Affordable Dining in Singapore’s Shopping Hub
Somerset and Orchard have long been synonymous with high-end shopping and dining, where a single meal can easily set you back $30 or more. However, this comprehensive guide proves that eating well in town doesn’t have to mean emptying your wallet. From hidden basement gems to 24-hour eateries, the Somerset area offers surprising value for those who know where to look.
The Hidden Gems Category
1. Morinaga Izakaya Restaurant ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Location: Midpoint Orchard, #B1-08
Price Range: $11-$14++
Standout Dishes: Truffle Somen, Mentai Mayo Omelette
Tucked away in the basement of Midpoint Orchard, Morinaga Izakaya embodies the “hole-in-the-wall” experience that food enthusiasts crave. The no-frills setting immediately sets expectations for authenticity over ambiance, and the restaurant delivers.
The Food Experience:
The Truffle Somen ($14++) has earned its reputation as a crowd favorite. The cold noodles provide welcome relief from Singapore’s humidity, while the truffle oil adds luxurious depth without overwhelming the dish. The generous topping of ikura (salmon roe) brings briny pops of flavor that balance the earthiness of the truffle. For those seeking comfort food, the Mentai Mayo Omelette ($11++) offers dashi-infused tamagoyaki draped in creamy mentaiko mayo—a harmonious blend of Japanese flavors that feels both familiar and elevated.
Value Assessment: At under $15 for a satisfying main, Morinaga offers exceptional value for Japanese fare in this location. The portions are generous, and the quality ingredients justify the price point.
Best For: Solo diners or couples seeking authentic Japanese flavors without the izakaya price premium.
2. My Favourite Cafe ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: Lucky Plaza, #06-046
Price Range: $6.30
Standout Dishes: Customizable bowl with deep-fried pork meatballs and mushrooms
This unassuming cafeteria-style eatery represents perhaps the best value proposition in the entire guide. At $6.30, diners can construct their own meal with six ingredients plus carbs, or seven ingredients without carbs at the same price.
The Food Experience:
The build-your-own format allows for complete customization, catering to various dietary preferences and appetites. The deep-fried pork meatballs have achieved cult status among regulars—crispy exterior giving way to juicy, well-seasoned meat. The mushrooms, mentioned as another bestseller, likely provide umami depth and textural variety.
Atmosphere: Located on the sixth floor of Lucky Plaza, this spot embraces functional simplicity. Don’t expect Instagram-worthy interiors, but do expect hearty, no-nonsense meals that prioritize sustenance and flavor over presentation.
Value Assessment: Extraordinary. Where else in Orchard can you get a customizable, filling meal for under $7?
Best For: Budget-conscious diners, office workers on lunch break, anyone seeking maximum value.
3. Da Shi Jia ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: 89 Killiney Road
Price Range: $7.30-$19.20
Standout Dishes: Wok-fried Big Prawn White Bee Hoon, Prawn Noodle
Da Shi Jia distinguishes itself by elevating familiar hawker favorites with premium ingredients and expert technique. The restaurant’s decision to feature big prawns rather than the typical mixed seafood approach demonstrates commitment to quality over cost-cutting.
The Food Experience:
The Wok-fried Big Prawn White Bee Hoon ($19.20) showcases impressive wok hei—that elusive smoky, charred flavor that comes from high-heat cooking in a well-seasoned wok. The three fresh prawns are described as chewy in the best way, indicating proper cooking that preserves texture. The prawn broth-soaked noodles ensure every strand carries flavor.
For budget-conscious diners, the Prawn Noodle (from $7.30) offers an accessible entry point. The pro tip to request pork lard suggests traditional preparation methods that add depth and richness.
Value Assessment: While the signature dish pushes the $20 threshold, the quality and portion size justify the splurge. The regular prawn noodles offer exceptional value at the lower price point.
Best For: Seafood lovers, those craving authentic hawker fare with an upgrade.
The Cultural Experience Category
4. Jtown Cafe ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: Midpoint Orchard, #B1-04/05
Price Range: $6.90+
Standout Dishes: Bakmie Ayam, Martabak (various flavors)
Jtown Cafe brings authentic Indonesian flavors to Somerset, earning enthusiastic endorsement from Indonesian patrons—always a promising sign of authenticity.
The Food Experience:
The Bakmie Ayam ($6.90) exemplifies Indonesian comfort food. Fresh, daily-made noodles cooked al dente and tossed in a “secret savoury concoction” suggests house-made sauce with carefully balanced flavors. The chicken cubes provide protein without overwhelming the dish.
