Despite Singapore’s reputation as one of the world’s most expensive cities, the island nation offers a surprising array of affordable dining options that deliver exceptional value without compromising on quality. This comprehensive review explores 28 establishments where diners can enjoy satisfying meals for around $10 or less, proving that budget-friendly dining in Singapore extends far beyond the traditional hawker centre experience.
Chinese & Dim Sum
Swee Choon Tim Sum – The 24/7 Dim Sum Destination
Located in Jalan Besar, Swee Choon has established itself as Singapore’s premier late-night dim sum destination. With dim sum starting at just $1.60, this restaurant challenges the notion that quality dim sum must be expensive. Standout dishes include the congee with minced pork and century egg ($3.90), signature mee-suah kueh, Portuguese egg tarts, chee cheong fun (from $2.40), and the rich custard-filled salted egg liu sha bao ($5.10). Operating hours of 7am-4am Wednesday through Monday make it a go-to supper spot, though expect queues well into the early morning hours.
So Good Char Chan Tang – Hong Kong Classics Done Right
This Hong Kong-style eatery with multiple locations across Singapore delivers authentic cha chaan teng fare at remarkable prices. A bowl of shrimp wonton noodles costs $8.30, while curry beef brisket rice is priced at $9.50. Silky steamed rolls start from just $4. The real value emerges during off-peak hours when hearty set meals begin at $7, making it an excellent choice for those willing to time their visits strategically.
Dumpling Darlings – Simple Menu, Exceptional Execution
Situated along Amoy Street in Tanjong Pagar, this casual joint focuses on doing a few things exceptionally well. Noodle bowls start from $9 in flavors like miso mushroom, braised pork, and Sichuan pork. The dumplings are the star attraction at $8 for five pieces, while the crispy pierogis stuffed with smoked bacon, truffle potato, caramelized onion, cheddar, and sriracha cream offer an innovative twist at the same price point.
Japanese Cuisine
Katsu-an – Japanese Comfort at Coffee Shop Prices
This City Hall establishment democratizes Japanese cuisine with pork loin katsu rice bowls starting at just $5.90. For an additional $1.20, diners can upgrade to a gooey soft-boiled egg. The teishoku sets, beginning at $7.90, include loin katsu, rice, soup, and a side dish. With no service charge and only GST applied, it represents exceptional value for Japanese food in Singapore’s CBD.
Tenya Singapore – Tokyo Heritage Meets Efficiency
This heritage chain from 1980s Tokyo utilizes specialized tempura-frying machines capable of producing over 1,000 perfectly crisp pieces per hour. This efficiency translates to affordability, with the signature tendon bowl priced at $9.90, featuring prawn, redfish, squid, pumpkin, and French beans. The vegetable tendon ($9.50) offers an equally delicious plant-based option, while a “less rice” option saves an additional $0.50.
Ichikokudo Hokkaido Ramen – Halal Chicken Ramen Excellence
This halal-certified chain revolutionizes ramen by replacing traditional pork bone broth with an umami-rich blend of chicken, vegetables, kelp, and bonito flakes. The clear shoyu ramen ($9.90) features chicken chashu, marinated egg, seasoned bamboo shoots, aosa seaweed, and shredded white leek. The reduced oil content and clean-tasting broth make it remarkably easy to finish the entire bowl. With four locations across Singapore, accessibility is excellent.
Yakiniku-Go – Smokeless BBQ in the Heartlands
This fast-casual yakiniku concept with six heartland locations offers electric grill cooking without lingering odors. The Hero Set ($9.90) delivers exceptional value with a 100-gram Oyster Blade steak, shiitake mushroom, onion, rice, soup, and choice of kimchi or salad. Active social media followers can benefit from promotions ranging from 50 percent discounts to one-for-one deals.
Indian Cuisine
MTR – Bangalore Institution’s Singapore Outpost
Mavalli Tiffin Room serves arguably Singapore’s finest thosai, made Karnataka-style from a 60-year-old recipe using fermented rice and black lentils. Plain thosai costs $6, while masala thosai is $7. The thosai are sinfully ghee-laced and served piping hot with sambhar and chutney, requiring no modifications to the time-tested recipe.
Azmi Restaurant – Little India’s Chapati King
This no-frills establishment at Little India specializes in the perfect marriage of chapati (from $1.20) and mutton keema ($4). The warm flatbread pairs beautifully with the devil-red mix of minced mutton, potato, and peas. The chana masala has cultivated its own devoted following among regulars.
Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s Super Crispy Roti Prata – Mini Coins of Crispy Gold
This beloved Joo Chiat stall serves mini, crispy coin prata that achieves remarkable crackle. Plain prata starts at just $1.50, while egg prata costs $2. Best enjoyed dunked in fish or mutton curry, these dough discs are fantastic both alone and with accompaniments. The small stall often runs out early, requiring persistence from would-be diners.
