Singapore’s Thai food scene offers an incredible range of authentic flavors without breaking the bank. This guide explores ten establishments that deliver genuine Thai cuisine for under $20 per person, each with its own unique character and specialties.
The Golden Mile Complex Hub
Golden Mile Complex on Beach Road has earned its reputation as Singapore’s “Little Thailand,” and two standout establishments here exemplify why this location remains essential for Thai food enthusiasts.
Diandin Leluk represents a remarkable journey from humble beginnings to culinary institution. Founded by husband-and-wife team Johnny Lim and Madame Dian, who started by selling packed lunches to Thai construction workers from a rented lorry, the restaurant has evolved into a sprawling operation while maintaining its authentic roots. What sets this place apart is Madame Dian’s dedication to making all chili and curry pastes from scratch, combined with fresh herbs flown in from Thailand three times weekly. The Tom Yam soup at $12 delivers the complex, layered flavors that define this iconic dish, while the $6 Papaya Salad provides that essential balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty. Their green curry rice stands out as a complete meal that captures the aromatic essence of this Thai classic. Open daily around the clock, it’s accessible whenever cravings strike.
Nana Thai, another Golden Mile gem, thrives on its straightforward approach. The simple, basic decor gives way to consistently excellent food at reasonable prices. Watching the chef prepare dishes tableside adds an engaging element to the dining experience. Their mango salad achieves that perfect sweet-spicy equilibrium, while the Tom Kha Gai, served dramatically in a silver bowl over a gas flame, justifies its $12 price tag with generous portions of chicken and mushrooms sufficient for two to three people. The restaurant maintains a reassuring buzz of activity from 11am to 10pm daily, signaling its popularity among those who know their Thai food.
Holland Village and Beyond
Nakhon Kitchen in Holland Village has earned its permanent queuing status through unwavering commitment to authentic heat levels. With multiple outlets across Singapore, this establishment doesn’t compromise on chili intensity, delivering Thai food as it should be experienced. The pineapple rice provides a sweet counterpoint to the fiery stir-fried beef or pork with holy basil leaves. Service moves quickly despite the crowds, and the food consistently rewards the wait. Operating daily except Wednesdays from noon to 3pm and 5:30pm to 10pm, timing your visit can help avoid peak crowds.
The Orchard Area Options
Two establishments within Orchard Towers prove that location shouldn’t deter diners from excellent Thai cuisine, though awareness of surroundings is advisable given the building’s nightlife reputation.
Jane Thai on the fourth floor keeps things simple with a concise menu featuring classic favorites. Generous portions deliver excellent value, particularly the pineapple rice and red seafood soup. The homemade ice cream provides a creamy, cooling finish after the chili intensity of main courses. Staff welcome diners warmly and serve efficiently, making it an ideal refuge after shopping along Orchard Road. Operating Monday through Saturday with lunch and dinner service, it closes on Sundays.
Korat Thai Cafe on the third floor embraces its late-night cafe vibe rather than attempting formal restaurant ambiance. Open from 7pm to 3am daily, it serves as the perfect destination for post-drinks sustenance. While definitely not first-date material, the authentic, delicious food across the extensive menu makes it ideal for casual group dining. The late hours and reasonable prices have built a loyal following among those seeking quality Thai food in the small hours.
Central Singapore Discoveries
First Thai on Purvis Street charms with its quirky, kitsch aesthetic. Pink and blue tiles provide the backdrop for an eclectic art collection ranging from Marilyn Monroe portraits to Thai royalty and 17th-century prints. This unexpected decor creates a relaxed, cafe-like atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. The food matches the venue’s character with seriously authentic preparations. The pork with chili exemplifies this balance: slightly sweet, intensely spicy, and fragrant with sweet basil. Service arrives quickly with genuine smiles and generous portions. Operating daily from 11:30am to 3pm and 6pm to 10pm, with occasional Monday closures, it represents one of the most charming options on this list.