However, the real star is the martabak—Indonesian stuffed pancakes available in five flavors. The fact that they regularly sell out by 1pm speaks volumes about both quality and popularity. This scarcity adds urgency to any visit, transforming lunch into a mission.
Practical Considerations: Closed Mondays, and martabak availability is time-sensitive. Plan accordingly.
Value Assessment: Excellent for authentic Indonesian cuisine. The Muslim-owned designation (though not halal-certified) may appeal to specific diners.
Best For: Indonesian food enthusiasts, early lunch crowds, martabak devotees willing to rush for limited supplies.
5. Signs A Taste Of Vietnam Pho ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Location: Orchard Gateway, #B2-15
Price Range: $7-$13
Standout Dishes: Beef Feast Combo Pho, Fresh Pork With Prawn Rolls, Lemongrass Turmeric Chicken Banh Mi
This restaurant carries additional significance beyond its food—helmed by deaf couple Anthony and Angela, it represents both culinary skill and inspiring entrepreneurship.
The Food Experience:
The Beef Feast Combo Pho ($13) delivers on its promise of comfort and value. The clear, tantalizing broth suggests careful preparation without excessive grease or muddiness. Silky pho noodles, tender beef slices, and bouncy beef balls create textural variety that keeps each spoonful interesting.
The Fresh Pork With Prawn Rolls ($7) and Lemongrass Turmeric Chicken Banh Mi ($9) expand options beyond soup, offering lighter fare and Vietnamese sandwich classics.
Atmosphere: The restaurant’s unique story adds meaning to every meal. Communication may require pointing or written notes, but this small accommodation supports a remarkable business.
Value Assessment: Fair pricing for quality Vietnamese food with generous portions. The pho represents particular value at $13.
Best For: Vietnamese cuisine lovers, diners seeking authentic pho in town, supporting inclusive businesses.
6. Kim Dae Mun ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: Concorde Hotel, #01-03D
Price Range: $9.50-$11
Standout Dishes: Spicy Pork, Kimchi Soup With Pork, Fried Dumplings
Located within Concorde Hotel, Kim Dae Mun has built a reputation among Korean food enthusiasts as a reliable, affordable option in an otherwise expensive category.
The Food Experience:
The signature Spicy Pork ($10.50) arrives on a sizzling hotplate—always a crowd-pleaser that engages multiple senses. The flavorful pork and vegetables paired with rice create a complete, satisfying meal.
The Kimchi Soup With Pork ($9.50) offers warming comfort, particularly appealing during rainy weather or air-conditioned mall fatigue. The Beancurd Soup ($9.50) provides a milder alternative for spice-averse diners, demonstrating menu consideration for various preferences.
The Fried Dumplings ($11) work well for groups, offering Korean mandu stuffed with pork, vegetables, and glass noodles—a classic combination executed well.
Value Assessment: Exceptional for Korean food in this location. Most dishes stay well under $15 while delivering authentic flavors.
Best For: Korean food lovers on a budget, groups sharing multiple dishes, comfort food seekers.
The Western & Fusion Category
7. Burgs ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: 313@Somerset, #05-01/02/03
Price Range: $6.80-$10.80
Standout Dishes: Black Pepper Beef Burger, Cajun Chicken Burger, Cuban Fries
As a popular Muslim-owned burger chain with multiple locations, Burgs has proven its concept works. The 313@Somerset branch recently introduced a new menu, keeping the offering fresh.
The Food Experience:
The Black Pepper Beef Burger ($6.80 single, $9.80 double) delivers straightforward satisfaction—quality beef patties with peppery kick. The option to double up for $3 extra provides flexibility for varying appetites.
The Cajun Chicken Burger ($7.80 single, $10.80 double) features battered and deep-fried chicken, offering crunch and spice in every bite. This preparation style sets it apart from grilled chicken alternatives common elsewhere.
The Cuban Fries ($6.50)—fries topped with pulled beef and mayo—demonstrates creative sides that elevate the meal beyond basic burger-and-fries territory.
Value Assessment: Very good for halal-certified burgers in a mall food court setting. The halal certification makes this particularly valuable for Muslim diners.
Best For: Burger enthusiasts, halal dining, casual group meals, quick lunch or dinner.
8. 49 Seats ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Location: The Centrepoint, #01-49
Price Range: $16.90-$17.90++
Standout Dishes: Tom Yum Seafood Pasta, Seafood Carbonara
49 Seats has achieved cult status for its fusion pasta dishes, with the Tom Yum Seafood Pasta earning particularly fervent fans. The 2am closing time adds significant appeal for night owls.
