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CURRENT LOW-COST EATERIES IN SINGAPORE (2025)

Maintaining the spirit of the original “under $20” guide with today’s best budget options

HAWKER CENTERS – THE ULTIMATE BUDGET DINING

1. OLD AIRPORT ROAD FOOD CENTRE ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Address: 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051 Price Range: $3-$8 per dish Highlights: Built in 1972, this ic

onic food centre has stood the test of time and continues to be a favourite among locals and visitors alike

Must-Try Dishes:

Char Kway Teow: $4-6
Hainanese Chicken Rice: $3.50-5
Laksa: $4-6
Satay: $0.70 per stick

2. MAXWELL FOOD CENTRE ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Address: 1 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore 069184 Celebrity Endorsed: Recently in May 2025, Lady Gaga also graced Maxwell Food Centre with her presence while on tour in Singapore. She and her posse ordered local dishes and multiple cups of Milo Dinosaur, Tsingtao and Chang beers

Famous Stalls:

Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice: $3.50-5
Zhen Zhen Porridge: $4-8
Jin Hua Fish Ball Noodle: $3.50-5

3. ABC BRICKWORKS FOOD CENTRE

Address: 6 Jalan Bukit Merah, Singapore 150006 Details: Located in Redhill, ABC Brickworks opened in 1974 and currently houses a whopping 96 food stalls. It’s a popular supper spot, with several stalls opening past 11pm

Price Analysis: Special things like BBQ stingray can go up to S$10–S$15, or chilli crab, which is pricier at S$25+ per crab. Drinks and snacks on the other hand usually only cost S$1–S$3

FOOD COURTS – AIR-CONDITIONED BUDGET DINING

1. KOPITIAM FOOD COURTS

Multiple Locations: Kopitiam Food Hall @ Jem 50 Jurong Gateway Road, #05-01, Singapore 608549. Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 8.30am to 10pm

Menu Highlights:

Economic Rice: $3-6 (choose your dishes)
Wanton Noodles: $4-6
Chicken Cutlet Rice: $5-7
Traditional Kaya Toast Set: $3-5

2. FOOD REPUBLIC

Multiple Mall Locations Price Range: $5-12 per dish Concept: Premium food court with international cuisines in air-conditioned comfort

BUDGET RESTAURANT CHAINS (2025)

1. KILLINEY KOPITIAM ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Multiple Locations Price Range: All mains under $10

Menu: Killiney Kopitiam serves a wide variety of local favourites, such as mee rebus ($5.20), mee siam ($5), and laksa ($5.20), with all of the mains coming in below $10. You can indulge in a dessert such as grass jelly

Signature Dishes:

Mee Rebus: $5.20
Mee Siam: $5.00
Laksa: $5.20
Kaya Toast Set: $3.80
Traditional Kopi: $1.60

2. HAWKER CHAN (MICHELIN BUDGET)

Multiple Locations Claim to Fame: Bid goodbye to long queues at hot and stuffy Chinatown Complex – you can now have a taste of chef Chan Hon Meng’s Michelin-winning dishes at his new quick-service restaurant, Hawker Chan. The air-conditioned restaurant sits 80 and serves the same dishes that catapulted Chan to fame

Menu:

Soya Sauce Chicken Rice: $3.80
Char Siew Rice: $5.80
Wanton Noodles: $4.50

3. BANGKOK JAM

Multiple Mall Locations Analysis: An affordable Thai spot inside a mall, but it doesn’t feel rushed or crowded. Bangkok Jam keeps things easy and relaxed, perfect for a quick meal or a laid-back gathering

Popular Dishes:

Pad Thai: $9.90
Green Curry: $12.90
Tom Yum Soup: $8.90
Thai Fried Rice: $9.90

AFFORDABLE CAFÉ CHAINS

1. TOAST BOX

Multiple Locations Traditional Kopitiam Experience

Menu Highlights:

Kaya Toast Set: $4.20
Soft-boiled Eggs: $1.60
Traditional Kopi/Teh: $1.80-2.40
Laksa: $6.90
Curry Chicken: $7.90

2. WANG CAFÉ (SOMERSET OUTLET)

Address: Somerset area Special Items: If you’re planning a visit to their Somerset cafe, make sure to get their outlet-exclusive items such as Claypot Mee Tai Mak ($9.90+), Curry Chicken Chee Cheong Fun ($9.90+), and Milo Toast ($4+). Out of the lot, we recommend the Claypot Mee Tai Mak for a hearty and delicious meal

SPECIALTY BUDGET SPOTS

1. TEKKA CENTRE – LITTLE INDIA

Address: 665 Buffalo Road, Singapore 210665 Specialty: Inside Tekka Center, Allauddin’s Briyani serves plates and plates of delicious briyani. The smells of it cooking wafts through the air nearby. Whenever I watch them pack bright orange-yellow rice and steaming chunks of meat onto plates from those big briyani pots.

