Singapore continues to be one of the world’s most expensive cities, yet its food scene offers remarkable diversity across all price points. Hawker food prices in Singapore went up 6.1 percent in 2023, the highest increase since 2008. These increases were primarily driven by more costly imported food ingredients due to supply chain disruptions. Fast food establishments saw a 7.7 percent increase in the price of food items, while in restaurants, food prices went up by 5.9 percent.
Currency Impact
The Singapore dollar’s strength affects food costs significantly. With most ingredients being imported due to limited domestic agriculture, currency fluctuations directly impact food prices. As of 2025, the SGD remains relatively stable, though inflation continues to influence dining costs.
Daily Food Budget Breakdown
Tourist Daily Spending
- Budget traveler: $15-20 SGD per day
- Mid-range traveler: $25-40 SGD per day
- Luxury traveler: $80-150 SGD per day
Local Daily Spending
A study conducted by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) found that the average cost of eating out for three meals is S$16.89 if one visits hawker centers, food courts, and kopitiams.
Detailed Food Categories and Examples
1. Hawker Centers and Food Courts (Budget-Friendly)
Average meal cost: $3-$6
Popular Hawker Dishes with Current Prices:
- Hainanese Chicken Rice: $5-8 SGD
- Char Kway Teow: $4-6 SGD
- Laksa: $5-7 SGD
- Mee Goreng: $4-5 SGD
- Satay: $0.80-1.20 SGD per stick (minimum 10 sticks)
- Carrot Cake (Chai Tow Kway): $3-5 SGD
- Wanton Mee: $4-6 SGD
- Fish Head Curry: $30 SGD (for sharing)
- Chili Crab: $7.90 SGD per 100g
- Rojak: $4-6 SGD
Beverages at Hawker Centers:
- Kopi/Teh: $1.20-2.00 SGD
- Fresh Juice: $2-4 SGD
- Soft drinks: $1.50-2.50 SGD
- Sugar Cane Juice: $1.50-2.50 SGD
2. Kopitiams (Traditional Coffee Shops)
Average meal cost: $4-8 SGD
Typical Kopitiam Menu:
- Kaya Toast Set: $4-6 SGD
- Soft-boiled Eggs: $1.50-2.00 SGD
- Milo Dinosaur: $2.50-3.50 SGD
- Nasi Lemak: $3-5 SGD
- Mee Siam: $4-6 SGD
3. Food Courts in Shopping Malls
Average meal cost: $6-10 SGD
Examples:
- Japanese Rice Bowl: $8-12 SGD
- Korean Bibimbap: $9-13 SGD
- Western Chicken Chop: $8-12 SGD
- Thai Pad Thai: $7-10 SGD
4. Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Vegetarian Hawker Food:
- Vegetarian Laksa: $7.50 SGD
- Chinese Rojak: $6.50 SGD
- Bee Hoon: $4-5 SGD
- Stir-fried Kai Lan: $10-24 SGD
- Fried Spring Roll: $2 SGD per piece
- Vegetarian Chicken Rice: $4-6 SGD
Vegan Restaurants:
- Vegan Burger: $12-18 SGD
- Plant-based Pasta: $15-22 SGD
- Vegan Ramen: $14-20 SGD
5. International Cuisine
Italian:
- Pizza: $25.90 SGD average
- Handmade Pasta: $15-25 SGD
- Risotto: $18-28 SGD
- Antipasti: $12-20 SGD
Mexican:
- Tacos: $19 SGD (Big Phish Taco)
- Burritos: $8-20 SGD
- Quesadillas: $14-18 SGD
- Nachos: $12-16 SGD
Japanese:
- Sushi: Starting from $35 SGD
- Ramen: $12-18 SGD
- Tempura Set: $15-25 SGD
- High-end Omakase: $280-680 SGD
Korean:
- Korean BBQ: $25-35 SGD per person
- Kimchi Jjigae: $12-16 SGD
- Bulgogi: $18-25 SGD
Indian:
- Biryani: $8-15 SGD
- Curry Sets: $10-18 SGD
- Dosa: $6-10 SGD
- Modern Indian (Thevar): $290+ SGD
6. Fast Food Chains
McDonald’s:
- Big Mac Meal: $8-10 SG
- Hokkaido Salmon Burger: $5.95-7.95 SGD
- Chicken McNuggets: $6-8 SGD
- Curry Sauce: $0.50 SGD
- Chocolate Pie: $1-1.50 SGD
KFC:
- Original Recipe Chicken: $4-5 SGD