The Food Experience:
The Tom Yum Seafood Pasta ($17.90+) represents fusion done right—creamy, tangy, and spicy in balanced harmony. Each plate comes loaded with prawns, mussels, and baby clams, ensuring seafood in every forkful. The consistency praised by reviewers suggests reliable kitchen execution, crucial for return visits.
For spice enthusiasts, requesting extra spicy transforms the dish into a personal challenge. The Seafood Carbonara ($16.90++) has garnered claims of being Singapore’s best—high praise in a competitive category.
Late Night Appeal: The 2am closing (11:30pm Sundays) positions 49 Seats as a rare option for quality pasta after midnight—a significant advantage in an area where most restaurants close by 10pm.
Value Assessment: Reasonable for generous seafood pasta portions in a prime location with extended hours.
Best For: Pasta lovers, late-night diners, spice challengers, dates or friend gatherings.
9. Manpuku Sando ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: Cuppage Plaza, #B1-23
Price Range: $14.80
Standout Dishes: Fuwatoro Truffle Tamago Sando, A.C.B Anko Cream Butter Sando
Manpuku Sando brings Japanese sandwich culture to Cuppage Plaza with Instagram-worthy presentations and wallet-friendly prices—a winning combination for Somerset’s demographic.
The Food Experience:
The Fuwatoro Truffle Tamago Sando ($14.80) features lightly toasted shokupan (Japanese milk bread) with generous egg mayonnaise and extra egg chunks. While the truffle flavor was noted as less pronounced than ideal, the egg chunks add textural interest that prevents monotony. The Japanese approach to egg salad—creamier and more indulgent than Western versions—shines through.
The A.C.B Anko Cream Butter Sando ($14.80) ventures into dessert territory, combining fermented mashed red bean paste with cold butter and sweet whipped cream. This unlikely combination represents traditional Japanese flavors meeting contemporary cafe trends.
Practical Considerations: Limited hours (11am-3pm, last order 2pm, closed Mondays) require planning. Arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Value Assessment: Fair for premium Japanese sandwiches using quality bread and generous fillings.
Best For: Japanese food enthusiasts, Instagram content creators, brunch crowds, sweet treat seekers.
10. Honolulu Cafe ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: The Centrepoint, #01-33F/G
Price Range: $2.30-$15.90++
Standout Dishes: Honolulu Egg Tart, Crispy Taro Tart, Pork Cutlet Curry Rice
Honolulu Cafe brings Hong Kong-style dining to Somerset, with their egg tarts achieving signature status that draws dedicated fans.
The Food Experience:
The Honolulu Egg Tart ($2.30++) exemplifies the form—buttery, flaky crust paired with smooth egg filling. At this price point, it works as an affordable indulgence or takeaway treat. The recently popular Crispy Taro Tart ($3.90++) expands options while staying budget-friendly.
For substantial meals, the Pork Cutlet Curry Rice ($13.90++) and Hawaii Polo Bun ($15.90++)—featuring luncheon meat, cheese, and pineapple—deliver Hong Kong cha chaan teng classics. The Hawaii Polo Bun represents playful fusion that shouldn’t work but somehow does, embodying Hong Kong’s culinary creativity.
Atmosphere: Extended hours (until 9-10pm depending on day) and Hong Kong-style service create authentic ambiance.
Value Assessment: Excellent for egg tarts and Hong Kong comfort food. The variety of price points accommodates quick snacks or full meals.
Best For: Hong Kong food lovers, egg tart enthusiasts, groups seeking variety, casual dining.
11. Equate Coffee ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: Orchard Central, #01-17A
Price Range: $16.80+
Standout Dishes: Tonkatsu Sandwich, Buttermilk Kimchi Chicken
Equate Coffee proves that aesthetic cafe settings and affordable meals aren’t mutually exclusive. This Orchard Central spot delivers both Instagram appeal and value.
The Food Experience:
The Tonkatsu ($16.80+) showcases Japanese-inspired flavors in sandwich form—deep-fried pork loin with cheese, cabbage, and sesame dressing between toasted shokupan. The layered construction creates photogenic cross-sections while ensuring balanced flavors in each bite.
The Buttermilk Kimchi Chicken ($16.80+) adds fusion flair with house-made hot honey, balancing sweet, spicy, and tangy elements. The buttermilk treatment likely tenderizes the chicken while adding subtle richness.
Atmosphere: The aesthetic setting justifies slightly higher prices, offering a comfortable environment for extended stays—crucial for cafe culture.
Value Assessment: Good for a cafe in this location. You’re paying partly for ambiance, but the food quality and presentation justify the cost.
Best For: Cafe enthusiasts, study/work sessions, brunches, casual dates, Instagram content.