Komala Vilas – South Indian Reliability Since 1947
This established franchise serves hearty thali meals and thosais on metal trays. The vegetable biryani set ($10.50) includes saffron rice, chapati, and assorted curries, pickles, and sauces. The thosai meal ($10) offers choices between paper thosai for thin crispiness or masala thosai for enhanced flavor, served with vegetables, vegetable curry, dhal, raita, payasam, appalam, and pickles.
Southeast Asian Flavors
Thai Tantric – Authentic Thai in Unexpected Locale
Located on Orchard Tower’s third floor, this casual eatery serves authentic Thai food with most mains priced between $8-$9. Generous portions justify the price point. The Thai-style char kway teow ($8), or pad see ew, features flat noodles fried with dark soy sauce until smoky and slightly charred, rivaling the local delicacy.
Ba Buông Bánh Mì – Vietnamese Excellence in the West
This Vietnamese-owned joint in Jurong East and Yishun offers banh mi starting from $5. The heo quay (roast pork) at $7 showcases crispy, juicy pork complementing soft, fluffy bread perfectly. Combo meals with traditional Vietnamese coffee cost $8.50, while sweeter ca phe sua dua (coconut milk coffee) is available for $2.50.
Hjh Maimunah – Award-Winning Nasi Padang
This Joo Chiat institution draws queues before lunchtime for stellar beef rendang, sambal goreng, and fast-selling tauhu telor. Rarer dishes like lemak siput sedut (sea snails in coconut-rich broth) complement quintessential nasi padang offerings, all starting from just $4. An express outlet at Hong Leong Building’s basement offers a less crowded alternative.
Lechon Republic – Cebu’s Pride in Novena
This casual Filipino joint celebrates lechon with the lechon paksiw set ($8.50), featuring juicy meat coated in lechon sauce, beef stock, and bay leaves, accompanied by rice and a drink. The crackling skin gives way to tender meat and layers of juicy fat, creating a flavor explosion that delivers exceptional value.
Local Singaporean Favorites
Killiney Kopitiam – Heritage Coffee Shop Value
Singapore’s oldest coffee shop serves nasi lemak for just $2.80 in the heart of town. The menu features local favorites like mee rebus ($5.20), mee siam ($5), and laksa ($5.20), with all mains under $10. Diners can add grass jelly with longan ($3) and coffee (from $1.90) while remaining under budget.
Sungei Road Laksa – Traditional Katong Laksa Excellence
This establishment serves traditional Katong Laksa topped with cockles, green leaves, and sauces for only $4. The rich, textured broth demands to be slurped to the last drop. At this price point, ordering seconds barely registers financially while ensuring complete satisfaction.
East Treasure Speciality Prawn Noodle – Two Styles, One Great Bowl
This Marine Parade joint serves both local and Penang-style prawn noodles at $7.80. The bowl includes three palm-size prawns, thick pork belly slices, crunchy beansprouts, kangkong, and umami-rich broth. The pork rib noodle ($7.80) offers an alternative for those avoiding peeling duties, while the first soup refill comes free.
Liao Fan Hawker Chan – Michelin on a Budget
Known as the world’s cheapest Michelin meal, Hawker Chan’s air-conditioned restaurant seats 80 and serves the soya sauce chicken rice (from $6.80) that brought chef Chan Hon Meng international fame. Insiders note that the char siew deserves more attention than the Michelin-recognized chicken.
Seng Kee Black Chicken Herbal Soup – East Coast Supper Staple
This popular supper spot serves nourishing herbal mee sua (from $5.80) swimming with vermicelli and slices of pork, kidney, and liver throughout the day. Herbal black chicken soups boiled with ginseng or cordyceps attract health-conscious diners, while the crispy JB pan-fried bee hoon ($10.80) delivers serious wok-hei.
Western & International Options
Meatsmith – Nashville Smokehouse Specials
This Telok Ayer smokehouse serves its juicy Meatsmith Cheeseburger for $10 on Tuesdays only, featuring a hefty grilled and smoked patty. Thursdays bring $10 pulled pork sandwiches. These promotional prices represent significant savings from the regular $16 price tag, making strategic timing essential.
Sonny’s Slice Shop – New York Slice Culture
Inspired by New York’s grab-and-go culture, this circular Road establishment sells 48-hour fermented dough pizzas by the slice. Made with low-gluten 00 flour and fresh beer yeast, the pies achieve perfect crispiness and chewiness. The “I’m Going Green” vegetarian slice ($7.80) with mushrooms and rich bechamel sauce proves plant-based pizzas can rival meat-based versions.