- Zinger Burger: $7-8 SGD
- Fried Chicken Meal: $11-13 SGD
Burger King:
- Whopper: $9-15 SGD
- Beef Burger: $9+ SGD
- Nuggets: $6+ SGD
7. Casual Dining Restaurants
Average meal cost: $20-40 SGD per person
Examples:
- Pasta dishes: $16-25 SGD
- Grilled fish: $22-35 SGD
- Steaks: $28-45 SGD
- Salads: $12-18 SGD
- Desserts: $8-12 SGD
8. Fine Dining
Average meal cost: $75-150 SGD per person
Examples:
- 3-course lunch: $35-60 SGD
- 5-course dinner: $80-120 SGD
- Wine pairing: $45-80 SGD additional
- Michelin-starred tasting menu: $280-680 SGD
Grocery Shopping Costs
Monthly Grocery Budget:
- Single person: $400-600 SGD
- Family of 4: $800-1,200 SGD
Common Grocery Items:
- Rice (5 kg): $8-15 SGD
- Chicken breast (1 kg): $8-12 SGD
- Pork (1 kg): $12-18 SGD
- Fish (1 kg): $15-25 SGD
- Milk (1L): $3.72 SGD
- Eggs (dozen): $3-4 SGD
- Bread (loaf): $2-4 SGD
- Vegetables: $0.55-2.25 SGD per kg
- Fruits: $2-8 SGD per kg
Supermarket Chains:
- NTUC FairPrice: Most affordable
- Cold Storage: Mid-range
- Jason’s Market Place: Premium
Regional Price Variations
Central Business District (CBD):
- Hawker meals: $6-10 SGD
- Food court meals: $8-15 SGD
- Restaurant meals: $25-50 SGD
Residential Areas:
- Hawker meals: $3-6 SGD
- Food court meals: $5-10 SGD
- Restaurant meals: $15-30 SGD
Tourist Areas (Orchard Road, Marina Bay):
- Hawker meals: $7-12 SGD
- Food court meals: $10-18 SGD
- Restaurant meals: $30-80 SGD
Money-Saving Tips
Budget-Friendly Options:
- Hawker centers: A full meal can cost as little as $3
- Kopitiams: Traditional coffee shops with affordable local fare
- Supermarket prepared foods: $3-8 SGD per meal
- Happy hour promotions: 3-7 PM at many restaurants
- Lunch sets: Often 30-50% cheaper than dinner
Best Value Hawker Centers:
- Chinatown Complex: Cheapest options
- Tiong Bahru Market: Good value, local crowd
- Maxwell Food Centre: Tourist-friendly with reasonable prices
- Newton Food Centre: Higher prices but convenient location
Price Trends and Predictions
Recent Changes:
- Prices of beverages at hawker centers increased between 4.6 and 8.6 percent.
- Restaurant prices increased by 5.9% in 2023
- Fast food prices rose by 7.7% in 2023
2025 Outlook:
- Prices expected to stabilize after 2023’s significant increases
- Continued pressure from import costs
- Government initiatives to keep hawker food affordable
Conclusion
Singapore’s food scene in 2025 offers something for every budget, from $3 hawker meals to $500+ fine dining experiences. While prices have increased significantly due to inflation and supply chain disruptions, the diversity of options ensures that quality food remains accessible across all price points. The key is knowing where to look and what to expect at each price tier.
Daily Budget Recommendations:
- Ultra-budget: $12-15 SGD (hawker centers only)
- Budget: $20-25 SGD (mix of hawker and casual dining)
- Moderate: $35-50 SGD (casual dining with some restaurant meals)
- Comfortable: $60-80 SGD (regular restaurant dining)
- Luxury: $100+ SGD (fine dining experiences)
The hawker center culture remains Singapore’s greatest culinary asset, offering world-class food at incredibly affordable prices, making it possible to eat well without breaking the bank even in one of the world’s most expensive cities.
- 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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