12. FYP Cafe ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: Orchard Central, #04-22
Price Range: $12.90-$14.90+
Standout Dishes: Truffle Beef Steak Bagel, Triple Egg Bowl
FYP Cafe’s camping theme differentiates it in Orchard Central’s competitive cafe scene, while the loaded bagels and hearty rice bowls deliver substance alongside style.
The Food Experience:
The Truffle Beef Steak Bagel ($14.90+) combines house-made bagel density with sliced ribeye, caramelized onions, and truffle aioli. This represents substantial eating—the bagel provides heft while the ribeye and truffle add luxury touches that justify the price.
The Triple Egg Bowl ($12.90+) takes a creative approach to don bowls, featuring Japanese tamago, tobiko, and mentaiko mayo alongside sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, and fried mushrooms. This vegetarian-friendly option (barring the fish roe) demonstrates that rice bowls needn’t rely on meat for satisfaction.
Don’t overlook the lava brownies, cookies, and XL fries—these sides and desserts complement mains or work as standalone treats.
Value Assessment: Strong value for hearty portions in a themed setting. The sub-$15 price points for bagels and bowls make this accessible for regular visits.
Best For: Bagel lovers, don bowl enthusiasts, study/work sessions, themed cafe experiences.
13. Butter by Two Men ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: Trifecta (above Somerset MRT), #01-01
Price Range: $18-$19
Standout Dishes: Sweet Chicks, Poo Bear
Located in the new Trifecta indoor skate park, Butter by Two Men benefits from unique positioning and Two Men Bagel House’s established reputation. The house-made butters concept differentiates their menu.
The Food Experience:
Sweet Chicks ($18) delivers fried chicken thigh with sriracha honey butter, spicy aioli, slaw, and pickled cucumber—a layered flavor profile balancing heat, sweetness, richness, and acidity. The compound butter approach adds sophistication to familiar fried chicken territory.
Poo Bear ($19) pushes boundaries with its combination of spam, scrambled egg, pork floss, garlic aioli, condensed milk, and spicy peanut butter. This shouldn’t work theoretically, but adventurous eaters will appreciate the sweet-savory-spicy interplay that characterizes bold fusion cooking.
Atmosphere: The skate park setting attracts younger crowds and creates energetic ambiance. All-day operation (8am-4pm, 5pm-10pm) accommodates breakfast through dinner.
Value Assessment: Prices approach the $20 threshold but creative preparations and prime location (directly above Somerset MRT) justify the premium.
Best For: Adventurous eaters, skate park visitors, brunch crowds, date spots with personality.
The Noodle Specialist Category
14. Ebi Bar ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Location: Cuppage Plaza, #B1-21
Price Range: $15.90-$39.90
Standout Dishes: Modern Prawn Noodles, Ebi Bar Hokkien Noodles, Soul-Good Luxe Noodles
Ebi Bar represents Cuppage Plaza’s hidden gem status, elevating prawn noodles from hawker staple to modern dining experience while maintaining accessibility.
The Food Experience:
The Modern Prawn Noodles ($15.90) reimagines tradition with springy ramen-style noodles replacing typical yellow noodles. The charred prawns add smoky depth while the rich, umami-laden broth delivers concentrated prawn flavor that typically requires hours of shell-simmering.
The Ebi Bar Hokkien Noodles ($19.80) showcase signature chao ta prawns—the term “chao ta” refers to the crispy, caramelized rice crust technique adapted here for prawns, creating textural contrast.
For splurge occasions, the Soul-Good Luxe Noodles ($39.90) justify their premium with half lobster, scallops, and chicken, transforming noodle soup into celebration-worthy fare.
Value Assessment: The $15.90 entry point offers excellent value for quality prawn noodles in this location. The luxe option, while expensive, provides legitimate premium ingredients.
Best For: Prawn noodle enthusiasts, noodle soup lovers, special occasion splurges, hidden gem seekers.
15. Miss Saigon ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Location: Orchard Plaza
Price Range: $8.90-$12
Standout Dishes: Banh Mi Chao, Roasted Pork Banh Mi, Fried Fish Cake Banh Mi
Miss Saigon’s 24-hour operation alone makes it remarkable—finding legitimate Vietnamese food at 3am in Somerset is near-impossible elsewhere.
The Food Experience:
The Banh Mi Chao ($12) offers something different from typical banh mi—tomato-based sauce with egg, sardine, meatball, and onions served sizzling on a hot skillet with crusty baguette. This Vietnamese take on “dipping bread” creates interactive eating where you tear baguette pieces to soak up the rich sauce.
