Delicious as the food may be, many Korean restaurants in Singapore are not exactly affordable for students or even working adults who are on a budget. A meal at an established Korean restaurant can easily set us back at S$25 or more per person.

We then set forth with a mission in search of affordable, no-frills Korean eateries in Singapore where we can satisfy our Korean food cravings without breaking the bank. In this guide, you will find a list of Korean eateries featuring mains that are mostly below S$10.

Manny deuseyo!

#1 AJUMMA’S

This casual Korean eatery in the Dhoby Ghaut area is where you can get Korea homestyle cooking. Hidden at The Cathay’s basement, diners can find many classic Korean main dishes that are below S$10.

Try different dishes such as the Beef Bulgogi (S$8.90+) set and Kimchi Ramyeon (S$8.90+). Both are delicious to boot!

2 Handy Road
#B1-23 The Cathay
Singapore 229233
Tel: +65 9780 3772
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

#2 KIM DAE MUN

Situated in Concorde hotel, Kim Dae Mun is one of the better known casual Korean eateries in Singapore. As portions are generous and prices are kept low, this has seen an increase in their customers in recent months. You can satisfy your Korean cravings for less than S$10 here!

Their menu includes Fried Saba Fish Set (S$6.50), Tender Beef Sliced Set (S$8) and Spicy Pork Sliced Set (S$7).

100 Orchard Road
#01-03 Concorde Hotel
Singapore 238840
Tel: +65 9112 5910
Tue to Sun: 11am – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#3 MANNA KOREAN

From the same people behind Manna Korean Restaurant in Telok Ayer, Manna Korean in Takashimaya Food Hall is a kiosk that serves decent Korean food under S$10. Its convenient location in town and wallet-friendly prices are two reasons why you should be dropping by the stall when you happen to be around the area.

Diners are spoilt for choice among BBQ, Noodles, Rice or Soup options. You can even do a twin combo such as Saba and BBQ for S$12.80.

391 Orchard Road
B2 Takashimaya Food Hall
Singapore 238872
Nearest Station: Orchard

#4 MING JIA KOREAN FOOD

Ming Jia Korean Food is a Korean cuisine eatery run by a middle aged Korean lady, so you know that the food is as authentic as it can get. Free side dishes are given while you wait for your food to be served.

Go ahead and have a taste of their Yung Yang Dolsut Bibimbap (S$13.90+) and Kimchi Sundubu (S$13.90+).

1 Jalan Anak Bukit
#B1-55 Bukit Timah Plaza
Singapore 588996
Tel: +65 6469 5123
Daily: 12pm – 4pm, 6pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Beauty World

#5 SU SUPERSTAR

With 12 varieties of Korean ramyeon that are priced below S$10, it is no wonder why the Korean eatery is mostly packed during lunch and dinner hours. Diners get complimentary iced tea which they have to collect at the side.

While we wouldn’t go as far to say that the food here is outstanding, it is what we would expect for its price.

2 Orchard Link
#02-18/18A/28 *SCAPE
Singapore 237978
Daily: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#6 SUNNY KOREAN RESTAURANT

Located in West Coast Plaza, an outlet mall which is a few bus stops away from Clementi MRT Station, Sunny Korean Cuisine offers economical Korean classic dishes and several Japanese options below S$10.

Bibimbap (S$5.50) is a good deal as the portion is sizeable. Served warm from the kitchen, we thoroughly enjoyed the dish which came with well-marinated chicken, fresh crunchy vegetables, fried egg, kimchi and moist rice.

154 West Coast Road
#B1-08, West Coast Plaza
Singapore 127371
Tel: +65 9199 2170
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Clementi

Read: 9 Korean BBQ Restaurants in Singapore #FoodForTheSeoul.

Fish Mart SAKURAYA is a Japanese supermarket-cum-eatery that has branches at Anchorpoint Shopping Centre, West Coast Plaza and Parkway Parade.

You can find all kinds of Japanese food-related items in their mart—ranging from fresh sashimi to Japanese snacks and frozen ingredients to buy home. The SAKURAYA dining area is further inside and that is where you can enjoy air-flown fish from Japan and a wide array of affordable Japanese mains.

