Lately, the world feels heavy. Prices climb, headlines roar, and worries pile up. Yet, even on hard days, small joys can shine like gold.
Picture this: a table glowing with good food, friends laughing beside you, and for a while, every care melts away. In Singapore, those SG60 vouchers aren’t just discounts — they’re your key to moments like these.
Use them to taste that dish you’ve dreamed about. Let rich flavors spark old memories and new smiles. Share stories. Savor each bite.
You give your best every day. Tonight, let yourself feel light. Make memories that outlast any news.
Go ahead — celebrate today. Sometimes, the best way to hope for tomorrow is to cherish now.
1. Keng Eng Kee Seafood (KEK)
Location: Alexandra Village, Blk 124 Bukit Merah Lane 1 #01-136 Cuisine: Zi Char/Chinese Seafood
Ambience: KEK offers dual dining experiences – air-conditioned restaurant seating for comfort and spacious coffeeshop areas for a more casual, authentic local atmosphere. The setting maintains the traditional zi char vibe while providing modern conveniences.
Signature Dishes & Analysis:
Coffee Pork Ribs
Analysis: KEK’s signature dish combines Western coffee culture with Chinese cooking techniques. The coffee acts as both a tenderizer and flavor enhancer, creating caramelized edges while keeping the meat succulent.
Recipe & Cooking Instructions:
- 1kg pork ribs, cut into individual pieces
- 3 tbsp ground coffee (medium roast preferred)
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
Method:
- Marinate ribs with all ingredients for minimum 4 hours
- Deep fry ribs at 170°C until golden (8-10 minutes)
- Wok-fry with remaining marinade until caramelized
- Garnish with sesame seeds
Chilli Crab
Analysis: Singapore’s national dish requires perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy elements. The sauce should coat the crab without being too thick.
Recipe & Cooking Instructions:
- 2 mud crabs (about 1kg total)
- 3 tbsp tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp chili sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, julienned
Method:
- Clean
Features: Established reputation in Singapore’s zi char scene, dual seating options cater to different preferences, extensive seafood selection
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 11am-1:15pm, 5pm-9:15pm | Sat-Sun: 11am-1:15pm, 5pm-8:30pm Contact: +65 6272 1038 Price Range: Moderate (typical zi char pricing) Delivery: Check with restaurant for current delivery options
2. Old Shifu Charcoal Porridge
Location: Tiong Bahru, 58 Seng Poh Road #01-17 Cuisine: Traditional Chinese Porridge & Zi Char
Ambience: Air-conditioned comfort in the heart of trendy Tiong Bahru. The restaurant maintains traditional cooking methods while providing modern dining comfort, creating a bridge between old and new Singapore.
Signature Dishes & Analysis:
- Charcoal-Brewed Porridge Varieties: Traditional cooking method imparts smoky depth
- Minced pork, pig’s liver, fish, century egg, cuttlefish variations
- Frog and watercress options for adventurous diners
- Ginger Chicken: Aromatic stir-fry with warming ginger notes
- Stir-fried Frog Legs: Tender texture with wok hei flavor
- Salted Fish with Beansprouts: Classic Cantonese combination
Features: Authentic charcoal cooking method, extensive porridge selection, full zi char menu, air-conditioned environment
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 8am-3pm, 5pm-9:30pm | Weekends/PH: 7am-2:30pm, 5pm-9:30pm Contact: +65 8201 8668 Price Range: Budget to Moderate Delivery: Contact restaurant for availability
3. Good Chance Popiah Eating House
Location: Silat Avenue, Block 149 #01-58 Cuisine: Traditional Fujian/Zi Char
Ambience: Basic, unpretentious setting that focuses on authentic food experience rather than flashy decor. The DIY popiah experience creates an interactive, communal dining atmosphere.
Signature Dishes & Analysis:
- DIY Traditional Fujian Popiah: Interactive experience where diners roll their own popiah with pre-prepared ingredients including turnip, carrot, lettuce, egg, and various condiments
- Extensive Zi Char Menu: Traditional dishes complementing the popiah experience
Features: Unique DIY popiah experience, authentic Fujian preparation, extensive supporting zi char menu, community-style dining
Operating Hours: 11am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm (Closed Mondays) Contact: +65 6271 0698 Price Range: Budget to Moderate Delivery: Check with restaurant
4. Westlake Restaurant
Location: Queen’s Road, Blk 4 #02-139 Cuisine: Chinese/Zi Char
Ambience: Traditional Chinese restaurant setting focusing on comfort food and family-style dining.
