Sashimi is one of Singapore’s most beloved Japanese delicacies, but the premium price tag often makes it an occasional indulgence rather than a regular treat. However, several establishments across the island have made it their mission to democratize this luxury, offering fresh, quality sashimi at prices that won’t break the bank. After exploring the landscape of affordable sashimi options, here’s a comprehensive review of where to find the best value for your yen.
The Champion: Standing Sushi Bar
Price: $3 for 5 slices (Monday & Thursday only)
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Standing Sushi Bar takes the crown for the most aggressive pricing in Singapore’s sashimi scene. Their Monday Madness and Thursday Madness promotions offer an almost unbelievable deal: five slices of salmon sashimi for just three dollars. At 60 cents per slice, this pricing is revolutionary in Singapore’s typically expensive Japanese food market.
What sets Standing Sushi Bar apart isn’t just the price—it’s the commitment to freshness. The establishment brings whole salmon on-site and slices them to order, ensuring maximum freshness. This practice addresses one of the biggest concerns with budget sashimi: quality and safety.
The catch? Timing is everything. The promotion runs from 12PM-2PM and 6PM-10PM at their Queen Street outlet (conveniently located beside the Singapore Art Museum), and 5PM-9PM at Marina Bay Link Mall and Hitachi Tower branches. You’ll need to plan your visit around these windows, and expect queues during peak promotion hours. The restaurant’s name is literal—limited seating means you might be standing while enjoying your bargain sashimi.
Best for: Deal hunters willing to time their meals around promotions, office workers looking for lunch deals
The Dark Horse: Sushi Goshin
Price: $3.60 for 3 slices
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Sushi Goshin represents the sweet spot between affordability and ambience. At $3.60 for three slices of salmon sashimi ($1.20 per slice), it’s incredibly competitive on pricing while delivering an experience that punches well above its weight class.
The restaurant’s light wood interior and kimono-clad waitresses create an authentic Japanese atmosphere that makes it suitable for dates or family dinners—not just quick, budget-conscious meals. This is where Sushi Goshin truly shines: it doesn’t sacrifice the dining experience for affordability. You’re not eating in a food court or at a standing counter; you’re enjoying a proper restaurant setting.
The consistency across multiple outlets is noteworthy. Whether you visit during lunch or dinner, weekday or weekend, the quality remains reliable. The salmon is fresh, properly chilled, and cut to appropriate thickness—not the paper-thin slices some budget establishments resort to for cost-cutting.
Best for: Date nights, family dinners, occasions when ambience matters as much as price
The Adventurer’s Choice: The Sushi Bar
Price: From $4.90 for 3 slices
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Located in the labyrinthine Far East Plaza, The Sushi Bar has built a loyal following through consistent quality and variety. What makes this establishment stand out is the range of sashimi options at budget prices. While many competitors focus solely on salmon, The Sushi Bar offers octopus ($4.90), squid ($5.90), and tuna ($5.90)—each providing three pieces.
For the adventurous eater tired of the salmon monotony, this variety is invaluable. The octopus sashimi, in particular, offers excellent value with its distinct chewy texture and sweet flavor profile. The squid provides a similar textural experience with a more delicate taste.
Their 3-kind platter deserves special mention: $16.90 gets you nine slices total—three each of salmon, fatty tuna, and yellowtail. For those wanting to sample different fish without ordering multiple plates, this represents excellent value and variety. The fatty tuna and yellowtail elevate the experience beyond basic salmon offerings.
Service is attentive despite the hole-in-the-wall setting, and the restaurant’s popularity speaks to its consistency. However, the Far East Plaza location can be challenging for first-time visitors to navigate.
Best for: Sashimi enthusiasts wanting variety, groups sharing multiple types, adventurous eaters
The Reliable Option: Itacho Sushi
Price: From $4.50 for 3 slices
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Itacho Sushi brings chain restaurant reliability to the budget sashimi game. At $4.50 for three slices of salmon or octopus, the pricing is competitive without being the absolute cheapest. What you’re paying for is consistency, accessibility, and an impressive range.
With fourteen different sashimi varieties including three types of bluefin tuna and three types of salmon, Itacho Sushi caters to both novices and connoisseurs. The swordfish sashimi ($8.40 for 3 pieces) and sweet shrimp sashimi ($10.20 for 6 pieces) show the restaurant’s commitment to offering premium options alongside budget choices.
