Singapore has earned a reputation as an expensive city, but beneath the glittering skyline lies a treasure trove of affordable dining options that prove you don’t need deep pockets to eat exceptionally well. This comprehensive review explores 32 of the city’s best budget eateries, from traditional hawker stalls to modern fusion spots, all offering satisfying meals without the financial guilt.
The Under $5 Champions: Where Every Dollar Counts
Sungei Road Laksa – The $3 Legend
At just $3 per bowl, Sungei Road Laksa represents the pinnacle of value dining in Singapore. This old-school hawker stall serves what customers boldly claim is the “best Laksa in the world”—a rich, textured Katong Laksa topped with cockles, green leaves, and aromatic spices. The guilt-free pricing means you can easily justify a second bowl, making it an essential stop for budget-conscious food lovers and laksa enthusiasts alike.
Location: 27 Jln Berseh, #01-100
Perfect For: Traditional Singaporean breakfast or lunch
Price Range: $3 per bowl
Lai Heng Economical Mixed Veg Rice – The $2 Marvel
Arguably one of the cheapest hawker stalls in Singapore right now, Lai Heng offers an almost unbelievable deal: rice or cai png with two meat and two vegetable dishes for just $2. The variety is impressive, featuring everything from sour pork and fried fish to chicken curry. This is the kind of place that reminds you why Singapore’s hawker culture is UNESCO-recognized.
Location: 22 Lor 7 Toa Payoh, #01-07
Perfect For: Daily meals, students, anyone watching their budget
Price Range: From $2
Sin Ming Roti Prata – The $1 Breakfast Hero
One of Singapore’s most famous prata stalls proves that fame doesn’t require premium pricing. With plain pratas starting at just $1, this spot offers over 19 varieties including popular coin pratas, all paired with thick, flavourful curries. The Mee Goreng and Murtabak options round out a menu that delivers authentic Indian-Muslim cuisine at prices that seem frozen in time.
Location: 24 Sin Ming Rd, #01-51
Perfect For: Breakfast, late-night supper
Price Range: From $1
Mr & Mrs Mohgan Super Crispy Roti Prata – The Joo Chiat Gem
Starting at $1.20, this Joo Chiat institution serves freshly made pratas that locals consider among the best in Singapore. The menu keeps things simple—plain pratas with curry or sweet coin pratas topped with cheese—proving that quality doesn’t require complexity or high prices.
Location: 300 Joo Chiat Rd, Tin Yeang Restaurant
Perfect For: Any meal of the day
Price Range: From $1.20
Banh Mi Thit – Vietnamese Value
This Vietnamese restaurant by Star Baguette hides some of Singapore’s cheapest banh mi sandwiches at under $5. Homemade baguettes come packed with delicious fillings including chicken, ham, beef, and egg, all enhanced with flavorful sauces. It’s authentic Vietnamese street food at prices that honor the cuisine’s humble origins.
Location: 543 Geylang Rd
Perfect For: Quick lunch, light dinner
Price Range: Under $5
The $5-$10 Sweet Spot: Maximum Value, Minimum Compromise
Tian Tian Chicken Rice – Michelin-Recognized Affordability
Located at Maxwell Food Centre, this famous stall earned a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide, proving that cheap eats can achieve culinary excellence. Their Hainanese Chicken Rice draws both locals and tourists who queue for perfectly poached chicken, fragrant rice, and that essential trio of sauces. It’s a must-try Singaporean dish at a price that respects the hawker tradition.
Location: 1 Kadayanallur St, #01-10/11
Perfect For: First-time visitors, chicken rice purists
Price Range: Under $10
Dosirak – Korean Fusion Bowls
Fast, healthy, and flavorful bibimbap bowls start at $7.90 at this Korean fusion restaurant. Options like kimchi tofu, cured salmon, soy chicken, and spicy chicken come in generous portions, while Korean dumplings from $2.90 mean a filling meal rarely exceeds $12. It’s modern Korean comfort food without the typical Korean restaurant price tag.
