Half the price, double the happiness
It’s always a joy when I arrive at a cafe and realise they have a 1-for-1 promotion – if you haven’t felt this excitement, you haven’t lived. At least, that was before I discovered my newfound ability to demolish two persons’ worth of food in one sitting. ಠ~ಠ And nope, you don’t have to be a cardholder of whatever bank as well, nor will you need to download any app or like any page. Also, coupons are sooo last season.
Here’s a list of 1-for-1/ 50% off promotions around Singapore you can enjoy without squinting to read the fine print.
Hotel Buffets
1. The Dining Room Dinner Buffet
Sorry guys, this first one’s for the ladies only. Every Wednesday, The Dining Room at Sheraton Hotel has a 50% off promotion for their dinner buffet. Say hello to non-stop eating – free flow sashimi, crab, juicy meats and desserts like macarons will leave you with a food coma for sure.
Although at half the price, the quality of food and service at The Dining Room wasn’t any less than optimum. Waitresses and waiters stood around, ever-ready to get a change of plates. In my world, never ending supply of clean plates = never ending supply of food into my stomach. Sorry calorie counter, you’re paused just for today.
Dress Code: Tight clothes not recommended.
Address: 39 Scotts Rd, 228230
Contact: 6839 5621
Opening Hours: Wed 7 pm – 10 pm
Cost: $58++
Website: http://www.sheratonsingapore.com/the-dining-room/
2. Hotel Miramar FernTree Cafe International Buffet
With this promotion ending on 31st March 2016, there isn’t too much time left to enjoy this luxurious spread of seafood, and other international dishes. Dinner buffet lasts from 6 pm to 10 pm – four hours won’t be enough when you’re there.
One thing I rave about this buffet is their quality sashimi. Slabs of salmon and tuna sashimi lined on the tray of ice – it’s so tempting to just stack my plate with everything. They also serve local dishes such as mee siam and every Singaporean’s favourite – Hainanese chicken rice.
Address: Havelock Rd, Hotel Miramar Singapore, 169631
Contact: 6733 0222
Cost:
Lunch (12 pm – 230 pm)
Mon – Thurs: Adult $35++, Child $17.50++ (3 – 10 yrs old) | Fri, Sat, Sun, PH: Adult $38++, Child $19++
Dinner (6 pm – 10 pm)
Mon – Thurs: Adult $58.80++, Child $29.40++ | Fri, Sat, Sun, PH: Adult $68.80++, Child $34.30++
Website: http://www.miramar.com.sg/fern-tree-cafe
Cafes
3. Chapter 55
Convenient for those working near Tiong Bahru, Chapter 55 offers weekdays lunch 1-for-1 promotions for most of their main courses. The Italian bistro serves all-time favourite pizzas, pastas and gelato.
My favourite was the thin crust Funghi Pizza ($18), as it was quite unique. I especially liked the contrast between the crispy crust and chewy mushrooms. Their other pizzas are generously filled with toppings and worth a try.
Other dishes to try while taking advantage of their 1-for-1 promotion would be the Buffalo Wings ($16) and Vongole Spaghetti ($18). With the discount, Chapter 55’s dishes are really value for money.
Besides the 1-for-1 promotion, you have to get dessert from Chapter 55 too, although they aren’t included in the promotion. You might think of Assembly Ground or Sunday Folks for aesthetic and yummy waffles, but the Chapter 55 Gelato Waffle joins the hall of waffle fame too. Two large scoops of gelato of your choice on top of a crispy yet fluffy waffle – you have to get this signature dessert when you’re there. It’ll make you rethink the route for your next waffle hunt.
Chocolate Lava cakes have never failed to satisfy me and the one at Chapter 55 wasn’t an exception. It wasn’t as chocolatey as I expected, but it was a generous amount of chocolate lava to make up for it.
Note: Grab three or more friends to go with you – their pizzas aren’t small.
Address: #01-37, 55 Tiong Bahru Rd, 160055
Contact: 6221 2219
Opening Hours: 1130 am – 11 pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/chapter55/
4. La Nonna
Pizza and pasta fanatics will go crazy about this deal. With the 1-for-1, their signature pizzas are so value for money as they are big and La Nonna chefs aren’t stingy with the toppings at all. Ordinary pastas at La Nonna have extraordinary flavours, with Seafood Aglio Olio ($24), Four Cheese Potato Dumpling Gnocchi ($22) and Crab Meat Linguine ($23) being particularly noteworthy.
