For those who work in the CBD, are you on a constant lookout for cheap places to dine at during lunch? It is true that prices of food in the CBD are usually fixed slightly higher than elsewhere, but this does not mean that there aren’t hidden gems where you can enjoy delicious food without breaking the bank.

Let us introduce you to Gochi-So Shokudo, an under-the-radar eatery located at the corner of the basement of One Raffles Place that brings to you top-quality Iberico Pork all the way from Spain at affordable prices. Their Iberico Pork Belly Don will cost you just S$10; isn’t that a steal?

One of Gochi-So Shokudo’s most value-for-money menu options is the Iberico Pork Belly Don (S$10). If you are feeling slightly hungrier, you can upgrade your meal with side sets such as Set C (S$4) which will give you a plate of Iberico Belly Enoki and Iberico Miso Soup.

The Iberico Pork Belly Don (S$10) comes with a generous portion of thinly-sliced Iberico pork belly, an onsen egg, a handful of seaweed strips and spoonful of sliced spring onion atop a bowl of hot, fluffy rice.

If you were to glance at the store front, you would notice that the Iberico pork belly will be grilled over a charcoal fire prior to service. The wonderful char-grilled taste was evident in every slice of meat and it further enhanced the taste of the pork belly. Elsewise, our onsen egg was executed perfectly and when broken, the egg yolk added a velvety texture over the whole don that was just so enjoyable.

The Iberico Loin Katsu (S$15.80) comes with a deep-fried Iberico pork loin cutlet, fluffy bowl of rice, sesame seeds and their special dipping sauce. Admittedly, we were hoping for something more when we compared the price point of the Iberico Loin Katsu (S$15.80)  to the Iberico Pork Belly Don (S$10).

Although the skin of the Iberico pork loin cutlet was a lovely golden-brown, we found the meat of the cutlet slightly dry and lacking flavour.

Gochi-So Shokudo
1 Raffles Place, #B1-30 One Raffles Place,
Singapore 048616
Tel: +65 6536 6447
Mon to Thu: 11am – 9.30pm
Fri to Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

At times, we often find ourselves belabouring over how expensive our meals are in Singapore. This is partly due to the high price point already tagged to our meals, but the scary figure on the bill is only exacerbated by the addition of GST and service charge.

Sure, we understand the necessity of including service charge into our bills and there does not go a day when we are not grateful for the high standards of service we receive during our meals. This goes without saying that when service is exemplary, paying that extra money for service charge is worthwhile.

But there are those days when we long for just a cheap, affordable meal. And what if we told you that there are dining establishments in Singapore which offers you the same meals but without the addition of service charge?

Here are 24 Places In Singapore With No Service Charge. Yes, that means money for more food! You are very welcome. 

DRURY LANE

A quiet and quaint cafe tucked away in a shophouse along Tanjong Pagar Road, Drury Lane is a speciality coffee shop which has a laid back and chill atmosphere that is so perfect for those lazy afternoons.

Delicious baked goods, a good cup of coffee and no service charge? An afternoon at Drury Lane is definitely something to look forward to. Do also note that Drury Lane does not accept reservations and it is a walk-in only cafe.

Drury Lane
94 Tanjong Pagar Road,
Singapore 088515
Tel: +65 6222 6698
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

BAR BAR BLACK SHEEP

For hearty Thai, Western and North Indian cuisine at nett prices, Bar Bar Black Sheep will be your best bet. A bar in a casual yet relaxed coffee shop setting, this is where you should gather your friends or family for a good drink and comforting eats.

Bar Bar Black Sheep
501 Bukit Timah Road, #01-05C Cluny Court,
Singapore 259760
Tel: +65 6763 4757
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 1am
Sat: 12pm – 1am
Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

FATBOY’S THE BURGER BAR

Known for their juicy and succulent burgers, Fatboy’s The Burger Bar is no stranger to Singapore’s burger scene and they also have several outlets across the island. Some speciality burgers you can pick up include The Yolo (S$19.80) and Fat Basterd (S$19.80).