Location: Various Locations
Perfect For: Health-conscious diners, Korean food lovers
Price Range: From $7.90
Chaoyang Prawn Noodle – Toa Payoh’s Fresh Addition
This hawker stall has quickly gained popularity for prawn noodles that deliver generous portions at prices often below $10. The flavorful broth and springy noodles showcase why hawker food remains Singapore’s greatest culinary asset—quality ingredients, expert preparation, and prices that prioritize accessibility over profit margins.
Location: 75 Lor. 5 Toa Payoh, #01-15
Perfect For: Noodle lovers, hearty lunches
Price Range: Under $10
Prince Noodles – Handmade Excellence
Situated in Jalan Besar, Prince Noodles serves delicious KL handmade noodles in various flavors for just $8, with juicy pork dumplings at $5 and beverages from $1. The handmade aspect elevates this above typical budget noodle joints, offering artisanal quality at hawker prices.
Location: Bgain @ Lavender Food Court, 380 Jln Besar, #01-10
Perfect For: Noodle enthusiasts, dumpling lovers
Price Range: $8 for noodles
Sin Heng Kee Porridge – Cantonese Comfort
Renowned for comforting bowls of Cantonese-style porridge with a range of toppings, most dishes stay well under $10 with generous portions. It’s the kind of place that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—versatile, reliable, and consistently praised for being both affordable and tasty.
Location: 685 Hougang St. 61, #01-150
Perfect For: Comfort food, all-day dining
Price Range: Under $10
Takagi Ramen – 24-Hour Noodle Haven
Offering some of Singapore’s best ramen at wallet-friendly prices, most bowls come in under $10. Menu highlights include Takagi Ramen with rich pork bone broth, Salted Egg Crab Ramen, and Chili Crab Ramen. The Ang Mo Kio outlet’s 24-hour operation makes this a lifesaver for late-night cravings.
Location: Various Locations
Perfect For: Ramen lovers, late-night dining, families
Price Range: Under $10
Kim Dae Mun – Authentic Korean Abundance
This authentic Korean restaurant offers huge portions at surprisingly low costs. Kimchi pork soup runs $8.50, egg rolls $3, garlic and chive pancakes $4.50, and platters of tender sliced beef just $9. The generous servings mean you’ll leave satisfied without exceeding your budget.
Location: 100 Orchard Rd, #01-03D Concorde Shopping Mall
Perfect For: Korean food enthusiasts, group dining
Price Range: $3-$9
Nhung Kitchen – Vietnamese Late-Night Hero
This authentic Vietnamese restaurant and late-night supper spot offers hearty dishes for under $8. Generous portions of rice vermicelli, various banh mi, huge rice bowls topped with chicken or beef, and rice rolls make this a top choice for a fulfilling meal at minimal cost.
Location: 279 Balestier Rd, #01-02 Balestier Point
Perfect For: Late-night dining, Vietnamese cuisine lovers
Price Range: Under $8
Soup Dayz – Customizable Hotpot
An affordable solo hotpot experience featuring 18 soup and dry base flavors (Creamy Mala, Green pepper, Spicy Sour) and over 60 fresh ingredients priced by weight. Customers can enjoy a hearty meal for as little as $6, making it one of Singapore’s top budget-friendly hotpot spots.
Location: 111 Somerset Rd, #01-40 TripleOne Somerset
Perfect For: Solo diners, hotpot enthusiasts
Price Range: From $6
Breakfast Specialists: Starting the Day Right
Ya Kun Kaya Toast – The Breakfast Institution
This celebrated Singapore cafe chain serves iconic kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and traditional coffee or tea from just $2.60. Options include signature kaya toast, French toast, and mee siam. It’s an authentic, cheap breakfast and an affordable local dish that tourists should experience.
Location: Various Locations
Perfect For: Traditional Singaporean breakfast
Price Range: From $2.60
Killiney Kopitiam – Century-Old Value
Established in 1919, this is Singapore’s oldest Hainanese coffee shop. Hearty beverages start at $1, dishes like French toast and Chendol from $2, cheap laksa under $5, and noodles for lunch from $4. It’s living history you can eat affordably.
