In a city known for its expensive dining scene, finding quality all-you-can-eat buffets under $15++ is like striking gold. While premium buffets easily exceed $30++, these budget-friendly options prove that you don’t need to break the bank to eat your fill. This comprehensive review examines 15 affordable buffets, analyzing their value proposition, cuisine types, and overall dining experience.
Overall Value Assessment
The fundamental question with any buffet is simple: can you eat your money’s worth? At the under-$15 price point, the answer is surprisingly yes—especially if you approach these buffets with realistic expectations. You won’t find international spreads or premium seafood, but what you will find are generous portions of comfort food that can easily satisfy both your appetite and wallet.
The most “worth it” options are undoubtedly the Korean BBQ and steamboat buffets, where meat—typically an expensive à la carte item—flows freely. For small eaters, these budget buffets actually make more financial sense than their pricier counterparts, as the pressure to “eat your money back” is significantly reduced.
Category 1: Indian Buffets (Most Affordable)
Al Jasra (Halal) – $7.90 Nett
Type: Prata Buffet | Availability: 24/7
The Experience: Al Jasra claims the crown as the absolute cheapest buffet option, offering unlimited prata at an almost unbelievable $7.90 nett. This is pure carb heaven—perfect for students, budget travelers, or anyone who believes that bread is the meaning of life.
Value Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros:
- Unbeatable price point
- Open 24/7 (perfect for late-night cravings)
- Simple concept, no frills
- Halal-certified
Cons:
- Not nutritionally balanced (it’s just prata)
- Limited variety
- May become monotonous quickly
Best For: Carb lovers, budget-conscious diners, late-night eaters
Greenleaf Cafe – $12 Nett
Type: South Indian Vegetarian | Availability: Weekday Lunch
The Experience: Billing itself as Singapore’s only “herbal vegetarian” restaurant, Greenleaf Cafe takes a wellness-focused approach to buffet dining. The menu features natural ingredients and spices, with the restaurant claiming health benefits ranging from obesity prevention to cancer risk reduction. Whether or not these claims hold up scientifically is debatable, but at $12 nett, it’s an affordable way to increase your vegetable intake.
Value Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros:
- Health-conscious menu
- Excellent for vegetarians
- Reasonable pricing
- Guilt-free indulgence
Cons:
- May not satisfy meat eaters
- Limited to weekday lunch
- Health claims may be exaggerated
Best For: Vegetarians, health-conscious diners, those seeking lighter options
Moghul Mahal – $12 Nett
Type: North Indian | Availability: Weekday Lunch
The Experience: For those who prefer North Indian cuisine over South Indian fare, Moghul Mahal delivers an unexpectedly upscale experience. The restaurant appears quite posh based on available imagery, even featuring a pool table in one of the rooms. At $12 nett for weekday lunch buffets, it offers excellent value for function bookings or special occasions on a budget.
Value Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros:
- Sophisticated ambiance
- Good for group gatherings
- Reasonable pricing
- Authentic North Indian flavors
Cons:
- Limited to weekday lunch
- May have limited variety compared to dinner service
Best For: North Indian cuisine enthusiasts, small group celebrations
Category 2: Porridge Buffets (Comfort Food Central)
The concept of a porridge buffet might seem counterintuitive—after all, porridge is cheap, right? But the appeal lies in the endless customization: loading up your Teochew mui with as many toppings as your heart desires without worrying about additional charges.
iSteamboat at Marina Square – $8.80++
Type: Porridge Buffet | Availability: Daily Lunch
The Experience: Formerly known as Hotpot Culture, iSteamboat has rebranded after a 2015 incident involving a dead rat in a salted vegetable dish. Four years later, with no further controversies, the restaurant appears to have cleaned up its act. At $8.80++, it’s Singapore’s cheapest porridge buffet, and the spread includes drinks, ice cream, and other carbs beyond just porridge.
Value Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Includes drinks and desserts
- Variety beyond just porridge
- Centrally located at Marina Square
Cons:
- Past food safety issues (though resolved)
- May still carry reputational concerns
Best For: Budget diners willing to give second chances, families
Quality Hotel – $12.80++ to $14.80++
Type: Porridge Buffet | Availability: Late Night (10:30pm-12:30am)
The Experience: Quality Hotel has built its reputation on porridge buffets, but the real value proposition is in their late-night timing. During regular dinner hours, prices range from $24.80++ to $26.80++, but after 10:30pm, prices are slashed by half. Monday to Thursday rates are $12.80++, while Friday and weekends are $14.80++.
Value Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros:
- 50% discount during supper hours
- Perfect for night owls
- Established reputation
- Hotel dining experience
Cons:
- Late timing may not suit everyone
- Limited availability (only after 10:30pm for discount)
Best For: Night owls, those with late-night cravings, workers with irregular schedules
Manle – $12.90+
Type: Teochew Porridge Buffet | Availability: Weekday Lunch
The Experience: Opened by the team behind Astons (everyone’s favorite budget Western food chain), Manle maintains the same commitment to affordability. The $12.90+ buffet includes over 30 dishes to accompany your porridge. With outlets at City Square Mall and Downtown East, accessibility is excellent.