To top it off, there is no service charge for your food at Fatboy’s The Burger Bar. More money saved to feed our ever rumbling bellies? We’ll take it.

Fatboy’s The Burger Bar
122 Pasir Panjang Road,
Singapore 118544
Tel: +65 6471 3224
Tue to Thu, Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Pasir Panjang

FLOCK CAFE

A family-run cafe situated nestled in the vibrant Tiong Bahru neighbourhood, Flock Cafe is an ideal place for some afternoon tea, away from the hustle and bustle of life.

All coffee is also brewed from beans roasted over at Liberty Coffee. So use those extra savings from no service charge for an extra cup of coffee goodness!

Flock Cafe
78 Moh Guan Terrace, #01-25,
Singapore 162078
Tel: +65 6536 3938
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Based within the iconic Singapore Botanic Gardens, Food For Thought is a wonderful botanical-inspired restaurant with decent food at affordable prices with no service charge. This is a good place for brunch with the family and there is also a menu for toddlers.

Food For Thought
1 Cluny Road, #B1-00 Tanglin Gate,
Singapore 259569
Tel: +65 6338 4848
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

FORTY HANDS

Another cafe with no service charge that you have to check out in the Tiong Bahru enclave of eateries and restaurants is Forty Hands. Located within a shophouse, you would often find this cafe crowded and teeming with people.

But if you do make it in, some brunch items you can try include the Smashed Avo On Toast and Eggs Benedict.

Forty Hands
78 Yong Siak Street, #01-12,
Singapore 163078
Tel: +65 6225 8545
Sun to Wed: 7.30am – 7pm
Thu to Sat: 7.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

HATTER STREET BAKEHOUSE & CAFE

A mad hatter-inspired cafe serving up innovative yet tasty treats, Hatter Street Bakehouse & Cafe is a hidden gem in Kovan that you can drop by for dessert after your meal.

Some items to try include the Paddlepop Cheesecake (S$6.50) and Whoaffles + Single Scoop (S$9). Also, did you know that you do not have to pay for service charge at this cafe?

Hatter Street Bakehouse & Cafe
Blk 212 Hougang Street 21, #01-333,
Singapore 530212
Tel: +65 6988 4591
Daily: 1pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Kovan

HUSTLE CO

The most recent addition to Craig Road’s bustling neighbourhood of chic cafes and fancy restaurants, Hustle Co is a new cafe that has 12 craft beers on tap. They also serve up comforting cafe fare and hearty dishes such as the Dirty Burger (S$19) and Blueberry Pancakes (S$18).

When it comes to their craft beers, we would highly recommend the Flat White Stout (S$9 per half pint) which is a rich dark stout infused with coffee flavours. Delightful food with no service charge? Sounds good to us.

Hustle Co
52 Craig Road,
Singapore 089690
Tel: +65 9826 3382
Tue to Sun: 9am – 12am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

KRAZY SALAD BAR

Now, this is one eatery that you must know about. Sitting in the bustling neighbourhood of Toa Payoh is an under-the-radar eatery which offers a full menu of Western main course.

Krazy Salad Bar is a value-for-money main course + salad bar concept and you can get all of this for under S$20. Free-flow of main courses, salad and desserts; what is there to complain about? And to complete your dining experience, you will not have to pay for service charge here. So Krazy, indeed!

Krazy Salad Bar
Blk 190 Toa Payoh Lorong 6, #02-516 Toa Payoh Central,
Singapore 310190
Tel: +65 6254 7872
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Toa Payoh

LA PETITE CUISINE 

Established since 2006, La Petite Cuisine is a French restaurant in Singapore that serves affordable French food made from good quality and fresh produce. A casual restaurant where you do not have to pay for service, this is a good place to gather with your family for a simple, hearty meal.