Multiple outlets across Singapore make Itacho Sushi the most convenient option for many. The standardization across locations means you know exactly what to expect regardless of which outlet you visit. The quality is consistently good rather than occasionally exceptional—a trade-off many diners appreciate.
The restaurant’s approach prioritizes reliability over innovation. You won’t find experimental flavors or surprising presentations, but you will find properly handled, fresh fish at reasonable prices every single time.
Best for: Consistent quality seekers, families, diners who value convenience and reliability
The Evening Specialist: Tanuki Bar
Price: $7 for 5 slices
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tanuki Bar represents a different value proposition. At $7 for five slices ($1.40 per slice), it’s not the cheapest option, but it offers something others don’t: an after-work drinking and dining experience.
Open from 5PM-8PM at their Orchard Central location, Tanuki Bar transforms the affordable donburi concept of Tanuki Raw into an evening izakaya-style experience. The sashimi pairs naturally with their house red ($13) or ginger ale ($6), creating a relaxation-focused atmosphere.
The quality of the salmon is notably high—this isn’t just budget sashimi but quality fish at a fair price. The slices are generous, properly chilled, and showcase the fatty richness that makes salmon sashimi so appealing.
The limitation is obvious: this is an evening-only option, and specifically targets the 5PM-8PM window. If you’re looking for lunch sashimi or late-night options, you’ll need to look elsewhere. But for after-work unwinding, it’s perfectly positioned.
Best for: After-work dining, casual drinks with food, evening relaxation
The Thickness Champion: Wasabi Tei
Price: $12 for 6 slices
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wasabi Tei takes a different approach to value. At $12 for six slices ($2 per slice), it’s the most expensive option on this list in terms of per-slice cost. However, the thickness of the cuts redefines the value equation.
These aren’t standard sashimi slices—they’re significantly thicker, almost approaching the dimensions of sushi-grade cuts you might use at home. This changes the eating experience entirely. The thicker cut allows you to appreciate the salmon’s texture, the way it breaks apart on your tongue, and the gradual release of flavor in a way thin slices cannot provide.
The intimate setting—just fifteen counter seats in Far East Plaza—creates an authentic sushi bar experience. You’re watching the chef work, engaging in the ritual of counter dining, and experiencing Japanese food culture in its traditional format.
The limited seating is both charm and challenge. The exclusivity creates atmosphere but requires planning and potentially waiting for seats. Weekend and evening slots fill quickly, so timing matters.
Best for: Quality-over-quantity diners, sashimi purists, intimate dining experiences
The Strategic Choice: Kotobuki
Price: 20% off all sashimi (5:30PM-7PM)
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kotobuki’s happy hour approach offers flexibility that fixed-price promotions cannot match. The 20% discount from 5:30PM-7PM applies to all sashimi, including premium options like sake harami (fatty salmon belly, $19.20 during happy hour) and uni (sea urchin, $32 during happy hour).
This model benefits adventurous eaters and premium fish lovers. While salmon sashimi might not see dramatic savings, expensive options like uni and fatty tuna become significantly more accessible. The assorted sashimi platter drops from $28 to $22.40, offering variety at a reduced price.
Multiple outlets provide convenience, and the happy hour window, while specific, catches the after-work crowd perfectly. The quality is consistently high across their menu, with proper handling and presentation that respects the premium ingredients.
The percentage-based discount means your savings scale with what you order. Budget-conscious diners ordering basic salmon see modest savings, while those ordering premium selections see substantial price reductions.
Best for: Premium fish lovers, variety seekers, strategic diners planning around happy hour
Comparative Analysis
When evaluating these establishments, several factors beyond pure price deserve consideration:
Freshness and Quality: All reviewed establishments maintain acceptable freshness standards, but Standing Sushi Bar’s on-site cutting and Wasabi Tei’s specialized focus stand out. None cut corners on fish handling, which is non-negotiable for raw fish safety.
Portion Sizes: The number of slices matters, but so does thickness. Standing Sushi Bar’s five slices for $3 offers incredible volume, while Wasabi Tei’s six slices for $12 provides substantially more fish by weight due to thickness. Consider whether you prioritize quantity or the quality of each bite.
Consistency: Chain operations like Itacho Sushi offer predictability across visits and locations. Independent establishments may have more variation but also occasional peaks of exceptional quality.