Fans of Japanese sweets and confectionaries will be spoilt for choice with the sheer variety of snacks on offer. Those who are keen on doing some grocery shopping there can purchase fresh fish, sushi, sashimi, dairy products, beer and more!

Proceed to SAKURAYA Dining at the back of the supermarket to enjoy Japanese mains and side dishes. If you are there for the sashimi, choose your preferred fish over at the display chiller before heading to your table. Pair your meal with some sake or beer to complete the dining experience.

Now, the real reason why we came to Fish Mart SAKURAYA was for its Bara Chirashi Don which is going at only S$15! While it came in a generous portion and is very reasonably priced, we felt that the freshness of the sashimi has been slightly compromised.

It is not for the serious diners but those who are on a budget can still give this a try!

Not a fan of raw food? You have plenty of other choices too!

The unassuming Saba Shioyaki (S$7) gave us a pleasant surprise. While it looks skimpy on the outside, the savoury meat was juicy on every bite. We highly recommend this dish when you are dining there.

Other donburi choices include Salmon Don (S$12), Tekka Don (S$12) and Una Don (S$15).

Fish Mart SAKURAYA
370 Alexandra Road
#01-32 Anchorpoint
Singapore 159953
Tel: +65 6474 2495
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Queenstown

There is little chance that you will stumble upon Paper Crane unless you have heard of that place. Hidden in the grounds of Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO) in Waterloo Street, this cafe is within walking distance from Bras Basah MRT Station.

Paper Crane is an unpretentious cafe that serves comforting Western food. Their attractive menu boasts All Day S$10 Deals and other Western main dishes that are below S$20.

Visitors do not have to pay for GST or service charge at this cafe.

Choose from the spacious al fresco seating area and indoor seating by the window if you prefer to stay away from the heat. However, do note that indoor seating is limited to four to five people only due to space constraints.

The Beer Battered Ah Hua Kelong Sea Bass and Chips (S$15) is a value-for-money dish. Under the beer battered crispy skin is soft and juicy sea bass which tastes great on its own without the need for any sauce.

Another favourite is Paper Crane’s Southern-style Fried Buttermilk Chicken with Slaw and Fries (S$15). We could hear the delightful crunch from the crispy skin crumbling into pieces in our mouths. The dish comes with the usual western sides—coleslaw and fries.

Those who enjoyed their homemade chilli can purchase it in bottles at the cafe.

If you are on a budget, they have a range of dishes for only S$10 on the menu such as Spaghetti in Pesto, Greek Chickpea Salad and Popcorn Chicken with Chili and Coriander Mayo.

Otherwise, pick from Kimchi Fries with Grilled Steak and Cilantro Mayo (S$15), 48 Hours Sous Vide Beef Brisket Sandwich with Fries (S$18), Spaghetti with Grilled Prawns in Prawn Butter Sauce (S$20) and more.

Paper Crane
96 Waterloo Street
Singapore 187967
Tel: +65 6837 0836
Mon to Sat: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

The East of Singapore is where one will find plenty of hidden treasures. While there are many concept cafes out there, To-gather Cafe in Bedok (next to Fengshan Market) is one gem where you can unwind from work.

Walk into the cafe and you will notice that cursive writings of inspirational quotes and song lyrics fill up the walls in the most elegant manner. There is also a wall featuring post-it notes with messages and compliments penned down personally by customers.

Inspired by an all-time favourite childhood song “The More We Get Together”, the owners of To-gather cafe aims to create a homey ambience concept where people gather together over a good meal and artisan coffees. The cafe offers delectable signature dishes and the most flavourful desserts to end your meal with.

The best part? Most of the main courses are affordably priced under S$12. To-gather Cafe is one place where you can have a good meal without breaking the bank.

GRILLED TENDERLOIN OF BEEF

We are mentioning this dish first because everyone agreed unanimously that this was the best.