La Petite Cuisine
10 Jalan Serene, #01-02 Serene Centre,
Singapore 258748
Tel: +65 6314 3173
Tue to Sun: 10am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

LOLA’S CAFE

Cosy, inviting and fuss-free are three words that sum up a meal at Lola’s Cafe. Aside from not having to pay any service charge, Lola’s Cafe is a great hangout spot for coffee and desserts. Now, that is truly the best combination a foodie can ever wish for.

Lola’s Cafe
5 & 7 Simon Road,
Singapore 545893
Tel: +65 6284 0349
Sun, Tue to Thu: 10am – 11.30pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 12am
Nearest Station: Kovan

NAMNAM NOODLE BAR

Founded on the belief that “Good food should be enjoyed by everyone”, NamNam Noodle Bar serves up honest yet tasty eats at affordable prices. As if that wasn’t enough, you do not have to pay for service charge if you dine at NamNam Noodle Bar.

Currently, the restaurant is offering value breakfast set meals available from 8am to 10am on weekdays. Yes, this means S$5.90 nett for any banh mi or S$6.90 nett for any pho (except the wagyu beef). Your food will also come with a drink.

NamNam Noodle Bar
252 North Bridge Road, #B1-46/47 Raffles City Shopping Centre,
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 6336 0500
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

NASSIM HILL BAKERY BISTRO BAR

Yes, this eatery is exactly as its name describes – a three-in-one concept which combines a bakery, bistro and bar into one. There is no service charge at this dining establishment which means you can afford to splurge a little more on the base cost of your meal!

Some exciting dishes that you should try include the Market Fresh Mussels With A Hint Of Chili (S$25) and the Chili Crab pasta (S$16/S$25).

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 3 miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

Nassim Hill Bakery Bistro Bar
56 Tanglin Road, #01-03 Tanglin Post Office,
Singapore 247964
Tel: +65 6835 1128
Tue to Sat: 8am – 11pm
Sun: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Photo Credit: Le Amis Group

PEPERONI PIZZERIA @ BIOPOLIS

Does pizza for lunch sound good to you? Visit Peperoni Pizzeria’s 6th outlet at Biopolis for a meal without any service charge or GST!

Aside from having cheap parking, being a peaceful dining environment and pet-friendly restaurant, lunch sets will cost you a mere S$14.90.

Peperoni Pizzeria @ Biopolis
10 Biopolis Road, #01-01 Chromos Block,
Singapore 138670
Tel: +65 6478 9091
Mon to Sun: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: one-north

PERCOLATE

For those who stay in the North of Singapore, Percolate is a popular coffee joint that serves up amazing fragrant coffees, pretty and satisfying desserts without charging you a penny for service.

A small, unpretentious space for you to enjoy a hot cuppa or two, this is one hidden gem in Bedok that all coffee fanatics need to know.

Percolate
136 Bedok North Avenue 3, #01-152,
Singapore 460136
Tel: +65 8259 0316
Mon, Wed to Fri: 10.30am – 9.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Bedok

POPPY POPS

Sitting on the sixth floor of JEM is Poppy Pops, a popsicle cafe so secret that you probably would not chance about during a regular visit to JEM. But there is so much to love about Poppy Pops and it would be a waste if you did not take the time to drop by the cafe at least once in your life.

Yes, you get what you came for. Freshly-made popsicles and waffles accompanied by a pleasant view of the Jurong town landscape. And guess what, you do not have to pay for service charge here too!

Poppy Pops
52 Jurong Gateway Road, #06-03 JEM,
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 6262 0339
Mon to Thu, Sun: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

REAL FOOD

Specialising in meatless food that is good for the body, Real Food at South Beach Avenue is a good place to turn to for a meal, especially when you wish to cleanse your body of the junk and harmful chemicals that you have put into it.

Some delights you can try include the Soy Curry Soup Noodles (S$12.80) and Baked Stuff Portobello Mushroom with Soy Cheese (S$11.80). And here is another incentive to begin your detox at Real Food—there is no service charge here!