Accessibility: Location and operating hours significantly impact value. A slightly more expensive option near your workplace or home may offer better practical value than the cheapest option requiring extensive travel.
Atmosphere: Sushi Goshin’s polished ambience and Wasabi Tei’s intimate counter experience add intangible value beyond the food itself. Sometimes the setting makes the meal.
The Verdict
For pure value, Standing Sushi Bar’s Monday and Thursday promotions are unbeatable. Five slices for $3 represents the floor of sashimi pricing in Singapore, and the quality doesn’t suffer for it. However, the timing restrictions and potential for crowds require flexibility in your schedule.
For consistent, accessible budget sashimi any day of the week, Sushi Goshin at $3.60 offers the best combination of price, ambience, and reliability. It’s cheap enough to eat regularly but nice enough to bring a date.
For variety and exploration, The Sushi Bar’s diverse menu and 3-kind platter provide opportunities to expand beyond salmon while maintaining budget consciousness.
For quality-focused dining where thickness and cut matter, Wasabi Tei justifies its higher price with superior portions and an authentic counter experience.
Practical Tips for Budget Sashimi Hunting
Timing is Everything: Promotions like Standing Sushi Bar’s weekday deals and Kotobuki’s happy hour can halve your costs. Build your schedule around these windows when possible.
Order Strategically: At percentage-discount establishments like Kotobuki, apply the discount to premium fish rather than basic salmon to maximize savings.
Bring Cash: Some smaller establishments prefer cash or impose minimum spending requirements for cards. Check beforehand to avoid surprises.
Go Early or Late: Peak dining hours (7PM-8:30PM) see the largest crowds. Arriving at opening or near closing often means shorter waits and potentially fresher first or last cuts.
Check Outlet-Specific Rules: Promotions may vary by location even within the same chain. Verify with specific outlets before making the journey.
Don’t Compromise on Signs of Freshness: Budget should never mean unsafe. Fresh sashimi should smell clean (like ocean, not fishy), appear moist but not slimy, and show vibrant color. If something seems off, don’t eat it regardless of the price.
Final Thoughts
Singapore’s budget sashimi scene demonstrates that quality Japanese food doesn’t require premium pricing. These establishments prove that with smart sourcing, efficient operations, and strategic promotion timing, delicious sashimi can be accessible to regular diners rather than reserved for special occasions.
The key is matching the right establishment to your specific needs. Chase the absolute cheapest option when budget is paramount. Choose atmosphere-forward options when the experience matters. Seek variety when your palate craves exploration. Each reviewed establishment excels in its niche, making Singapore’s affordable sashimi landscape surprisingly rich and diverse.
Whether you’re a student stretching a tight budget, an office worker seeking regular lunch variety, or simply a sashimi lover wanting to indulge more frequently, these establishments make it possible to enjoy quality raw fish without the premium price tag traditionally associated with Japanese cuisine.
- 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
Maxthon has set out on an ambitious journey aimed at significantly bolstering the security of web applications, fueled by a resolute commitment to safeguarding users and their confidential data. At the heart of this initiative lies a collection of sophisticated encryption protocols, which act as a robust barrier for the information exchanged between individuals and various online services. Every interaction—be it the sharing of passwords or personal information—is protected within these encrypted channels, effectively preventing unauthorised access attempts from intruders.
This meticulous emphasis on encryption marks merely the initial phase of an extensive security framework. Acknowledging that cyber threats are constantly evolving, Maxthon adopts a forward-thinking approach to user protection. The browser is engineered to adapt to emerging challenges, incorporating regular updates that promptly address any vulnerabilities that may surface. Users are strongly encouraged to activate automatic updates as part of their cybersecurity regimen, ensuring they can seamlessly take advantage of the latest fixes without any hassle. In a rapidly changing digital environment, wavering movement toward security enhancement signifies not only its responsibility toward users but also its firm dedication to nurturing trust in online engagements. With each new update rolled out, users can navigate the web with peace of mind, assured that their information is continuously safeguarded against ever-emerging threats lurking in cyberspace.
Unwavering commitment to ongoing security enhancement signifies not only its responsibility toward users but also its firm dedication to nurturing trust in online engagements. With each new update rolled out, users can navigate the web with peace of mind, assured that their information is continuously safeguarded against ever-emerging threats lurking in cyberspace.