Most Affordable Restaurants in Singapore to Dine In Without Breaking the Bank

Fine dining without breaking the bank? Sign me up!

by Sabrina Ng

One need not look at Crazy Rich Asians to know that Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Trying to find fancy affordable restaurants in Singapore that will not break your budget and definitely delicious meals.

Take a peek at our picks of the most affordable restaurants in Singapore with meals under $15, where you can dine without breaking the bank.

Tanuki Raw
Affordability and Japanese food aren’t always synonymous, but Tanuki Raw is making it its mission to prove this statement wrong with its sashimi rice bowls. Not a fan of raw fish? The restaurant also features US beef bowls topped with an onsen egg. You can even find freshly shucked oysters for only $2 per piece during their happy hour from 5 to 8 p.m. daily.

Tanuki Raw’s Soboro Beef Bowl ($14.90) comes with a generous portion of US beef and onions, slow-braised in spiced Okinawa black miso, atop a bed of Japanese rice. Topped with an onsen egg, grated radish, and pickles, the meal is a protein-packed lunch option that doesn’t cost you a fortune.

For vegetarians, the Impossible Lunch Bowl ($14.90) is an affordable alternative to plain salads and overpriced grain bowls. Impossible meat has been cooked in spicy miso, paired with crispy tofu and Shiro Negi over Japanese rice. This is a good option for even non-vegetarians wishing to try the Impossible meat at a reduced price.

Tanuki Raw
Address: multiple locations
Tel: see website
Opening hours: see website

Poke Theory
Sushi in a bowl without a fancy price tag — Poker Theory prioritizes using fresh ingredients to maximize nutrition and satisfaction. Completely customizable, its poke bowls usually come in under 400 calories per bowl and are packed with protein to keep you satiated.

Finding it hard to pick from so many ingredients? Poker Theory’s menu also features pre-paired signature bowls such as the Mentaiko Madness ($13.40) that come with a premium topping. The bowl contains seven regular toppings of choice, Mentaiko Mayo Salmon, a ramen egg, and Mentaiko Mayo sauce.

Vegans can consider Avocado Livin ($13.40), an avocado poke bowl topped with pomegranate and drizzled with their signature umami drizzle sauce. Each bowl comes with 100g of the chosen protein and could be upsized to Regular (+$2.60) or Large (+$5.60) for an affordable price.

Poke Theory
Address: multiple locations
Tel: see website
Opening hours: see website

Blu Jaz Café

A three-story café tucked away in quaint Kampong Glam, Blu Jaz Café is well known not only for its affordable food but for being a popular jazz music venue. The café has hosted many local talents over the years, with singer-songwriter Charlie Lim and comedian Fakkah Fuzz among them.

The café’s menu spans a wide genre of food — from North Indian finger food, Kebabs to even hearty Singaporean mains such as Sambal Prawns ($12.90), a dish comprising of prawns stir-fried with pineapple, onions, bell pepper in spicy sambal and served over rice.

Those that prefer Western food can consider the Grilled Chicken Chop ($12.90), grilled boneless chicken leg served with potatoes, mixed vegetables, and black pepper sauce. A meal elevated by live music, Blu Jaz blends affordable restaurants in Singapore with jazz culture for a unique dining experience.

Blu Jaz Café
Address: 11 Bali Ln., Historic Kampong Glam, 189848
Tel: 9199 0610
Opening hours: 12 to 10:30 p.m. (daily)

Refuel
Café hopping in Singapore can be an expensive affair that easily costs you upwards of $20 per person. At Refuel café, however, brunch favorites such as Eggs Benedict and Waffles are given an affordable twist. Situated in the heartlands, Refuel is a lesser-known gem offering up food-for-value alongside a stellar view of Bedok reservoir.

Brunch enthusiasts will be delighted to know classics such as the Salmon Benedict ($13.90) at Refuel retains all the deliciousness at a fraction of regular café prices. Refuel’s Benedict is topped with smoked salmon, guacamole, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce over toast. Mains such as Bacon Mush M&C ($13.90) see the café’s spin on Western classics, combining bacon and sauteed mushrooms with three different types of cheeses for the ultimate comfort food.

Refuel
Address: 744 Bedok Reservoir Rd., #01–3029, 470744
Tel: 6448 0015
Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (daily)

Blue Jasmine
Halal Thai food may be hard to find, but Blue Jasmine’s “No Pork, No Lard” slogan ensures the menu is not only halal-certified, but it’s also healthier as well. The restaurant keeps its menu affordable with a wide range of bento sets, complete with vegetables, protein, and rice for a complete and nutritious meal.

We know it’s hard to order for one, especially when you want to try everything from the menu. Blue Jasmine tackles this dilemma with its bento sets, allowing you to sample more of its menu at an affordable price. The Pad Thai Prawns Bento Set ($13) contains stir-fried Pad Thai with prawns, Thai fish cakes, Cha Om eggs, and a mini mango sticky rice for dessert. Their Green Curry ($12) is a good option for those that prefer a mild spice in their food, being flavored with sweet basil, round eggplants, and cumin.

Blue Jasmine
Address: 10 Farrer Park Station Rd. Level 5, Park Hotel, Farrer Park, 217564
Tel: 6824 8851
Opening hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (daily); 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. (daily)

49 Seats
Finding affordable dining options in the city can be difficult. 49 Seats is a casual-dining restaurant serving fusion Western cuisine located in Orchard Road. The restaurant boasts a menu of many items below $15. Best part? There’s no service charge!

Decorated with a raw industrial ambiance, 49 Seats serves up affordable fusion Western cuisine along with a scenic view of the city. Signature dishes include Tom Yum Seafood Pasta ($14.90), a Thai-inspired twist on an Italian classic, and the crowd-favorite Smoked Duck Aglio Olio ($14.90). Weekday Happy Hour promotions run from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and consist of the main course, soup, and drink at $14.90.

49 Seats
Address: 176 Orchard Rd., #01–49, The Centrepoint, 238843
Tel: 6225 4332
Opening hours: 11:30 to 2:30 a.m. (Mon. to Sat.); 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Sun.)

VeganBurg
Going vegan doesn’t have to be boring or outrageously expensive. VeganBurg, the world’s first 100-percent plant-based burger joint, is in Singapore. For vegans or casual diners alike, the restaurant provides an affordable option that doesn’t skimp on flavor or quality.

“Burgers that make you and the planet happy” — VeganBurg’s slogan encapsulates its sustainable aims that leave you guilt-free even after a hearty burger. Having adopted Singapore flavors into the menu, burgers such as the Chili Krab Burg ($11.90) pay homage to a local classic with a soy patty topped with sweet chili crab sauce, fresh vegetables, and creamy vegan aioli. Fans of more traditional burgers can opt for their best-seller, Smoky BBQ Burger ($11.90) made with a plant-protein patty, smoky bbq sauce, fresh vegetables, and onion rings.

VeganBurg
Address: 44 Jalan Eunos, 419502
Tel: 6844 6868
Opening hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (daily)

Budget dining in Singapore is not restricted to hawker centers or fast food. These options will leave your taste buds satisfied, without having to burn a hole in your wallet.

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