Being a Singaporean means whenever we socialise, it’s somehow always going to be accompanied by us putting food in our mouths. But it also means one other thing. We will never have enough money. It doesn’t matter if we got our allowance or pay two days ago. Somehow, these days things are getting pretty expensive and we have to be wiser in our dining choices.
For that exact reason, we’ve put together a list of 18 of the cheapest restaurants for casual dining where to indulge in without breaking the bank. Cheap doesn’t mean bad if you know where to look. It just means money spent more wisely. And it really doesn’t cost a lot for you to have a great meal out.
Now we’ll finally be able to have savings for that “rainy day” everyone keeps talking about.
Table of Contents
Image Source: Lola’s Cafe
There’s nothing but good things to say about this fuss free little neighbourhood cafe. They serve casual food and are well known for their brunch served from 10am to 3pm. So even when you wake up at 12pm you can still get great breakfast food. It doesn’t hurt that they don’t charge GST or service tax!
Price Range: $5 to $16
Address: 5 Simon Road, Singapore 545893
Read more Lola’s Cafe Reviews on TSL.
Image Source: @angelachewhs
It actually pains me to be writing this because I feel like this place is my little secret. I honestly think this is the best and most authentic Thai food in Singapore (the Grilled Pork is divine) and the prices are crazy affordable as well. It doesn’t have the best location though, amid the Thai discos in Golden Mile but hey, the food here is so good, you’ll learn to look past it.
Price Range: $5 to $10
Address: 5001 Beach Road, Golden Mile Complex #01-51/52/66C, Singapore 199588
Read more Lola’s Cafe Reviews on TSL.
Image Source: Maki San
Maki San is great if you’re one of those people who love to customize their food. Everything is up to you as you create your own sushi. They even have a healthy brown rice option. Another plus point is the packaging is adorable and if you feel like being super thrifty, I know people who have turned their Maki San sushi boxes into wallets!
Price Range: $6 to $12
Address: 2 Handy Road, The Cathay #B1-17/18, Singapore 229223
Read more Maki San Reviews on TSL.
Image Source: @joelangg
Swee Choon is one of the best dim sum joints in Singapore. And its perfect place for your post night-out hunger pangs. You know, for those days when you’ve already spent too much money at the clubs but you’re still starving.
If clubbing isn’t your thing though (or if you’re too young) then its also great for dinner since they open at 6pm! You absolutely must try the Salted Egg Yolk Custard Bun. You haven’t lived till you’ve eaten it, trust me.
Price Range: $2 to $10
Address: 191 Jalan Besar, Singapore 20882
Read more Swee Choon Reviews on TSL.
I love this place because the location in the Botanic Gardens is great and the restaurant has a really nice feel to it. The breakfast here is also one of my favourites. Its perfect for days when you don’t feel like elbowing other people around in Orchard Road or as a breakfast stop after pulling an all-nighter at the 24h Coffee Bean in Holland Village. Guilty!
Price Range: $5 to $25
Address: 1 Cluny Road, Tanglin Gate #B1-00, Singapore 259569
Read more Food for Thought Reviews on TSL.
Image Source: @kaysentay
When I think French food I usually think super high brow, pricey food with names I can’t pronounce. However, this little joint is trying to change your impression of French cuisine as they serve unpretentious French fare.
Prices on the menu can get pretty high but if you stick to the simpler items, you’ll be able to afford delicious French food without having to give up a limb. No service tax or GST either!
Price Range: $7 to $20
Address: 10 Jalan Serene, Serence Centre #01-05, Singapore 258748
Read more La Petite Reviews on TSL.
Image Source: Eighteen Chefs
– Student Favourite –
18 Chefs has some really cool concepts for food, like drinking perfectly cooked eggs with a straw and eating your desert straight out of the jar. It was opened by an ex-convict who just wanted people to enjoy great food and at the same time help introduce those who have strayed back into the workforce.
The kitchen is staffed with other ex convicts and visiting would be providing them with support to embrace their second chances. Oh and they have a $2 discount for students too!
Price Range: $5 to $15
Address: 8 Grange Road, Cathay Cineleisure #04-02, Singapore 239695
Read more 18 Chefs Reviews on TSL.
Image Source: Saizeriya Singapore
– Student Favourite –
Saizeriya is a Japanese chain of Italian family style restaurants. They serve your usual Italian fare like pizza and pasta for remarkably low prices! Their menu also contains some oddly non-Italian dishes like Spanish Paella and French Escargot. Its probably the cheapest place to find escargot in Singapore.
Now if you’re a student, this is going to be your new favourite place.
Price Range: $4 to $10
Address: 177 River Valley Road, Liang Court #02-22, Singapore 179030
Read more Saizeriya Reviews on TSL.