The traditional banh mi options—Roasted Pork ($9.90) and Fried Fish Cake ($8.90)—deliver expected Vietnamese sandwich elements: crusty baguette, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and protein, all at prices that seem impossible for this area.
Rice and noodle dishes expand the menu beyond sandwiches, accommodating various cravings.
Round-the-Clock Appeal: The 24-hour operation transforms Miss Saigon from mere restaurant to essential service for night shift workers, insomniacs, and post-clubbing crowds seeking real food.
Value Assessment: Exceptional for 24-hour Vietnamese food in Orchard. The banh mi prices rival neighborhood shops while maintaining quality.
Best For: Late-night/early morning diners, Vietnamese food lovers, banh mi enthusiasts, night owls, shift workers.
Overall Analysis & Recommendations
Value Champions (Best Bang for Buck)
- My Favourite Cafe ($6.30) – Unbeatable for customizable meals
- Jtown Cafe ($6.90) – Authentic Indonesian at hawker prices
- Burgs ($6.80-$9.80) – Affordable halal burgers in mall setting
Quality-to-Price Sweet Spot
- Signs A Taste Of Vietnam Pho ($13) – Generous, authentic pho
- Da Shi Jia ($7.30-$19.20) – Range accommodates various budgets
- Kim Dae Mun ($9.50-$11) – Reliable Korean without premium markup
Worth the Splurge (Still Under $20)
- 49 Seats ($16.90-$17.90++) – Generous seafood pasta, late hours
- Ebi Bar ($15.90) – Elevated prawn noodles with modern twist
- Butter by Two Men ($18-$19) – Creative bagels, unique location
Hidden Gems
- Morinaga Izakaya – Basement location, authentic Japanese
- Ebi Bar – Cuppage Plaza’s noodle specialist
- Miss Saigon – 24-hour Vietnamese few know about
Special Circumstances
- Late Night: 49 Seats (until 2am), Miss Saigon (24 hours)
- Halal-Certified: Burgs
- Muslim-Owned: Jtown Cafe, Burgs
- Instagram-Worthy: Manpuku Sando, Equate Coffee, FYP Cafe
- Quick Lunch: My Favourite Cafe, Da Shi Jia
Cuisine Coverage
The 15 spots collectively offer impressive diversity:
- Japanese: 2 locations
- Vietnamese: 2 locations
- Korean: 1 location
- Indonesian: 1 location
- Western/Fusion: 6 locations
- Local/Asian: 3 locations
This spread ensures options for virtually any craving while maintaining the sub-$20 main dish requirement.
Practical Considerations
Location Clusters
Midpoint Orchard (opposite Somerset MRT): Morinaga Izakaya, Jtown Cafe
Cuppage Plaza: Manpuku Sando, Ebi Bar
The Centrepoint: 49 Seats, Honolulu Cafe
Orchard Central: Equate Coffee, FYP Cafe
313@Somerset: Burgs
This clustering allows for efficient exploration—visit multiple spots in one trip or have backup options if one is crowded.
Timing Strategies
- Arrive before 1pm for Jtown Cafe martabak (sells out early)
- Book ahead for 49 Seats during peak dinner and late-night hours
- Go early to Manpuku Sando (closes 3pm, last order 2pm)
- Visit during off-peak for cafes to secure seating for work/study
Common Limitations
Most locations are not halal-certified (except Burgs). Muslim diners should note which are Muslim-owned (Jtown Cafe, Burgs) versus simply non-certified.
Several spots have limited hours or are closed Mondays—always check before visiting to avoid disappointment.
Final Verdict
This collection of 15 Somerset food places successfully challenges the notion that eating in town must be expensive. While some options push close to the $20 threshold (especially when adding tax and service charges), most deliver genuine value through generous portions, quality ingredients, or unique offerings unavailable elsewhere.
The guide’s strength lies in its diversity—whether seeking quick fuel between shopping trips, substantial meals with friends, late-night sustenance, or Instagram-worthy cafe experiences, options exist across price points and cuisines.
For regular visitors to Somerset, these 15 spots could sustain weeks of dining without repetition or breaking the bank. The savings compared to premium mall restaurants add up quickly, potentially funding actual shopping rather than just dining expenses.
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
The slight deduction comes from the reality that “under $20” sometimes means $19.80++ (which becomes $23-24 after taxes), and that some locations require navigation through less-polished mall areas. However, these minor inconveniences are far outweighed by the value, quality, and variety on offer.
Whether you’re a local looking to expand your Somerset repertoire or a visitor seeking affordable meals between shopping and attractions, this guide provides a solid foundation for eating well without the usual town premium.