Signature Dishes & Analysis:
- Kong Bak Pao (Braised Pork Buns): Available in traditional braised pork and premium Spanish Iberico pork versions
- Ngo Hiang: Five-spice meat rolls with crispy exterior
- Sweet and Sour Pork: Classic preparation with balanced flavors
- Variety of noodles, vegetables, and seafood: Comprehensive zi char offerings
Features: Famous for kong bak pao variations, premium Iberico pork option, full zi char menu
Operating Hours: 11am-2pm, 5pm-9pm Contact: +65 6474 7283 Price Range: Moderate Delivery: Contact restaurant for details
5. Choupinette Cafe
Location: Bukit Timah Road, 607 #01-01 Cuisine: French-Inspired Cafe
Ambience: Charming French-inspired setting offering a European cafe experience in Singapore’s heartlands. Cozy atmosphere suitable for both casual meals and relaxed dining.
Signature Dishes & Analysis:
- Duck Confit: Tender duck leg slow-cooked in its own fat, representing authentic French technique
- Quiches: Traditional French savory tarts with various fillings
- Croissants: Buttery, flaky pastries reflecting French baking standards
- Set Lunches: Good value combinations showcasing cafe’s range
- Artisanal Coffee: Quality coffee program supporting the cafe concept
Features: Authentic French cooking techniques, good value set meals, European ambiance in heartland location
Operating Hours: Mon: 8am-4pm | Tue-Sat: 8am-9:30pm | Sun: 8am-4:30pm Contact: +65 6466 0613 Price Range: Moderate Delivery: Check Instagram or contact directly
6. Kelly Jie Seafood Restaurant
Location: Toa Payoh, Blk 211 Lorong 8 #01-11/15 Cuisine: Chinese Seafood/Zi Char
Ambience: Bustling, popular neighborhood seafood restaurant with energetic atmosphere typical of successful zi char establishments.
Signature Dishes & Analysis:
- Kan Xiang Mee Tai Mak: Dry-fried bee hoon with vegetables and seafood, featuring signature “wok hei” (breath of the wok)
- Abalone Dishes: Premium seafood offerings
- Shark’s Fin: Traditional luxury ingredient preparations
- Simple Noodles: Accessible options alongside exotic dishes
Features: Strong wok hei technique, range from simple to exotic dishes, popular neighborhood reputation
Operating Hours: 12pm-2:30pm, 4:30pm-10pm Contact: +65 8123 4156 Price Range: Moderate to High (depending on seafood selections) Delivery: Contact restaurant
7. Lai Wah Restaurant
Location: Bendemeer Road, Blk 44 #01-1436 Cuisine: Traditional Cantonese
Ambience: Old-world charm with simple decor, maintaining traditional restaurant atmosphere that reflects its historical significance in Singapore’s culinary scene.
Signature Dishes & Analysis:
- Yu Sheng (鱼生): Historical significance as reportedly the first restaurant to serve this CNY dish
- Classic Cantonese Dishes: Traditional cooking techniques and preparations
- Seasonal Specialties: Particularly known for Chinese New Year offerings
Features: Historical culinary significance, authentic Cantonese cooking techniques, traditional ambiance, seasonal specialties
Operating Hours: 11:30am-2:30pm, 6pm-9:30pm Contact: +65 6294 9922 / 6298 4460 / 9366 3971 Price Range: Moderate Delivery: Contact restaurant
8. Saffrons @ WGS
Location: Wisma Geylang Serai, #01-04 (Multiple outlets available) Cuisine: Indian Muslim
Ambience: Located in the cultural heart of the Malay-Muslim community, offering authentic atmosphere within Wisma Geylang Serai’s vibrant setting.
Signature Dishes & Analysis:
- Biryani: Fragrant rice dish with aromatic spices and tender meat
- Roti Prata: Crispy, flaky flatbread served with curry
- Murtabak: Stuffed pancake with meat and onions
- Mee Goreng Tulang: Unique spicy fried noodles with bone marrow
- Sup Tulang: Rich, flavorful bone marrow soup
Features: Diverse Indian Muslim menu, unique dishes like tulang specialties, multiple outlet locations, cultural authenticity
Operating Hours: 9am-9pm Additional Outlets: Opera Estate, Tampines Price Range: Budget to Moderate Delivery: Check website or contact outlets
9. Chin Lee Restaurant
Location: Bedok North Road, 115 #01-285 (Also at Canberra Plaza) Cuisine: Teochew Chinese
Ambience: Ground floor HDB setting maintaining authentic neighborhood restaurant feel while serving refined Teochew cuisine. Popular for family gatherings and special occasions.