Must-Try:

Mutton Briyani: $6-8
Chicken Briyani: $5-7
Fish Head Curry: $12-15
Prata varieties: $1.50-3

BUDGET DINING TIPS FOR 2025

Singapore’s Budget-Friendly Restaurants: 2025 Updated Review

A comprehensive update on Singapore’s affordable dining scene, originally compiled in 2012-2015

Executive Summary

The Singapore dining landscape has evolved dramatically since this guide was first published. Food prices increased by 2.4% in November 2024, and many restaurants have adapted their concepts, locations, and pricing. Here’s an updated review of the establishments from the original list:

CURRENTLY OPERATING ESTABLISHMENTS

1. SAVEUR RESTAURANT ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Status: Still Operating – Multiple Locations

Updated Address: 5 Purvis Street #01-04 Singapore 188584

Current Operating Hours: Tuesday to Friday 12-3pm (last order 2.30pm), 5-10pm (last order 9.30pm) Saturday & Sunday 12-10pm (last order 9.30pm)

2025 Price Range: Dishes priced around: $26 (significant increase from original $8-9.90)

Ambience: Classic French bistro atmosphere with intimate lighting and European décor. The Purvis Street location maintains its cozy, unpretentious charm that made it famous.

CURRENT MENU & DISHES:

Appetizers:

Saveur’s Angel Hair Pasta with Sherry minced Pork and Sakura Ebi: $4.90 (2021 price)
Pan Seared Foie Gras with Lentils and pickled onion: $7.90 (2021 price)
Duck Rillette with Toast: $7.90 (2021 price)
Kale Salad: Locally-grown curly Kale, baby red radish, shallots, grapes, blue cheese, house-made sour plum and palm sugar vinaigrette

View Post

Signature Dishes:

Signature Saveur Pasta: House specialty with unique preparation
Duck Confit: The restaurant’s famous dish, slow-cooked duck leg with crispy skin
Set Menu: At $68++ per pax, includes multiple courses

Beverages & Extras:

Wines, Charcuterie and cheese: Curated selection of French accompaniments

Cooking Instructions – Duck Confit (Home Recreation):

Ingredients:
- 4 duck legs
- 2 tbsp coarse salt
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 cups duck fat
- Fresh thyme

Instructions:
1. Season duck legs with salt, herbs 24hrs prior
2. Rinse and pat dry
3. Slowly cook in duck fat at 200°F for 2-3 hours
4. Store in fat until ready to serve
5. Crisp skin under broiler before plating

Delivery Options: Islandwide Food Delivery Available. Free Delivery above $100

Verdict: While prices have increased significantly, Saveur remains one of Singapore’s most accessible French restaurants. Rated 3.8 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #524 of 9,836 restaurants in Singapore.

2. CLUB STREET SOCIAL

Status: Needs Verification

Original Address: 5 Gemmill Lane, off Club Street

Analysis: Club Street area remains active, but specific restaurant status unclear. The area has seen significant F&B turnover.

3. FRESH FRUITS LAB

Status: Likely Closed/Relocated

Original Concept Analysis: The laboratory theme with beakers and test tubes was innovative for 2012. Similar concepts have emerged in Singapore’s café scene, particularly health-focused establishments.

ORIGINAL MENU HIGHLIGHTS:

Fish & Chips: S$19
Da Bomb Burger: S$19
Messy Big Breakfast: S$17
Rainbow Cake: S$7

Recipe Recreation – Da Bomb Burger (Inspired):

Ingredients:
- 150g grass-fed beef patty
- Brioche bun
- Mixed greens with fresh fruit chunks (mango, apple, berries)
- Avocado slices
- Special "bomb" sauce (mayo, sriracha, honey, lime juice)
- Fresh fruit garnish
- Sweet potato fries

Cooking Instructions:
1. Season beef patty with salt, pepper, and garlic powder
2. Grill patty 4-5 minutes each side for medium
3. Toast brioche bun lightly with butter
4. Layer bottom bun with mixed greens and fruit chunks
5. Add grilled patty and avocado slices
6. Drizzle with "bomb" sauce
7. Top with more greens and close burger
8. Serve with sweet potato fries and fruit salad

Rainbow Cake Recreation:

Ingredients:
- 6 different colored cake layers (natural coloring from fruit purees)
- Cream cheese frosting
- Fresh berries for decoration

Instructions:
1. Bake 6 thin cake layers in rainbow colors
2. Layer with cream cheese frosting between each
3. Coat entire cake with white frosting
4. Decorate with fresh fruits arranged by color
5. Chill for 2 hours before serving

4. HOOPLA COFFEE & KITCHEN

Status: Uncertain

Original Address: #01-05, Infinite Studios, 21 Media Circle

Concept Analysis: The “everything under $17” model was ahead of its time. Current market analysis shows similar establishments now pricing mains at $20-35.

5. JAI THAI

Status: Unknown – Multiple Locations Listed

Original Addresses:

27 Purvis Street #01-01
7 Clover Way

ORIGINAL MENU HIGHLIGHTS:

Pad Thai: S$5 (generous serving with prawns)
Green Curry Chicken: Affordable Thai staple
Beef Kway Teow: Stir-fried rice noodles
Stir-fried Pork with Thai Basil: Classic Thai dish

2025 Market Analysis: The famous $5 Pad Thai was exceptional value. Current Thai restaurants typically charge $12-18 for similar dishes.