Everything about the Grilled Tenderloin of Beef (S$24.90) just clicked together—the soft tenderloin steak grilled to pinkish medium rare doneness, with an addictive black pepper sauce and fragrant truffle oil, complete with mash potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

BRAISED BEEF PASTA

If having a beef steak is too much for you, go for the Braised Beef Pasta (S$11.90). We enjoyed the warm creamy spaghetti jazzed up with colourful bell peppers, button mushrooms and caramelised onions. The star ingredient of this pasta dish is the slow braised beef brisket. We always appreciate the flavours of a long simmered sauce; rich, aromatic and very tender.

The star ingredient of this pasta dish is the slow braised beef brisket. We always appreciate the flavours of a long simmered sauce; rich, aromatic and very tender.

PORK CORDON BLEU

The Pork Cordon Bleu (S$11.90) at To-gather Cafe is coated with a crispy crust of bread crumbs and we were greeted by a generous portion of ham and cheese stuffing when we pulled the pork loin apart.

It is important that the chef has the skills to ensure that the top layer has been deep fried to form a crispy casing, while the meat inside remains juicy. We are glad to say that the one at To-gather Cafe is worth trying. The Pork Cordon Bleu comes with fries and fresh salad drizzled over with light mustard sauce.

GRILLED PANDAN CHICKEN CHOP

Chicken chop may be a common item on most menus but Pandan Chicken Chop? Now that’s something we have to mention. The folks at To-gather Cafe have reinvented what used to be a run-of-the-mill food item into an interesting dish you cannot help but notice.

The marinated grilled chicken chop (S$9.90) is marinated with, of course, pandan and doused in a light coconut sauce. To spice things up a little more, a spoonful of pineapple salsa—made from scratch within the premises—is placed atop the chicken chop.

This is something the older folks can try if you are planning to visit with your family!

ARTISANAL COFFEE AND DESSERTS

The baristas at To-gather cafe have the usuals to serve you—Caffe Latte (S$4.20) and Cappuccino (S$4.20); and if you are more inclined towards tea, try the Matcha Latte (S$5.20). If you do not know, yes, Matcha Latte has no coffee in it.

You know what is the one dessert that got all of us swooning? The Homemade Hojicha Swiss Roll with Thick Hojicha Shot (S$5.90), a new item that is launched earlier this month. The idea of serving the dessert with a shot of Hojicha Latte is so that you can take sips in between bites because Swiss rolls tend to be dry; yes, we were so incredibly impressed by this “little touch”.

By the way, the Hojicha used for this dessert is made of premium Hojicha powder imported directly from Japan!

To-gather Cafe’s Matcha Lava Cake with Vanilla Gelato (S$7.20) has been making its rounds on Instagram in the last two years. It comes with a distinctively rich matcha flavour and a single scoop of vanilla gelato,

Come November 2016, To-gather Cafe will be celebrating its third birthday! And in conjunction with their birthday celebrations, they will be returning to society by donating a part of their proceeds to a social enterprise that provides clean water for rural communities.

Bring your family and friends over to this nostalgic cafe for a meal in the heartlands. After all, this is what To-gather Cafe is all about—the more we get together, the happier we’ll be!

And while you are at it, don’t forget to check out all the murals on the wall! They are done by local artists and it does not hurt to have a photo or two of it on your Instagram account!

To-gather Cafe
#01-25/27
84 Bedok North Street 4
Singapore 460084
Tel: +65 6445 1011
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bedok

This post is brought to you by To-gather Cafe.

Eating is an expensive hobby, and we all know the anguish of wanting a good meal but not having enough moolah to indulge. It is painful as much as it is frustrating. #FoodiesProblems

But you see, dining out need not be expensive if you know where to go. We have rounded up a list of 13 places in Singapore that serve budget main courses that are priced S$13 and below, and you know this is awesome news, right? No need to break the bank for a good and comforting meal, no need to pay an arm or a leg.

In this guide to budget eats under S$13, you will find a balanced mix of continental and international favourites from all over Singapore, so bookmark this page and it will save you on rainy days when your wallet has no ability to take any more beating.

#1 AH BONG’S ITALIAN – BASIL PESTO PASTA

Ah Bong’s Italian at Tiong Bahru changes their menu daily but recycles some popular picks. If you’re lucky enough that day and the Basil Pesto Pasta or a variation of it is on the menu, don’t hesitate to order it.