– Student Favourite –
Astons has been earning rave reviews from students and adults alike because their dishes are affordable and there’s no denying the food here is pretty good as well. There’s even an outlet within NUS and if that isn’t proof that its perfect for students, I don’t know what is.
Price Range: $5 to $20
Address: 2 Handy Road, The Cathay Building #04-03/04, Singapore 229233
Read more Aston Reviews on TSL.
Image Source: @kayk_ee
Originating from Sydney, this Burger bar has recently opened its doors in ION Orchard and every time I pass by it, its usually quite full, which, as every Singaporean knows, means the food here is good. One huge plus point for students is the set meal which comes with sea salt fries and a drink for just $10!
Price Range: $5 to $20
Address: 2 Orchard Turn, ION Orchard #B4-56, Singapore 238801
Read more Charlie & Co Reviews on TSL.
Anybody on the hunt for cheap eats in Singapore would have definitely come across Saveur. They brought affordable French dining mainstream, and probably inspired the Poulet chain of restaurants. The food here is far better and cheaper.
You need to come here early though or expect to queue because this place is no longer a secret and people love it. They’ve gone from a stall in a coffee shop to a restaurant but thankfully for us, prices have remained low.
Price Range: $5 to $15
Address: 5 Purvis Street, Talib Court #01-04, Singapore 188584
Read more Saveur Reviews on TSL or our full Saveur Review Feature.
Image Source: Concetto by Saveur
From the people who brought you Saveur came Concetto by Saveur. The owners aim to put the same affordable spin on Italian Food as they did on French food at Saveur and judging by all the rave reviews, they’ve done a pretty good job.
Price Range: $5 to $16
Address: 2 Handy Road, The Cathay #01-11/12, Singapore 229233
Read more Concetto by Saveur Reviews on TSL.
Image Source: Little Hiro
Previously known as Burger Shack, this burger haven serves Hawaiian Japanese cuisine and is super student friendly. I used to frequent it after school and every time I went I never failed to see other students from the multitude of schools all around the area.
Its pretty fool proof I guess, good burgers and great french fries for a super decent price. Students only pay $2.70 to upgrade to a meal too!
Price Range: $5 to $10
Address: 559 Bukit Timah Road, King’s Acrade #01-01, Singapore 269695
Image Source: The Sushi Bar
I’ve heard this place been called the gem of Far East Plaza. And that’s saying something because Far East Plaza, in my opinion, is paradise for students. Go with your friends and share because you’ll be able to taste more incredible food and then spilt the price. You’re probably going to see me there a lot.
Price Range: $3 to $15
Address: 14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza #03-89, Singapore 228213
Read more The Sushi Bar Reviews on TSL.
This cafe occupies a two story shop house and I’m a huge sucker for quaint little joints as I know a lot of other people are. They serve the regular cafe food like Breakfast dishes, eggs and sandwiches but what really makes this place for me is the ambience. I think its great for a much needed chill out session after finals week or any other stressful time.
Price Range: $5 to $15
Address: 94 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088515
Read more Drury Lane Reviews on TSL.
Image Source: Selfish Gene
Another cafe within a shop house, this one has also been a hot favourite amongst young and old. This place has a sky light which just basks the entire cafe in sunshine that is sure to brighten up your day no matter how bad school was.
Expect lovely comfort food that will surely please.
Price Range: $5 to $15
Address: 40 Craig Road, Singapore 089678
Read more Selfish Gene Cafe Reviews on TSL.
This is probably the only place in Singapore where students will be able to get Steak, Pasta and a drink at an amazingly low price of just $9.50. But fret not, if you aren’t a student, you can get a dish of steak and pasta for anywhere between $11.50 to $13.50. Its completely unbeatable!
Price Range: $5 to $15
Address: 313 Orchard Road, B3, Singapore 238895
Image Source: Windowsill Pies
Windowsill In The Woods first made its appearance on TSL in our Best Singapore cafes to visit.
Pies. Sweet, sugary pies. None of that salty stuff. And EVERYBODY can use pies. All day, every day. Nothing makes life seem a little less stressful than a little sugar, am I right? Here you’ll find artisanal pies and tarts that definitely won’t get your rate up when you look at the bill. Can’t say the same about your blood sugar, though.
If you’re not big on sweets though then they have a savoury food menu that changes every fortnight. Safe to say, no two trips here are going to be the same.
Price Range: $5 to $15
Address: 78 Horne Road, Singapore 209078
Read more Windowsill In the Woods Reviews on TSL.
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I know I am. So what are you waiting for? Grab a friend and head down to one of these restaurants soon. Trust me, unlike our too atas list of most romantic restaurants in Singapore, this time you (and your wallet) are going to love these places!
Know of any other cheap places to eat in Singapore that serve great food? Tell us in the comments and help us make this list even better!
Be sure to check out our other lists.
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