Bugis is a vibrant neighbourhood that offers a central location without the hefty price tag of Orchard’s prime districts. It’s well-connected by public transport and within easy reach of the city’s main attractions, making it an ideal spot for both locals and visitors.
The area is also a haven for food lovers, serving up a diverse range of culinary delights. From trendy cafes and upscale restaurants to bustling hawker centres, Bugis has something for every palate and budget. Whether you’re craving local classics or international flavours, you’ll find plenty of options here.
For affordable dining, consider heading to Albert Centre Market & Food Centre or Bugis Street Market, where you can enjoy delicious local dishes like chicken rice, laksa, and satay at wallet-friendly prices. These spots are popular among both students and office workers looking for tasty meals that won’t break the bank.
Below, you’ll find some top suggestions for affordable eats in Bugis.
1. Josh’s Grill
Ambience: Casual dining with focus on grilled specialities Price Range: S$10.90 – S$20 for main courses Location: 200 Victoria Street #01-69 Bugis Junction, 188021 Delivery: Island Wide Delivery available
Specialty Dishes & Features:
- Onion Rings – crispyappetiserr
- Char-grilled Chicken Chop with Homemade Onion Sauce – grilled chicken with signature sauce
- Char-grilled Salmon Steak with Citrus Cream – fresh salmon with citrus-based cream sauce
- Prawn Aglio Olio – Italian-style pasta with prawns, garlic, and olive oil
Cooking Methods: Charcoal grilling for authentic smoky flavour, and homemade sauce.Key Ingredients: Fresh meats, seafood, homemade sauces, quality pasta
2. Hey! Yakiniku
Ambience: Interactive dining with a smokeless, odourless grilling environment. Location: 80 Middle Rd, #01-92/96 Bugis Junction, Singapore 188966 Delivery: Not specified
Specialty Dishes & Features:
- Karubi Set – premium short rib cuts
- Duo Prime S::et a combination of prime beef cuts
- Wagyu – premium Japanese beef with marbling
Cooking Methods: Table-top grilling, smokeless technology Key Ingredients: US, Australian, and Japanese Wagyu beef, marbled cuts Special Features: Family-friendly, odourless grilling system
3. Haidilao
Ambience: Interactive hot pot dining with exceptional service. Location: 201 Victoria St, #04-10 Bugis+, Singapore 1880.67 Contact: +65 6908 6.166 Hours: Open 24/7 (serves even at 4am)
Specialty Dishes & Features:
- Fruit Platter – fresh fruit selection
- Mushroom Ball – handmade mushroom-based balls
- Tomato Soup Base – mild, flavorful broth
Cooking Methods: Hot pot boiling, fresh ingredient preparation Key Ingredients: Fresh vegetables, premium meats, handmade balls, various soup bases Serviced: Customised dipping sauces, snacks area, desserts, beverages
4. Miam Miam
Ambience: Franco-Japanese fusion dining, with an attractive and warm ambience. Location: 200 Victoria St, #02-14, Singapore 188021. Contact: +65 6837 0301 Delivery: Islandwide Delivery available
Specialty Dishes & Features:
- Miami’s Famous French Toast – signature breakfast item
- Miam Miam Spaghetti – fusion pasta with vegetables and umami flavours
- Squid Ink Pasta – dramatic black pasta with seafood
- Chocolate Souffle – French-style dessert
- Fuwa Pancakes – Japanese-style fluffy pancakes
Cooking Methods: French pastry techniques, Japanese cooking methods, fusion preparation.n Key Ingredients: Umami-rich components, fresh vegetables, quality chocolate, premium flour
5. Monster Curry
Ambience: Casual dining focused on massive curry portions. Location: 200 Victoria Street B1-04/K24 Bugis Junction, Singapore 188021 Contact: +65 6266 1708
Specialty Dishes & Features:
- Pork Katsu Curry Ramen – a fusion of Japanese katsu with curry ramen
- Monster Premium Steak Curry – a large portion of curry with premium steak
- Monster Fish Burger – curry-flavoured fish burger
- Chicken Katsu – crispy breaded chicken with curry
Cooking Methods: Deep-frying for katsu, slow-cooking curry bases, and grilling. Key Ingredients: Quality meats, rich curry spices, panko breadcrumbs.bs Menu Range: Curry, salad, pasta, burgers, pizza, honey toast, drinks
6. Nando’s
Ambience: Casual Portuguese-African themed dining Location: 200 Victoria St, #01-85/86/87 Bugis Junction, Singapore 188021 Contact: +65 6338 6555
Specialty Dishes & Features:
- Peri-Peri Chicken – flame-grilled chicken with signature spice blend
- Chicken Tenders – crispy chicken strips with peri-peri
- Peri-Peri Wedges – spiced potato wedges
- Garlic Cheese Pitaa – a popular side dish
Cooking Methods: Flame-grilling, marinating in peri-peri spices Key Ingredients: Peri-peri chillies, Portuguese spices, quality chicken Services: Various peri-peri sauce levels, bag & bake options