Doused evenly with rich pesto sauce, the overall pasta taste is taken up a notch with what we felt was a light addition of chicken broth and other seasonings – unveiling an extremely palatable taste. The pastas here are all prepared a la minute so the pastas are best eaten the minute it reaches your table. For just a mere S$7, we’re definitely coming back for more!

56 Eng Hoon Street
#01-46
Singapore 160056
Tel: +65 9650 6194
Daily: 10am – 2pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

#2 ARBITE – BANANA & CARAMEL PANCAKES

When in Serangoon Gardens, the cafe to go to is Arbite. This cafe started with humble beginnings some years ago, and today, it is a perennial favourite among residents and cafe-goers.

We like that the menu is not cluttered with the “typical cafe food”. What had us going back is the pancakes. For only S$12, you enjoy a stack of fluffy pancakes with banana, caramel sauce, sea salt, walnuts and vanilla ice-cream.

66A Serangoon Garden Way
Singapore 555962
Tel: +65 6287 0430
Mon to Fri: 11.30 am – 3.00 pm, 6.00pm – 10.30pm
Sat to Sun: 11.00 am – 10.30 pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon/Lorong Chuan

#3 EWF BY EVERYTHING WITH FRIES – HAR JEONG KAI BURGER

Prices at EwF are extremely budget-friendly, especially when the portions are more than substantial. A mouthwatering burger combo (inclusive of a burger, fries and beverage of your choice) starts from an affordable S$11.90.

The Har Jeong Kai Burger (S$8.90/ala-carte, S$11.90/meal) features a succulent prawn paste chicken leg sandwiched between two delicate handmade sesame buns, then topped with mayonnaise.

200 Victoria Street
#04-05, Bugis Junction
Singapore 188021
Tel: +65 6338 0135
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

#4 GYOZA YA – MENTAIKO GYOZA & GARLIC RICE

Well-known for their inexpensive gyozas (Japanese meat dumplings) with convenient outlets in central Singapore, Gyoza Ya has upped the ante in the recent few months with variations of their pan-fried gyozas.

These selections include the Mentaiko Gyoza and the Cheese Gyoza (both S$7.80 for 5 pieces), which are best eaten with their individually portioned side of Garlic or Seafood rice (S$5.80 each) but we highly recommend sticking to the former as the garlic flavour is pleasantly poignant.

260 Orchard Road, Robinsons Orchard
The Heeren, B1-02A
Singapore 238855
Tel: +65 6737 5581
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#5 HOB NOB CAFE BAR – FISH & CHIPS

Hob Nob is one of the several under-the-radar spots we love in Orchard Road. It is located on level three of Far East Shopping Mall – the one beside Wheelock, not the better-known Far East Plaza. The place is small, with only 8 tables that accommodate 25 people.

The food is simple, so don’t come here expecting fancy stuff. But if you want a decent meal in town without breaking the bank, Hob Nob might just become your new favourite place. Prices start from S$9.80 for a Fried Egg & Bacon Sandwich, to S$16.80 for Spaghetti Tom Yum Seafood. The Hob Nob Fish & Chips (S$11.80) is also worth a try.

Hob Nob is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s Top Budget Restaurants in Orchard Road.

#03-18/19, Far East Shopping Centre
545 Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6734 0474
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#6 I WANT MY NOODLE – MY MUSHROOM NOODLE

I Want My Noodle is a local brand name that showcases their signature homemade springy egg noodles, served in a variety of different ways. We liked My Mushroom Noodle (S$7.90) for the inexpensive price tag and the overall taste of the noodles (dry is a better option) with their chilli sauce, served on the side.

There are other options such as the Double Roast Noodles which cost a little bit more but we can assure you that it is also worth the splurge. Only cash is accepted at this eatery so do make sure you have enough cash handy.

Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Road
#03-14/15
Singapore 228208
Tel: +65 6235 2331
Daily: 10.45am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#7 NAKAJIMA SUISAN GRILLED FISH – SALMON TERIYAKI

Nakajima Suisan Grilled Fish at Takashimaya’s Japanese food court remains one of our favourite places to go for a good and affordable meal in Singapore. The prices of the set meals — choose from Salmon Teriyaki ($12.50) and Shio Saba ($7.50) — are pocket-friendly, and the food never fails us.

