles (various styles)
- Dumplings (multiple varieties)
Common Cooking Methods:
- Traditional roasting techniques
- Steaming methods
- Stir-frying (wok hei)
- Soup preparation
- Hawker-style quick cooking
- Authentic ethnic preparations
Pricing Patterns:
- Most venues offer budget-friendly options
- Generous portions for value
- Prices suitable for daily dining
- Good value-to-quality ratio
Delivery & Service Options:
- Most offer takeaway
- Many provide delivery
- Dine-in widely available
- Some offer outdoor seating
Ambience Trends:
- Casual, family-friendly atmospheres
- Fast service focus
- Many are kid-friendly
- A mix of traditional and modern settings
- Hawker center and coffee shop cultures are prominent
Additional Must-Try Singapore Dishes & Hawker Stalls
Essential Dishes
1. Laksa 🌶️
What it is: Singapore’s most iconic hawker food – a spicy coconut rice noodle soup where you use only your spoon to eat the short vermicelli strands.. Key Ingredients: Coconut milk, rice vermicelli, prawns, cockles, bean sprouts, egg, spicy chilli paste.Famous Stalls:
- Sungei Road Laksa – a heritage hawker stall known among laksa lovers, with an interesting story about obtaining their recipe from a customer who disappeared
- Katong Laksa stalls – the most famous laksa style in Singapore
2. Bak Kut Teh 🍲
What it is: A punchy pork rib soup made of garlic, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, fennel seeds and coriander – a perfect pick-me-up on a rainy morning..s Three Main Styles:
- Peppery Teochew style (most common), Hokkien style with dark soy sauce, and herbal Cantonese st. Recommended Stall:
- Hong Ji Claypot Bak Kut Teh at Ang Mo Kio Ave 4
- Song Fa Bak Kut Teh – has branches in many places and is famous for its Bak Kut Teh soup
3. Char Kway Teow 🍜
What it is: One of the must-try hawker foods – stir-fried flat rice noodles. Ingredients: Flat rice noodles, dark soy sauce, prawns, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, eggs, chives
4. Bak Chor Mee 🍝
What it is: Minced meat noodles – another must-try hawker dish. y Ingredients: Minced porkfish balls, noodles, vinegar, chilli
5. Satay 🍢
What it is: Grilled meat skewers – essential Singaporean hawker food. The key Ingredients: Marinated meat (chicken, Chickenutton), peanut sauce, cucumber, ketupat
6. 🥗
What it is: A mixed fruit and vegetable salad with sauce. Ingredients: Mixed fruits, vegetables, bean sprouts, tofu, prawn crackers, sweet and spicy sauce
Top Hawker Centres to Visit
1. Food Centre
Why Visit: Recently,, in May 2025, Lady Gaga graced Maxwell Food Centre with her presence while on tour in Singapo.Famous For:
- Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, famous for its tender chicken and fragrant rice, is the representative of Hainanese chicken rice
2. Chinatown Complex Food Centre
Why Visit: Singapore’s largest hawker centre with 260 stalls, also boasts having the cheapest Michelin-starred food.
- Liao Fan Hawker Chan – soya sauce chicken rice, char siew rice, roasted pork rice for less than $3 each – the cheapest Michelin meal you’ll ever get!
- Zhao Ji Claypot Rice – for old-school claypot rice
3. Tiong Bahru Market
Why Visit: Famous for being one of the best hawker centres in Singapore for breakfast and brunch, with many stalls opening as early as 7as am
4. Newton Food Centre
Why Visit: Located just a short walk from Orchard Road, one of the few dining establishments where you can get good food for cheap in the swanky Orchard area
5. Old Airport Road Food Centre
Why Visit: Finally reopened after four months of upgrading works
6 Serangoon Food Market
Why Visit: Voted Singaporeans’ favourite hawker centre at the Singapore Hawkers’ Seminar & Awards
Budget-Friendly Hawker Stalls
The Flying Pan
Why Special: For just $5.50, you can choose a main dish and three side dishes. tion is ot smalll, and prices are kept low to help struggling familieExpect: Longer queues due to large portions, low prices, and high-quality food
Must-Try Specific Dishes by Category
Noodle Dishes:
- Laksa (coconut curry noodles)
- Bak Chor Mee (minced meat noodles)
- Char Kway Teow (stir-fried flat noodles)
- Mee Goreng (fried noodles)
- Prawn Mee (prawn noodle soup)
Rice Dishes:
- Hainanese Chicken Rice
- Char Siew Rice
- Claypot Rice
- Nasi Lemak
- Biryani
Soup Dishes:
- Bak Kut Teh (pork rib soup)
- Fish Head Curry
- Sliced Fish Soup
- Wonton Noodle Soup
Snacks & Sides:
- Satay (grilled skewers)
- Rojak (fruit salad)
- Carrot Cake (radish cake)
- Oyster Omelette
- Popiah (spring rolls)
Desserts:
- Ice Kacang (shaved ice dessert)
- Chendol (coconut dessert)
- Tau Huay (silky tofu dessert)
Pro Tips for Hawker Centre Dining
- Peak Hours: Expect 12 pmuring lunch (6–6–8 pmand dinner (6-6–8 PM)
- Payment6–8 accepts cash, increasing the acceptance of cards and digital payments
- Seating: Reserve tables with tissue packets or personal items before ordering
- Pricing: Most dishes range from $3 to SGD 8
- Hygiene: Hawker centres are regulated by the National Environment Agency (NEA) with regular cleanliness checks
Recent Updates (2025)
- Celebrity visits like Lady Gaga at Maxwell Food Centre show the global recognition of Singapore’s hawker culture
- M..a Anyyhawker centres have undergone renovations and upgrades
- Digital payment options are becoming more widespread
- New hawker generations are adding modern twists to traditional dishes
This expanded list provides over 30 additional options beyond your original 16, encompassing the essential dishes that define Singapore’s hawker culture.
Budget Tips
- Cost Range: Most hawker dishes cost $3-8 SGD
- Best Times: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid queues
- Locations: Hawker centres offer the most authentic and affordable experience
- Portions: Most dishes are filling and perfect for sharing
- Drinks: Teh Tarik, Kopi, or fresh lime juice complement these dishes well
- Street Snacks: Satay, Otah, and Rojak are perfect for light meals under $5
- Desserts: Tau Huay and Ice Kacang provide sweet endings for $2-4
- Breakfast: Kaya toast sets are classic morning meals for around $4-5
Budget Eating Tips
- Visit hawker centres for the cheapest authentic food
- Look for long queues – usually indicates good food
- Try different stalls in the same food centre
- Breakfast items are often cheaper than lunch/dinner
- Share dishes when dining in groups
- Bring cash – many stalls don’t accept cards
- Peak hours (12-2pm, 6-8pm) may have longer waits
- Some stalls close on certain days – check before visiting
Delivery Considerations for 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 carved out a distinct identity through its unwavering commitment to providing 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.