Gold Food on Bencoolen Street spills its tables onto the street, creating an inviting streetside dining atmosphere. Main courses typically range from $10 to $12, with lunch specials offering even better value—a chicken with basil, rice, and fried egg for just $6. While the base spice level may be milder than some prefer, the fish sauce with chili on every table allows diners to adjust heat to their liking. During busy lunch service, the staff demonstrate impressive efficiency. Operating daily from 11:30am to 3:30pm and 5pm to 10:30pm, it excels as a lunchtime destination where both appetite and budget leave satisfied.
Aroy Dee at Sunshine Plaza on Middle Road features a more modern interior with tiled floors and a semi-open kitchen that lets diners watch the action. The set lunch and Thai Bento options at $6.50 provide exceptional value, while the dinner menu covers all the usual favorites with particularly noteworthy green curry. The establishment’s night-owl hours (open until 6am on weekdays and continuously from Saturday noon through Sunday night) make it invaluable for late-night dining, especially after drinks. A Boat Quay location was planned for expansion at the time of the original review.
Additional Worthy Mentions
Jai Thai, established in 1999, has expanded to four locations across Singapore including Dhoby Xchange, Clover Way, East Coast, and Purvis Street. The Purvis Street location offers both indoor and outdoor seating perfect for people-watching. The flexible portion sizes—small, medium, or large—accommodate solo lunchers and larger groups alike with price adjustments. While service can occasionally feel chaotic during busy periods, the authentic food and excellent value justify the trade-off. The dry red curry with beef consistently satisfies. Operating daily from 11:30am to 3pm and 6pm to 10pm with last orders at 9:30pm, expect crowds regardless of timing.
Ah Loy Thai in Shaw Towers operates as a family business attracting diverse clientele from students to business professionals. The casual setup often means queuing for tables during peak lunch hours, followed by additional waiting for food preparation. Early evening visits provide a more relaxed experience. The establishment has built its reputation on pandan chicken and butter calamari, offering cheap, cheerful Thai food worth trying when in the area. Operating Monday through Friday from noon to 8pm, Saturday from 1pm to 7:30pm, and closed Sundays, timing visits outside peak hours enhances the experience.
Common Themes and Considerations
Several patterns emerge across these establishments. Many source ingredients directly from Thailand or prepare pastes and sauces from scratch, ensuring authentic flavors. Heat levels generally skew toward authentic Thai intensity rather than toned-down versions, though most provide condiments for adjustment. Portion sizes tend toward generous, maximizing value. Service prioritizes efficiency over formality, appropriate for the casual, affordable positioning.
Golden Mile Complex emerges as an essential destination, housing multiple options in close proximity. The Orchard Towers locations require navigating the building’s nightlife character but reward those who venture there. Late-night options abound, with several establishments operating into early morning hours or continuously.
Most venues attract crowds, particularly during lunch and dinner peaks, signaling quality and value. Queuing becomes part of the experience at popular spots, though turnover typically moves quickly. The price point—under $20 per person and often significantly less—makes experimentation across multiple venues accessible.
Final Thoughts
Singapore’s affordable Thai food scene thrives on authenticity, generous portions, and genuine passion from operators who understand the cuisine’s fundamental appeal. Whether seeking the hot-sour-sweet-salty combination at Golden Mile Complex’s Thai enclave, the quirky charm of First Thai, or the late-night sustenance of Korat Thai Cafe, these establishments deliver satisfying experiences without premium prices. Each brings its own character while maintaining commitment to authentic flavors that keep diners returning repeatedly.
The diversity of locations, operating hours, and atmospheres ensures options for various occasions, from quick lunches to leisurely dinners to post-midnight feasts. For anyone navigating Thai food cravings in Singapore, these ten establishments provide an excellent foundation for exploration, with many operators running multiple locations that extend their reach across the island. The combination of authentic preparation, reasonable pricing, and passionate operators creates a vibrant affordable Thai dining scene worthy of extensive exploration.