Location: 67 Killiney Rd
Perfect For: Traditional breakfast, historical experience
Price Range: Beverages from $1, food from $2
International Flavors on a Budget
Mai Kitchen – Asian Comfort Food
This budget-friendly Asian restaurant offers rice, banh mi, and noodles under $10. Authentic generous portions include grilled meats, stir-fried vegetables, and Vietnamese sandwiches. It’s a strong contender for one of Singapore’s best cheap restaurants.
Location: 279 Balestier Rd, #01-02 Balestier Point
Perfect For: Varied Asian cuisine cravings
Price Range: Under $10
Typhoon Cafe – Taiwanese Treasures
Offering excellent meals from $9.90, this Taiwanese cafe serves delicious dumplings, Lu Rou Rice, signature souffle pancakes, and shrimp fried rice. Add a refreshing milk tea for the complete experience.
Location: Various Locations
Perfect For: Taiwanese food lovers, casual dining
Price Range: From $9.90
Cappadocia Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant – Kampong Glam Feast
Groups can tuck into affordable shareable feasts featuring charcoal meats, Greek-inspired kebabs, grilled chicken, oven-baked beef stews, thin Turkish pizzas, hummus, and numerous dips. It’s also excellent for food deliveries, making it perfect for a Netflix night at home.
Location: 69 Bussorah St
Perfect For: Group dining, Mediterranean cuisine
Price Range: Varied, shareable portions
Zam Zam – Since 1908
This popular cheap restaurant has operated since 1908, serving Malaysian and Indian cuisine for $4-$16. From egg prata and chicken sets to mutton curry varieties, murtabak, and goreng specialties, the generous portions ensure you’ll leave with a full stomach.
Location: 697-699 North Bridge Rd
Perfect For: Indian/Malaysian cuisine, historical dining
Price Range: $4-$16
El Cocinero – Mexican Affordability
Enjoy 5-star Mexican food with tacos ranging from $7-$10, generous pork pastor quesadillas, and meat-free options. The portion sizes make this a bargain in Singapore’s typically expensive Mexican dining scene.
Location: 275 Thomson Rd, #01-45
Perfect For: Mexican food cravings
Price Range: $7-$10
Pasta & Pizza: Italian Value
Tangled – Grab-and-Go Pasta
Potentially serving Singapore’s cheapest pasta, this spot offers big bowls from just $9.90. Options include creamy truffle, creamy chicken breast, spicy smoky duck, squid ink with mango sauce, and vegan-friendly choices. Chicken wings on the side cost just $4.50.
Location: Various Locations
Perfect For: Quick pasta fix, takeaway
Price Range: From $9.90
Tipo Pasta Bar – Build Your Own
Build custom pasta dishes from $9.90 at this snug Italian eatery. Popular toppings include spicy beef sausage, chicken breast, sautéed prawns, and black mussels. It’s indulgence at low cost.
Location: 28 Aliwal St, #01-07
Perfect For: Customizable Italian dining
Price Range: From $9.90
Sonny’s Pizza – New York Slices
Affordable New York-style pizza slices from $7, or share a 12-inch pizza from $24. Gather six friends for an 18-inch at $54 ($9 per person) for ultimate value.
Location: 17 Circular Rd
Perfect For: Pizza lovers, group sharing
Price Range: From $7 per slice
Pizza Boy – Halal-Certified Deals
This Halal-certified joint offers super value meals at $7.50 (quesadilla and drink, mac and cheese fries with drink, or 6-inch pizza with fries and drink). Six-inch pizzas start at $4.50 with options like mighty meat, ultimate cheesy garlic chicken, and spicy beef.
Location: Various Locations
Perfect For: Halal dining, quick meals
Price Range: From $4.50
Dumplings & Baked Goods
Dumpling Darling – Dumpling Excellence
A range of cheap dumpling temptations from $8, including golden crisp veggie mandu and spicy Sichuan dumplings. Noodle options like braised pork and miso mushroom come in generous portions that keep meals under $10.
Location: 86 Circular Rd
Perfect For: Dumpling enthusiasts
Price Range: From $8
Two Men Bagel House – OTT Bagels
Decadent meals under $14 featuring OTT bagel sandwiches from $7.50. Options include bacon, eggs, cheese and ketchup or salmon, cheese and red onion. It’s belly-filling bliss.