Value Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros:
- Over 30 dish selections
- Accessible mall locations
- Trusted management (Astons team)
- Good variety
Cons:
- Limited to weekday lunch
- May get crowded during peak lunch hours
Best For: Office workers, families, Teochew cuisine lovers
Crystal Cafe – $14.80++
Type: Taiwan Porridge Buffet | Availability: Lunch (12pm-2:30pm weekdays, until 4pm weekends)
The Experience: If traditional Teochew mui feels too familiar, Crystal Cafe offers a Taiwanese twist on the porridge buffet concept. The spread features braised pork and beancurd dishes that pair perfectly with porridge. Weekend diners get bonus time with service extending until 4pm.
Value Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½
Pros:
- Unique Taiwanese variation
- Extended weekend hours
- Braised specialties
- Different from typical Teochew offerings
Cons:
- Pricier than other porridge buffets
- Limited lunch hours on weekdays
Best For: Those seeking variety, Taiwanese cuisine fans, weekend brunchers
Category 3: Korean BBQ & Steamboat (The Meat Lovers’ Paradise)
This category represents the best value-for-money among budget buffets. Korean BBQ and hotpot buffets are crowd-pleasers because they offer unlimited meat—typically an expensive commodity when ordered à la carte.
Oppa BBQ – $14++
Type: Korean BBQ | Availability: Weekday Lunch
The Experience: Oppa BBQ holds the distinction of being the absolute cheapest Korean BBQ buffet at $14++ for weekday lunch (jumping to $24++ at other times). The chilli seasoning marinated meats are reportedly popular with regulars. The significant price difference between lunch and other times makes timing crucial.
Value Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Pros:
- Cheapest KBBQ option
- Popular chilli marinated meats
- Weekday lunch is excellent value
- Satisfying for meat lovers
Cons:
- Significant price jump outside lunch hours
- May require advance booking
- Limited to weekday lunch for best pricing
Best For: Korean BBQ enthusiasts, meat lovers, lunch gatherings
Ssikkek, Daessiksin & I’m Kim Korean BBQ – $14.90++
Type: Korean BBQ | Availability: Weekday Lunch
The Experience: These three restaurants form a competitive tier at $14.90++ for weekday lunch buffets. Ssikkek and Daessiksin are large chains with 14 combined locations, offering convenience and accessibility. I’m Kim Korean BBQ, located near Dhoby Ghaut MRT at the SOTA building, reportedly attracts heavy student crowds, which speaks to both its affordability and potential wait times.
Value Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros:
- Multiple locations (especially Ssikkek/Daessiksin)
- Consistent quality across chains
- Good for spontaneous cravings
- Student-friendly pricing
Cons:
- Can be very crowded (especially I’m Kim)
- May have limited meat selections compared to premium KBBQ
- Service may be rushed during peak hours
Best For: Groups, students, Korean food cravings, accessible locations
Pot Addiction – $14.90++
Type: Chinese Hotpot | Availability: Weekday Lunch
The Experience: Located in Sembawang, Pot Addiction serves MSG-laden Chinese hotpot at $14.90++ during weekday lunch (rising to $22.90-$24.90++ otherwise). Interestingly, they price children by height rather than age—kids under 0.8m tall dine free. This family-friendly policy makes it particularly attractive for parents with young children.
Value Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros:
- Classic Chinese hotpot experience
- Height-based children pricing (free under 0.8m)
- Family-friendly
- Good weekday lunch value
Cons:
- Located in Sembawang (less central)
- Significant price increase outside lunch
- MSG content may concern health-conscious diners
Best For: Families with young children, hotpot lovers, Sembawang residents
Shabu Sai – $12.99++ to $14.99++
Type: Japanese Hotpot | Availability: Weekday Lunch
The Experience: Shabu Sai stands out for having one of the tastiest sukiyaki soup bases among Japanese hotpot chains—most competitors tend toward excessive sweetness. Pricing varies by location: the Eastpoint outlet offers the best deal at $12.99++, while other outlets (except Orchard Central) are $14.99++. Prime time pricing ranges from $19.99++ to $24.99++.
Value Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros:
- Superior sukiyaki soup base
- Multiple locations
- Eastpoint outlet offers best value
- Quality ingredients despite budget pricing
Cons:
- Price varies significantly by location
- Weekday lunch only for budget pricing
- Can be difficult to secure tables
Best For: Japanese hotpot fans, those seeking quality broths, lunch diners
Category 4: Hotel Semi-Buffets (Affordable Luxury)
Surprisingly, hotel dining experiences can be accessed for under $15++, though with a catch—these are semi-buffets featuring one main course with free-flow appetizers, soups, and desserts.