7. Malaysia Boleh!
Ambience: Welcoming, cosy atmosphere showcasing Malaysian culture. Location: In the Bugis area (address cut off in document)
Specialty Dishes & Features:
- Beef Rendang – slow-cooked spiced beef in coconut curry
- Nasi Lemak – coconut rice with sambal, anchovies, peanuts, egg
- Char Kway Teow – stir-fried flat rice noodles with seafood/meat
Cooking Methods: Traditional Malaysian techniques, slow cooking, wok frying Key Ingredients: Coconut milk, traditional Malaysian spices, fresh herbs
Additional Budget Eateries in Bugis (Recommendations)
8. Albert Centre Market & Food Centre
Location: 270 Queen Street, Singapore 180270 Ambience: Traditional hawker centre with over 100 stalls, authentic local atmosphere Operating Hours: Most stalls 7:30am – 9pm daily
Featured Stalls & Specialties:
Bai Nian Niang Dou Fu (#01-106)
- Yong Tau Foo (S$4.50-5.50) – Stuffed tofu and vegetables in flavorful clear soup
- Prawn Paste Chicken – Crispy chicken with aromatic prawn paste seasoning
- The most popular stall with the longest queues
Hock Lee Fishball Noodles (#01-77)
- Fishball Noodles (S$4-5) – Handmade fishballs, firm and crunchy texture
- Available in soup or dry versions
- All fishballs are handmade, and no two are identical
Guan Kee Fried Carrot Cake (#01-59)
- Carrot Cake (S$3) – White or black versions with strong wok hei
- Black version: moist without being wet
- One of the most trafficked stalls
Angel Horse Teochew Fish Soup (#01-95)
- Fish Soup (S$4-5) – Fresh Ikan Batang (mackerel) slices in sweet, clear soup
- Clean taste, no lard, minimal shallot/garlic
- Delicate and refreshing
Seng Huat Bak Chor Mee (24/7)
- Bak Chor Mee (S$4.50) – Minced pork noodles with liver, mushrooms
- Firm noodles, generous portions
- Open 24 hours
Pondok Makan Indonesian
- Mee Rebus (S$3.50) – Yellow noodles in rich savoury gravy
- Gado Gado (S$3) – Mixed vegetable salad with peanut sauce
- Satay (S$0.60 per stick, min 10) – Lamb and chicken with turmeric marinade
- Soto Ayam (S$3) – Indonesian chicken soup
- Lontong (S$3) – Rice cakes in coconut curry
Hock Hai Curry Chicken Noodle
- Curry Chicken Noodle (S$5) – Chicken, fishcake, tau pok, bean sprouts, potatoes
- Rich curry broth with coconut milk
Fatt Kee Breakfast Stall
- Chee Cheong Fun (S$2-3) – Silky rice noodle rolls cut with metal scissors
- Carrot Cake (S$2.50) – Light breakfast version
- Old-school traditional preparation
9. Chin Chin Eating House
Location: Bugis area (traditional coffeeshop) Ambience: Local kopitiam atmosphere Specialities:
- Roasted Half Chicken (S$18) – Tender kampong chicken
- Whole Chicken (S$36) – Perfect for sharing
- Known for juicy, tender meat texture
10. Waterloo Street Food Centre
Location: Waterloo Street, Singapore 187961 Ambience: Classic hawker centre near temples Specialities:
- Wanton Mee (S$3-5) – Egg noodles with wanton dumplings
- Traditional Tau Huay (S$1-2) – Silky soft tofu dessert
- Chwee Kueh (S$2-3) – Steamed rice cakes with preserved radish
11. Chow Zan Traditional Desserts
Location: Bugis area Ambience: Nostalgic traditional Chinese dessert shop Specialities:
- Tang Shui (S$2-4) – Various Chinese sweet soups
- Red Bean Soup (S$2.50) – Classic warm dessert
- Almond Tofu (S$3) – Silky almond-flavoured dessert
- Black Sesame Soup (S$3) – Rich, nutty dessert
12. Sticky Rice Thai Restaurant
Location: Bugis area Ambience: Casual Thai dining Specialities:
- Mango Sticky Rice (S$6) – Sweet coconut rice with fresh mango
- Tom Yum Soup (S$8) – Spicy and sour Thai soup
- Pad Thai (S$7) – Classic stir-fried rice noodles
- Green Curry (S$9) – Authentic Thai curry with coconut milk
13. MAVI Restaurant & Grill
Location: Kampong Glam (near Bugis) Ambience: International dining with grill focus Specialities:
- Grilled Steaks (S$15-25) – Various cuts available
- Grilled Seafood (S$12-20) – Fresh fish and prawns
- Mixed Grill Platter (S$22) – Combination of meats
Comprehensive Recipe Collection
Hawker Classics
Authentic Bak Chor Mee Recipe
Ingredients:
- 200g mee kia (thin noodles)
- 150g minced pork
- 100g pork liver, sliced
- 50g mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp black vinegar
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- Chilli sauce, fish sauce
- Fried shallots, lard