Tangled Pasta – Fresh Pasta Under $10
This five-location chain with a takeaway kiosk at Bugis Junction serves fresh pasta without food coloring or preservatives. Options include squid ink spaghetti, mushroom or beetroot pappardelle, and spinach penne. Build-your-own pasta starts at $6.90 with over 20 customization options, while house pastas begin at $9.90.
Contemporary & Fusion
Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe – Nostalgic Decor, Modern Twists
This four-location chain recreates 1950s-80s kopitiam atmosphere while serving local favorites like dry mee siam (from $8.90) and hor fun with egg ($6.90). Unique offerings include curry leaves french fries ($4.80) and chicken floss thick toast ($4.80), bridging traditional and contemporary tastes.
Super Simple – Customizable Salad Value
This salad bar offers customizable bowls starting from $9.90 with over 30 options for bases, toppings, and dressings. For those overwhelmed by choices, the ‘No Fuss’ section provides house salads with recommended pairings at the same starting price.
ALC Rice Bowls – Hawker to CBD Success
Originating at Yishun Park Hawker Centre, this concept now operates in the CBD, combining modern Hakka rice bowls (from $8.80) with freshly made min jiang kueh (from $1.80). The Hakka vege rice bowl features homemade potato salad, coleslaw, tofu, and mani cai atop fluffy rice, with optional Hakka meatballs for an additional $1.60.
Prince Noodles – KL-Style Pan Mee Perfection
This Jalan Besar establishment focuses exclusively on KL-style dry ban mian and two dumpling varieties, perfecting their limited menu. Noodles start at $6 with choices of you mian, mee hoon kueh, or ban mian. Sides like chive and pork dumplings or chicken karaage cost $5, pushing the total slightly over $10 but delivering excellent value.
Slow Bakes – Heartland Hidden Gem
Overlooking Yishun Pond, this breezy café serves traditional breakfasts of artisanal toast, soft-boiled eggs, and Nanyang coffee with a view, all under $10. Coffees start from $1.80 and fresh bakes from $2.80. The early 2pm closing time rewards early risers and breakfast enthusiasts.
Key Insights & Recommendations
Value Propositions
The establishments reviewed demonstrate several value-creating strategies. Volume operations like Tenya’s tempura machines and Swee Choon’s extended hours spread fixed costs across more servings. Heartland locations like Yakiniku-Go and Slow Bakes maintain lower rents while serving quality food. Focused menus at Prince Noodles and Dumpling Darlings reduce complexity and waste.
Geographic Distribution
Cheap eats span Singapore’s geography from CBD locations like Katsu-an to heartland gems like Slow Bakes in Yishun. Orchard area surprisingly offers options like Thai Tantric and Tenya, while traditional ethnic enclaves like Little India (Azmi Restaurant) and Joo Chiat (Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s, Hjh Maimunah) maintain authentic, affordable fare.
Cuisine Diversity
Singapore’s multicultural fabric reflects in affordable dining options spanning Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, Malay, Filipino, and Western cuisines. This diversity ensures dietary preferences, cultural traditions, and culinary curiosities all find satisfaction within budget constraints.
Strategic Dining Tips
Timing matters significantly. Off-peak visits to So Good Char Chan Tang access $7 set meals. Tuesday burger deals at Meatsmith and Thursday sandwich promotions provide 37.5% savings. Early arrival at Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s and Hjh Maimunah ensures access to popular items before sell-outs. Social media following yields promotion awareness at Yakiniku-Go.
Quality Considerations
Affordability doesn’t mandate quality compromise. Michelin recognition for Liao Fan Hawker Chan, 60-year-old recipes at MTR, heritage status of Killiney Kopitiam and Tenya, and award-winning credentials of Hjh Maimunah all demonstrate that exceptional food exists at accessible price points.
Conclusion
Singapore’s cheap eats landscape defies the city-state’s expensive reputation through diverse cuisines, strategic operations, and quality commitments. Whether seeking dim sum at Swee Choon, thosai at MTR, banh mi at Ba Buông, or katsu at Katsu-an, diners access satisfying meals for around $10. The key lies in knowing where to look, when to visit, and what to order. These 28 establishments prove that budget-conscious dining in Singapore extends far beyond hawker centres, offering air-conditioned comfort, specialized cuisines, and unique dining experiences while preserving financial prudence. In a city where dining often strains wallets, these venues ensure everyone accesses Singapore’s celebrated food culture regardless of budget constraints.
- 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:
Maxthon
In an age where the digital world is in constant flux and our interactions online are ever-evolving, the importance of prioritizing 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. Utilizing 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 specialized 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 prioritized every step of the way.