Rumah Rasa at Bay Hotel Singapore (Halal) – $15 Nett
Type: Hotel Semi-Buffet | Availability: Lunch
The Experience: Bay Hotel may not be five-star, but Rumah Rasa delivers a fancy ambiance at a remarkably reasonable price. For $15 nett, diners receive one main course (choices include Pasta Belado, Bebek Penyet, or Nasi Goreng Kampong Jawa—Indonesian fare) plus unlimited appetizers, soups, and desserts. The halal certification adds appeal for Muslim diners.
Value Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros:
- Hotel dining experience
- Halal-certified
- Indonesian specialties
- Free-flow appetizers and desserts
- Upscale ambiance
Cons:
- Semi-buffet format (limited main course)
- Bay Hotel location may be less convenient
- Not a full buffet spread
Best For: Halal diners, Indonesian cuisine lovers, those seeking upscale ambiance on budget
Makan@Jen – $14.90++
Type: Hotel Semi-Buffet | Availability: Lunch
The Experience: Located at the heart of Orchard Road, Makan@Jen offers remarkable value considering its prime location. The $14.90++ semi-buffet includes one main course with free-flow appetizers and desserts—a pricing structure that’s actually competitive with most standalone Orchard Road eateries where a single main easily costs $15 or more.
Value Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros:
- Prime Orchard Road location
- Hotel dining atmosphere
- Competitive pricing for the area
- Free-flow desserts and appetizers
Cons:
- Semi-buffet format
- Limited main course selection
- May require reservations during peak times
Best For: Orchard shoppers, business lunches, those seeking hotel dining experience
Strategic Recommendations by Diner Profile
For Maximum Value
Best Choice: Shabu Sai (Eastpoint) at $12.99++ Offers the best balance of quality, variety, and price among meat-focused buffets.
For Absolute Cheapest
Best Choice: Al Jasra at $7.90 nett Can’t beat unlimited prata at this price, available 24/7.
For Health-Conscious Diners
Best Choice: Greenleaf Cafe at $12 nett Vegetarian, herbal-focused menu with reasonable pricing.
For Families with Children
Best Choice: Pot Addiction at $14.90++ Height-based children pricing (free under 0.8m) offers excellent family value.
For Night Owls
Best Choice: Quality Hotel at $12.80++ Half-price late-night porridge buffet after 10:30pm.
For Special Occasions on Budget
Best Choice: Moghul Mahal at $12 nett Upscale ambiance with pool table, good for small celebrations.
For Korean Food Cravings
Best Choice: Oppa BBQ at $14++ Cheapest KBBQ option with popular marinated meats.
For Convenient Locations
Best Choice: Ssikkek/Daessiksin Korean BBQ at $14.90++ 14 combined locations ensure one is always nearby.
Critical Considerations
Timing is Everything
Most of these budget prices apply exclusively to weekday lunch slots. Dinner and weekend pricing can double or even triple the cost. Plan accordingly and block off lunch hours for maximum savings.
Set Realistic Expectations
At under $15++, don’t expect premium ingredients, international spreads, or luxury seafood. These buffets excel at comfort food—porridge, prata, Korean BBQ, and hotpot. Adjust your expectations accordingly.
Hidden Costs
The “++” pricing means service charge (10%) and GST (current rate) will be added. Factor this into your budget. “Nett” pricing is final and includes all charges.
Crowd Management
Budget buffets attract crowds, especially during peak lunch hours and weekends. Arrive early or make reservations when possible. Student-popular venues like I’m Kim Korean BBQ can be particularly challenging.
Quality vs. Quantity Trade-off
Lower prices often mean more basic ingredients and less variety. However, for the target market—students, budget-conscious families, and casual diners—this trade-off is generally acceptable.
Final Verdict
Singapore’s budget buffet scene proves that affordable all-you-can-eat dining is alive and well. While you won’t find Alaskan king crab or international spreads at these prices, what you will find is honest, satisfying food that won’t devastate your wallet.
The standout winners are the Korean BBQ and Japanese hotpot buffets, which offer the best value proposition by providing generous meat portions at prices that would barely cover two à la carte dishes elsewhere. For pure affordability, nothing beats Al Jasra’s $7.90 prata buffet or iSteamboat’s $8.80++ porridge spread.
The key to maximizing these buffets is strategic timing—hit those weekday lunch slots, consider late-night options like Quality Hotel’s supper buffet, and always check location-specific pricing variations (like Shabu Sai’s Eastpoint outlet advantage).
For small eaters and budget-conscious diners, these under-$15++ buffets actually make more financial sense than their premium counterparts. The reduced pressure to “eat your money back” allows for a more relaxed, enjoyable dining experience. And sometimes, that peace of mind is worth more than unlimited king crab legs.
Overall Rating of Budget Buffet Category: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
These buffets successfully deliver on their promise: filling your stomach without emptying your wallet. Mission accomplished.