Instructions:
- Marinate minced pork with soy sauce for 30 minutes
- Blanch noodles in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain
- Stir-fry minced pork until fragrant
- Add liver and mushrooms, cook 2 minutes
- Toss noodles with vinegar, soy sauce, and chilli
- Top with the eat mixture and fried shallots
Traditional Yong Tau Foo Recipe
Ingredients:
- 200g fish paste (threadfin)
- 8 pieces of tofu, hollowed
- 4 bitter gourd rings
- 4 chilli peppers, deseeded
- 4 okra pieces
- 1L clear soup stock
- White pepper, salt
Instructions:
- Mix fish paste with white pepper and salt
- Stuff tofu and vegetables with fish paste
- Steam-stuffed items for 15 minutes
- Boil in clear soup stock for 5 minutes
- Serve with sweet sauce and chilli sauce
Authentic Carrot Cake (Chai Tow Kway) Recipe
Ingredients:
- 300g white radish cake, cubed
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp preserved radish (chai po)
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (for black version)
- Garlic, cooking oil
- Bean sprouts, spring onions
Instructions:
- HHHeathe ok with the garlic, and garlic until fragrant
- Add radish cake cubes, stir-fry until crispy edges
- Push to one side, scramble eggs
- Mix eggs with radish cake
- Add preserved radish, soy sauce
- For the lack of version: add dark soy sauce
- Garnish with bean sprouts and spring onions
Perfect Fishball Noodles Recipe
Ingredients:
- 300g yellow noodles or bee hoon
- 200g fish paste (mackerel/threadfin)
- 1L pork bone stock
- 100g minced pork
- Lettuce, bean sprouts
- White pepper, salt, and fish sauce
Fish Ball Preparation:
- Mix the fish paste with salt and white pepper
- Use a spoon to shape into balls
- Boil in stock until they float (5-7 minutes)
Assembly:
- Blanch noodles and vegetables
- Heat stock, season with salt and pepper
- Serve noodles with fishballs and stock
- Add minced pork and vegetables
Indonesian Specialties
Authentic Mee Rebus Recipe
Ingredients:
- 300g fresh yellow noodles
- 200g prawns, peeled
- 100g sweet potato, cubed
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 3 tbsp sweet potato flour
- Bean sprouts, tofu, fried shallots
Gravy:
- 4 shallots, 3 garlic, 2 chillies blended
- 1 tbsp shrimp paste
- 2 tbsp palm sugar
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Frthe y the blended paste until fragrant
- Add prawns, cook until pink
- Add water, tamarind, and sweet potato
- Simmer 20 minutes until thick
- Thicken with sweet potato flour mixture
- Serve over noodles with eggs and garnishes
Traditional Gado Gado Recipe
Ingredients:
- Mixed vegetables: cabbage, bean sprouts, cucumber, tofu
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- Keropok (crackers)
Peanut Sauce:
- 200g roasted peanuts
- 3 chillies, 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp palm sugar
- 1 tsp shrimp paste
- Salt, water
Instructions:
- Grind peanuts coarsely
- Blend chilli, garlic, and shrimp paste
- Mix with peanuts, tamarind, and sugar
- Add water to the desired consistency
- Serve vegetables with peanut sauce
Thai Favorites
Authentic Tom Yum Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 500ml chicken stock
- 200g prawns, peeled
- 100g mushrooms, sliced
- 3 lemongrass stalks, bruised
- 4 kaffir lime leaves
- 3 bird’s eye chillies
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp tom yum paste
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Boil stock with lemongrass, lime leaves
- Add tom yum paste, fish sauce
- Add prawns and mushrooms
- Simmer 5 minutes until prawns are cooked
- Add lime juice and chovies
- Garnish with cilantro
Perfect Mango Sticky Rice Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup glutinous rice, soaked overnight
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 3 tbsp palm sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 ripe mangoes, sliced
- Toasted mung beans for garnish
Instructions:
- Steam soaked rice for 25 minutes
- Hethe at coconut milk with sugar and salt
- Pour half-cooked rice, mix well
- Let the rice absorb the coconut milk
- Serve with mango slices
- Drizzle the remaining coconut milk on top
Traditional Chinese Desserts
Silky Almond Tofu Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 packet agar powder