Signature Dishes & Analysis:
- Traditional Teochew Favorites: Authentic regional specialties
- Contemporary Variations: Modern interpretations of classic dishes
- Family-Style Portions: Designed for sharing and special occasions
Features: Established since 1973, recognized as top Teochew restaurant in the East, family dining focus, multiple locations
Operating Hours: Lunch: 11:30am-2:30pm | Dinner: Mon-Fri 6pm-10:30pm, Weekends 5:30pm-10:30pm Contact: +65 6444 5554 / 6449 5454 Price Range: Moderate to High Delivery: Contact restaurant
10. Little Island Brewing Company
Location: Changi Village, 6 Changi Village Road #01-01/02 Cuisine: Western/Pub Food
Ambience: Unique rustic waterside setting combining restaurant, pub, and microbrewery. Relaxed atmosphere with live music performances, self-service drinks system creates interactive dining experience.
Signature Dishes & Analysis:
- Ribs: Specialty barbecue preparation
- Pizza: Wood-fired or oven-baked options
- Burgers: Gourmet burger selections
- Craft Beers: House-brewed selections
- Self-Service Drinks: Unique automated tap system for beers and cocktails
Features: Only microbrewery on list, waterside location, live music, interactive drinks system, rustic Western atmosphere
Operating Hours: Tue-Wed: 3pm-10pm | Thu-Sun: 12pm-10pm | Fri-Sat: 12pm-12am | Closed Mondays Contact: +65 6543 9100 Price Range: Moderate to High Delivery: Unlikely due to alcohol focus, contact for confirmation
11. First Culinary Restaurant
Location: ITE College Central, 2 Ang Mo Kio Drive Block A #01-09 Cuisine: Southern Chinese (Multi-regional)
Ambience: Full-service Chinese restaurant within educational institution grounds, offering professional training environment alongside quality dining.
Signature Dishes & Analysis:
- Taro Hive: Creative presentation of taro preparation
- Roast Duck: Traditional Cantonese-style preparation
- Garlic Beef Cube: Aromatic stir-fry with intense garlic flavor
- Salted Egg Yolk Prawn: Popular modern Chinese preparation
- Regional Specialties: Hokkien, Cantonese, Teochew, and Hakka dishes
Features: Multi-regional Chinese cuisine, educational institution setting, extensive seafood and zi char selections, signature creative dishes
Operating Hours: 10:30am-3pm, 5:30pm-10pm Contact: +65 6481 5500 Price Range: Moderate Delivery: Contact restaurant
12. Casuarina Curry
Location: Upper Thomson, 136 Casuarina Road Cuisine: Indian/South Indian
Ambience: Traditional Indian restaurant setting in Upper Thomson area, known for authentic preparations and extensive menu variety.
Signature Dishes & Analysis:
Pricing Analysis & Budget Tips
Cost Breakdown (Updated estimates):
Hawker Centers:
- Main dishes: 4-8 SGD
- Drinks: 1-3 SGD
- Desserts: 2-4 SGD
Casual Dining:
- Appetizers: 8-15 SGD
- Main courses: 15-30 SGD
- Beverages: 4-8 SGD
Fine Dining:
- Set meals: 50-100 SGD
- Wine pairings: 30-80 SGD
Money-Saving Tips:
- Lunch Specials: Many restaurants offer set lunches at 30-50% off dinner prices
- Hawker Centers: Best value for authentic local cuisine
- Sharing: Order multiple dishes to share, common practice in Singapore
- Avoid Tourist Areas: Prices at Clarke Quay and Marina Bay are significantly higher
- Timing: Eat during off-peak hours for better service and sometimes discounts
Delivery & Takeaway Options
Major Delivery Platforms:
GrabFood:
- Widest selection including hawker centers
- Delivery fee: 3-5 SGD
- Minimum order: 15-20 SGD
Foodpanda:
- Strong restaurant partnerships
- Subscription service available
- Regular promotions and discounts
Deliveroo:
- Premium restaurant focus
- Fastest delivery times
- Higher-end cuisine options
Hawker Center Delivery:
Many hawker centers now offer delivery through WhyQ and other local platforms, maintaining food quality through insulated packaging.
Areas to Avoid for Budget Dining
Note: Prices mentioned are estimates and may vary significantly from original 2011 figures. Always check current pricing and availability. Many establishments now offer online ordering and delivery services not available during the original guide’s publication.
- 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
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Note: Prices, delivery options, and operating hours may change. Contact restaurants directly for the most current information.