391A Orchard Road Basement 2
Takashimaya Food Hall Ngee Ann City
Nearest Station: Orchard/Somerset

#8 RAMEN KEISUKE – TONKOTSU RAMEN

Small and unassuming, this ramen joint does not look one bit attractive. And if you do not have a keen sense of smell, you might just walk right past it. That would mean you are missing out on a bowl of very authentic Japanese ramen.

Tonkotsu is our top choice always, simply because no other broths can be as gratifying as a rich, creamy and oily pork broth. The good news is, Ramen Keisuke does a pretty mean bowl and it is only S$10.80 with free flow of hard-boiled eggs and bean sprouts!

#01-19 Orchid Hotel
1 Tras Street
Tel: +65 6636 0855
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#9 SAVEUR – DUCK CONFIT

People love Saveur because it offers cheap and decent French food. There’s a trade-off, though. Portions are very small, so you have to order more dishes to share.

Having said that, it is probably impossible to find another place that serves a good duck confit at $10. So, if you are on a budget, check out Saveurs. Remember to go early, or be prepared to queue.

Read: Guide To 11 Duck Confits To Try In Singapore.

5 Purvis Street, #01-04
Singapore 188584
Tel: 6333 3121
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9.15pm
Sun: 12pm – 2.15pm, 6pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

#10 SPIZZA MERCATO – PIZZA

Spizza Mercato at Capitol Piazza has a super affordable menu and a wide variety of pizzas (but of course), and what it is exceptionally popular during lunch for its amazing weekday lunch deals – S$12 for a dry pasta with classic sauce or a 10 inch pizza, anyone?

13 Stamford Road #B2-52
Capitol Piazza
Singapore 178905
Tel: +65 6702 1835
Daily: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

#11 THE WICKED GARLIC – SQUID INK LINGUINE

Previously housed in a coffee shop, The Wicked Garlic’s tremendous success has led them to move over to the Central Business District in International Plaza. The Wicked Garlic offers a good range of pastas, pizzas and risottos but we loved their Ling Nero Di Seppia (Squid Ink Linguine, S$8.70) the most.

Each strand of pasta is coated evenly in the tasty squid ink sauce and you have a choice to add in extra items such as prawns and bacon to enhance your dish or to suit your liking. For just a mere S$8, we’re definitely not complaining.

10 Anson Road
#01-37, International Plaza
Singapore 079903
Tel: +65 8509 2942
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 9pm
Sat: 11.30am – 8am
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#12 &SONS – GRILLED BEEF SIRLOIN STEAK

&SONS has lunch promotions every weekday that is just too good to resist. Their lunch menu items range from S$8 to S$12 and they feature a wide range of selections such as Pork Cheek Ragu Penne Pasta (S$9) and the ever popular Grilled Beef Sirloin Steak (S$12).

For a mere S$12, you get more than your money’s worth of a sirloin steak, cooked to your preferred doneness, a side of roasted potatoes & caramelised onions and salad. With an addition of S$2.50 – S$3, you can get yourself a cup of coffee or tea too.

Note: The main courses are only available for weekday lunch.

20 Cross Street
China Square Central, #01-19
Singapore 048422
Tel: +65 6221 3937
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 1am
Sat: 6pm – 2am
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer

#13 49 SEATS – CARBONARA PASTA

One of our favourite budget restaurants in Singapore, 49 Seats has gained a legion of supporters by keeping its fusion gourmet very affordable and accessible amidst the rising costs in this competitive industry.

While 49 Seats is known for its Tom Yum Pasta, the Carbonara (S$12.90), Beef Bolognaise (S$12.90), and Aglio Olio (S$10.90) are also worth trying. And best of all, there is no GST and service charge here.

49 Kreta Ayer Road
Singapore 089007
Mon to Thu: 6pm – 2am
Fri to Sat: 6pm – 5.30am
Tel: +65 6225 4332
Nearest Station: Outram Park

For more recommendations on where to eat, read our guide to 20 Inexpensive Restaurants in Singapore.