Popular among students, La Nonna serves 1-for-1 pizza/pasta/main course on weekdays, from 12pm – 2:30pm. This cozy cafe also offers a bunch of other promotions you can find here.
Address: 26 Lor Mambong, Singapore 277685
Contact: 6468 1982
Website: http://lanonna.sg/
Japanese Cuisine
5. Standing Sushi Bar
The atmosphere at Standing Sushi Bar reminds me somewhat of Sushi Express – simple and fuss free. Don’t expect warm smile and super welcoming staff though – the place is often busy and servers rush from table to table, getting tasks done at top speed.
Get your fill of basic Japanese dishes here such as the California Handroll ($6), Salmon Maki ($16.90), and Crabby Chicken Sushi ($17.90). Flavour wise, the dishes weren’t impressive but decent enough. However, their daily promotions that many are not aware of make the prices extremely attractive. These are some of the best discounts that will make your visit most worth it.
Tuesdays: 50% off nigiri sushi, and sashimi
Wednesday: 50% off specialty sushi rolls. $2 sake, $5 beer, wine, hot sake, and umeshu
Sunday : Up to 50% off their signature donburi
Website: http://standingsushibar.com/locations/
6. Issho Izakaya
Ladies get 50% off all Ala-Carte Food on Mondays from 4pm. Don’t worry guys, you get to join in on Tuesdays’ 1-for-1 bottled beer from 6pm. Half price at a legit Japanese restaurant – so amazing. Their Aburi Salmon & Cheese Maki Special Maki ($15.50) is a must try, and the quality surpasses what you’re paying for.
Other recommendations include the Unatama ($15) and Buta Don ($15.50), although health nuts might want to skip the latter as it’s mainly fatty pork belly meat. Those who take delight in pork and its unhealthy parts, prepare for a gastronomical delight with this dish.
*Additional crazy deal: Men get their first drink for just a dollar after 6pm on Wednesdays, and 50% off subsequent wine, beer and sake.
Address: 1 Stadium Place #01-13/K5 Kallang Wave
Contact: 6702 4708
Website: http://www.isshoizakaya.com.sg/
7. Chotto Matte
Chotto Matte is a restaurant bar near Outram Park which offers 1-for-1 lunch meals, complete with an ice cream dessert. With sashimi, sushi, grilled cod and teriyaki sets available during lunch, lovers of Japanese cuisines can have their pick. Set lunches start at $18, and this promotion is on every day, even weekends and public holidays!
The promotion is available from 12pm to 3pm, and 6pm to 11pm. Please make a booking at least 1 hour in advance to ensure you have a seat upon arrival.
Address: 54 Blair Rd, 089954
Contact: 6222 8846
Website: http://www.chottomatte.com.sg/
Activities
8. Wave House
Surfing in Singapore isn’t an everyday affair. Prices at Wave House aren’t exactly affordable, but with 1-for-1 promotions every Wednesday, riding the waves becomes so much more enjoyable. 1-for-1 rides, drinks, and food for the whole Wednesday – your Wednesdays are practically all planned out.
Wave House is at such an ideal location, planted amongst the lovely beaches in Sentosa. Catch some waves to your heart’s content, then head over to the sandy beach for some suntan time.
Address: 36 Siloso Beach Walk, 099007
Contact: 6377 3113
Website: http://www.wavehousesentosa.com/
9. Arteastiq
Only available on Mondays, Arteastiq offers a 1-for-1 art jamming ‘Romantic Blue Date’ promotion with 2 free drinks! This means you’ll have to pay for only one person’s painting session, and your partner will get to join you, with 2 free drinks to top it off! Note that this promotion is only valid for couples in a romantic relationship. Their caramel coffee is a must-try – it’s on par with Starbucks’s. Huge armchairs in bright, cheery colours with cushions at the tables make me feel like the ultimate tai tai going for high tea. Oversized armchairs over ordinary chairs any day.
Arteastiq brunches will also satisfy the atas tastebuds of tai tais, with their unique Chicken and Waffles ($22) or Duck Confit Pancake ($28). The classy interior adds to the whole posh experience, and the service is nothing short of satisfactory.
Address: 333A Orchard Road, #04-14/15, Mandarin Gallery, 238867
Contact: 6235 8370
Website: www.arteastiq.com/
Grab your BFF and Go!
Burn a hole in one pocket instead of two – preferably your friend’s pocket – and get 2 persons’ worth of enjoyment! These are deals you cannot miss, and they make pretty good excuses to ask that girl in your life out for a date.
*Do note that most promotions are not applicable on public holidays, so call ahead to check!