- 400ml water
- 200ml fresh milk
- 100ml almond extract
- 3 tbsp sugar
- Mixed fruits for serving
Instructions:
- Dissolve agar in boiling water
- Add milk, almond extract, and sugar
- Stir until the sugar dissolves
- Pour into moulds, refrigerate 2 hours
- Cut into cubes, serve with fruits
Traditional Black Sesame Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 100g black sesame seeds, toasted
- 50g glutinous rice flour
- 600ml water
- 4 tbsp rock sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions:
- Grind toasted sesame seeds finely
- Mix glutinous rice flour with water
- Boil the mixture, stirring constantly
- Add sesame powder and sugar
- Thicken with cornstarch slurry
- Serve hot
Food Delivery Options Summary
- Josh’s Grill: Island-wide delivery
- Miam Miam: Island-wide delivery
- Monster Curry: Available through the website
- Nando’s: Available through the website
- Albert Centre Stalls: Most available through GrabFood, Foodpanda, Deliveroo
- Chain Restaurants: Usually available on all major delivery platforms
- Traditional Hawker Stalls: Limited delivery, best visited in person
- Thai/Indonesian Restaurants: Available through major delivery apps
Specialised Dietary Options in Bugis
Halal-Certified Options
- Monster Curry: Halal-certified with an extensive menu
- Nando’s: Halal flame-grilled chicken
- Many Albert Centre stalls: Check individual stall certifications
- Malay/Indonesian stalls: Generally halal-compliant
Vegetarian-Friendly
- Yong Tau Foo stalls: Wide variety of vegetable options
- Gado Gado: Traditional Indonesian vegetarian salad
- Chinese vegetarian stalls: Tofu and mock meat dishes
- Thai restaurants: Many vegetarian curry and stir-fry options
Late Night/24-Hour Options
- Haidilao: 24/7 hot pot dining
- Seng Huat Bak Chor Mee: 24-hour noodle stall
- Some Albert Centre stalls: Extended hours until late night
- McDonald’s/KFC: 24-hour fast food options
Budget Breakdown by Price Range
Ultra Budget (S$1-3)
- Chee Cheong Fun, Tau Huay
- Chinese desserts (Tang Shui)
- Chwee Kueh, small portions
Budget Friendly (S$3-5)
- Most hawker dishes (Carrot Cake, Mee Rebus)
- Indonesian fare (Gado Gado, Soto)
- Basic noodle soups
Mid-Range Budget (S$5-10)
- Yong Tau Foo, Fishball Noodles
- Curry dishes, Thai mains
- Larger hawker portions
Restaurant Budget (S$10-20)
- Josh’s Grill mains
- Yakiniku sets
- Fusion cuisine
Cooking Tips for Home Recreation
Essential Equipment
- Wok: For proper stir-frying and wok hei
- Steamer: For dim sum and fish preparations
- Sharp cleaver: For precise cutting
- Mortar and pestle: For spice pastes
Key Ingredients to Stock
- Soy sauces: Light, dark, and thick varieties
- Oils: Sesame oil, peanut oil, lard
- Aromatics: Ginger, garlic, shallots
- Spice pastes: Chilli, shrimp paste, curry pastes
Cooking Techniques
- High heat stir-frying: For wok hei (breath of wok)
- Slow braising: For tender meats and rich flavours
- Steaming: For preserving delicate textures
- Deep frying: For crispy textures
Budget Tips for Eating in Bugis
- Hawker centres offer the most affordable options (S$3-7 per meal)
- Restaurant main courses range S$10-20
- Food courts in malls provide air-conditioned dining at moderate prices
- Many places offer set meals or combo deals
- Lunch hours often have promotional pricing
Pricing Tiers:
- Budget: SG $1-4 (Hawker centres, local coffee shops)
- Mid-range: SG $8-15 (Speciality coffee, casual dining
- Premium: Hotel dining, fine dining restaurants
Food Delivery Options:
- Limited Information: Most establishments appear to be dine-in focused
- Takeaway Available: Several hawker stalls and coffee shops
- No Delivery Mentioned: For most locations
Tourist Accessibility:
- Highest Value: Maxwell Food Centre, Tong Ah Eating House, Original Katong Laksa, Atlas Bar
- Moderate Accessibility: Most hawker centres and established restaurants
- Advance Planning Required: The Ampang Kitchen, Burnt Ends reservations
Cultural Significance:
- Historical: Tong Ah (1939), Singapore Zam Zam (1908), Song Fa (1969)
- Heritage Preservation: Kim Choo Kueh Chang, Tan’s Tu Tu Coconut Cake
- Modern Innovation: Burnt Ends, Cloudstreet, % Arabica
Cooking Techniques Highlighted:
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