Pad Thai Recipe Recreation:

Ingredients:
- 200g rice noodles (soaked until soft)
- 100g prawns, peeled
- 2 eggs
- 100g bean sprouts
- 3 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp palm sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Crushed peanuts, lime wedges
- Thai chili flakes

Instructions:
1. Heat wok with oil over high heat
2. Scramble eggs, set aside
3. Stir-fry prawns until pink
4. Add soaked noodles with sauce mixture
5. Toss until noodles are coated and heated through
6. Add bean sprouts and scrambled eggs
7. Garnish with peanuts, lime, and chili flakes
8. Serve immediately

6. K. COOK KOREAN BBQ BUFFET

Status: Likely Closed

Original Address: #07-01, Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road

2015 Pricing vs 2025 Market:

Original lunch: $14.90++ (Mon-Fri)
Current market rate for Korean BBQ buffet: $35-50++

7. KINSA SUSHI

Status: Requires Verification

Original Address: HillV2 #02-02, 4 Hillview Rise

Signature Dish Analysis – Wagyon Don:

Original Price: $24.80 (Grade A4 Kagoshima Wagyu)
Current Market Equivalent: $45-65

8. LITTLE DINER

Status: Unknown

Original Address: 789 Bukit Timah Road

ORIGINAL MENU HIGHLIGHTS:

Truffle Fries: S$9.50
Buttermilk Fried Chicken: S$18.50
Beef Burger: S$21.50
Truffle Mac & Cheese: S$20.50
Nutella French Toast: S$16.50

Menu Recreation – Truffle Mac & Cheese (Inspired):

Ingredients:
- 300g macaroni pasta
- 200ml heavy cream
- 100ml whole milk
- 100g gruyere cheese, grated
- 50g parmesan cheese, grated
- 30g butter
- 30g plain flour
- 2 tbsp truffle oil
- Salt, pepper, nutmeg
- Breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions:
1. Cook macaroni pasta until al dente, drain
2. Make roux: melt butter, whisk in flour, cook 2 minutes
3. Gradually add cream and milk, whisk until smooth
4. Add cheeses gradually, stirring until melted
5. Season with salt, pepper, pinch of nutmeg
6. Combine pasta with cheese sauce
7. Transfer to baking dish, top with breadcrumbs
8. Bake at 180°C for 15 minutes until golden
9. Drizzle with truffle oil before serving

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups plain flour
- 1 tsp each: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
- Oil for frying

Instructions:
1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk for 4+ hours
2. Mix flour with spices
3. Dredge chicken in seasoned flour
4. Deep fry at 350°F for 12-15 minutes
5. Drain on paper towels
6. Serve with honey butter and pickles

MARKET ANALYSIS: 2025 DINING LANDSCAPE

Price Evolution

The original guide featured mains under $20. Today’s equivalent establishments typically charge:

Casual dining mains: $18-28
Premium casual: $25-35
Fine dining: $35-55

New Players in Budget Dining

Recent openings show mains from $12.90-14 for lunch menus, indicating the budget dining segment has adapted rather than disappeared.

Delivery Revolution

Most establishments now offer comprehensive delivery through multiple platforms:

GrabFood
Foodpanda
Deliveroo
Direct restaurant delivery

CUISINE CATEGORIES STILL THRIVING

Japanese Casual Dining

The conveyor belt sushi and ramen segments have expanded significantly, with new establishments maintaining accessible pricing.

Thai Cuisine

Remains one of the most affordable ethnic cuisines in Singapore, with neighborhood spots still offering mains under $15.

Café Culture

The café scene has exploded, with new establishments focusing on:

Specialty coffee
Instagram-worthy presentations
Health-conscious options
All-day dining menus

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BUDGET DINING IN 2025

For Under $20 Mains:

Hawker Centers – Still the best value
Thai Restaurants – Neighborhood establishments
Japanese Lunch Sets – Many offer $12-18 options
Food Courts – Premium options in malls

For $20-30 Range:

Casual Dining Chains
Independent Cafés
Ethnic Restaurants (Indian, Vietnamese, Malaysian)

CONCLUSION

While the specific restaurants from the 2012-2015 guide have largely evolved or closed, Singapore’s affordable dining scene remains vibrant. The definition of “budget dining” has shifted from under $20 to under $30 for mains, reflecting broader economic changes.

Key Takeaways:

Prices have increased 40-60% across most categories
Delivery options have become universal
Health-conscious and Instagram-worthy presentations are now standard
The fundamental appeal of good food at reasonable prices remains constant

For Current Dining: Focus on hawker centers, food courts, and ethnic neighborhood restaurants for the best value. The spirit of the original guide – finding quality meals without breaking the bank – remains achievable with adjusted expectations for pricing.

Note: This review is based on available information as of August 2025. Restaurant status, pricing, and availability may change. Always verify current information before visiting.

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