Location: Various Locations
Perfect For: Brunch, bagel lovers
Price Range: From $7.50
Mr. Baguette – Baked Bargains
Delightful baked goods at low prices: Hawaiian pizza bread for $3.50, garlic cheese bread at $1.50. Mini baguette buns with over 10 diverse lava flavors (Red Velvet Lava, Hazelnut and Chocolate) come in boxes of 6 for just $11.
Location: 505 Beach Rd, #B1-51
Perfect For: Snacks, desserts
Price Range: From $1.50
Sweet Endings
SweeT.Rex – Affordable Indulgence
Singapore’s cheapest fluffy soufflé pancakes and burnt cheesecakes, priced from $5 and paired with drooling sauces like chocolate or strawberry. The huge portions satisfy your soul without emptying your wallet.
Location: Various Locations
Perfect For: Dessert lovers, sweet treats
Price Range: From $5
Special Mentions
Ah Lock & Co – CBD Comfort
Traditional comfort food with a twist. Hakka rice bowls start at $8.80, while Min Jiang Kuehs stuffed with fillings cost just $1.60. Flavors include green tea red bean, plain peanut, and charcoal coconut.
Location: 7 Wallich St, #B2-22/23/24
Perfect For: CBD workers, lunch breaks
Price Range: From $1.60
VeganBurg – Plant-Based Value
Award-winning plant-based burgers from $11.90, paired with sides like chicken tenders, cheesy fries, and creamy garlic fries. It’s proof that vegan dining doesn’t have to be expensive.
Location: 44 Jln Eunos
Perfect For: Vegans, plant-based eaters
Price Range: From $11.90
Hawker Centres – The Ultimate Budget Option
Singapore’s numerous hawker centres offer delicious food starting at just $1. These food centres represent the heart of Singapore’s culinary culture and remain the ultimate destination for penny-conscious food lovers seeking wholesome, authentic meals.
Location: Various Locations
Perfect For: Everyone
Price Range: From $1
The Verdict: Eating Well on a Budget in Singapore
This comprehensive review reveals a fundamental truth about Singapore’s food scene: exceptional dining experiences aren’t reserved for those with deep wallets. From $2 cai png meals to Michelin-recognized chicken rice under $10, the city offers remarkable value across every cuisine imaginable.
Key Takeaways:
- Hawker culture remains unbeatable for pure value—establishments like Sungei Road Laksa ($3) and Lai Heng Economical Mixed Veg Rice ($2) prove that Singapore’s UNESCO-recognized food heritage prioritizes accessibility.
- International cuisines compete on price with local options—whether you’re craving Vietnamese banh mi, Korean bibimbap, Turkish kebabs, or Mexican tacos, budget-friendly options abound.
- Quality doesn’t correlate with price—Michelin recognition (Tian Tian Chicken Rice), handmade preparations (Prince Noodles), and century-old establishments (Killiney Kopitiam, Zam Zam) demonstrate that Singapore’s cheap eats often rival or exceed their expensive counterparts.
- The $5-$10 range offers maximum diversity—this sweet spot delivers everything from ramen and pasta to hotpot and dumplings with generous portions.
- Strategic eating can keep daily food costs under $20—breakfast at Killiney Kopitiam ($3), lunch at Lai Heng ($2), and dinner at Takagi Ramen ($10) totals just $15.
Final Recommendation:
Singapore’s reputation as an expensive city shouldn’t deter budget-conscious food lovers. With strategic planning and willingness to explore beyond tourist areas, you can eat exceptionally well for a fraction of typical dining costs. The key is embracing hawker centres, seeking out neighborhood gems, and trusting that establishments with queues and decades of history have earned their reputations through quality, not marketing.
Whether you’re a resident looking to reduce food expenses or a visitor wanting authentic experiences without tourist prices, Singapore’s cheap eats scene offers abundance, variety, and quality that few cities can match. The only real challenge is deciding where to start—though at these prices, trying everything is actually achievable.
- 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:
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