Real Food
26 Beach Road, #B1-19,
Singapore 189768
Tel: +65 6384 2206
Mon to Sat: 10am – 9.30pm
Sun: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

Photo Credit: Ronin

RONIN

Brunch with no service charge? The sound of that will surely put a smile on your face. At Ronin, indulge yourself in their rich and mouthwatering spread of brunch delights that include the Bircher Muesli (S$12) or even a Dirty Ronin (S$15). Then, pair it with a hot Genovese Coffee or their Signature Mocha and you would be set for the day.

Do note that payment at Ronin is only by cash or NETS.

Ronin
17 Hong Kong Street,
Singapore 059660
Daily: 8am – 6pm
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay / Raffles Place

SUMMER HILL

The latest addition to Sunset Way’s cluster of F&B outlets is Summer Hill, a casual French dining bistro that took over the premises of The Tiny Roaster.

Helmed by Chefs Anthony Yeoh and Christopher Soh who used to work for the now-defunct Cocotte at Wanderlust Hotel, you can expect a straightforward menu that focuses on home-style dishes and comforting recipes when you are dining there. Special items and sides are on a weekly rotational basis to keep things exciting so you always have an excuse to go back for more.

Summer Hill
106 Clementi Street 12
#01-62
Singapore 120106
Tel: +65 6251 5337
Daily: 11.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Clementi

SPRMRKT

Redefine your local supermarket experience at SPRMRKT’s flagship outlet at McCallum Street. This is where you can enjoy food, retail and art. Most importantly, no service charge is imposed on your bill when you dine at their bistro. Say yes to more savings and another resounding yes to more food in your belly! SPRMRKT 2 McCallum Street, Singapore 069043 Tel: +65 6221 2105 Mon to Fri: 8am – 9.30pm Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

STEAKOUT

When most think of comfort food, they would be inclined to think of desserts but really, what you need is a good ol’ thick, juicy slab of steak. Founded in 2011, Steakout is a humble grill and bar which serves up steak from Australia and New Zealand. Their steaks are also chilled and not frozen so as to preserve the freshness of the beef for their diners.

Steakout also does charge GST or service charge.

Steakout
89 Victoria Street,
Singapore 188017
Tel: +65 6720 8103
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah / City Hall

Photo Credit: The Living Cafe

THE LIVING CAFE

The Living Cafe is a cafe located along Bukit Timah Road that prides itself in offering healthy yet tasty food that is chock full of health benefits.

Their menu features a variety of fresh produce which includes soup, pasta, pizza and desserts; but all absent of preservatives, white sugar, cow dairy, red meat and artificial colourings.

You will not have to pay for service charge at The Living Cafe.

The Living Cafe
779 Bukit Timah Road,
Singapore 269758
Tel: +65 6468 4482
Mon to Thu: 11am – 7pm
Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat: 9am – 10pm
Sun: 9am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Sixth Avenue

TORIKI

If you love Japanese yakitori and craft beer, then Toriki is a joint you should definitely check out.

Situated on the 4th level of JCube, overlooking Singapore’s only Olympic ice rink, diners can look forward to authentic Japanese eats like assorted donburi and classic old school yakitori grilled over a special binchotan charcoal.

Toriki
Jurong East Central 1
#04-12 JCube
Singapore 609731
Tel: +65 8183 8121
Daily: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Jurong East

WHEELER’S YARD

If there is a themed cafe at a unique location, you know well that it would be a big hit with Singaporeans who are avid cafe-hoppers. A bicycle cafe nestled within an industrial warehouse in the Balestier area, Wheeler’s Yard is predominantly known for being a cafe filled with endless #OOTD spots, especially at their signature blue door!

Aside from the amazing decor, Wheeler’s Yard also serves up a mean breakfast, brunch and burgers and you do not have to pay for service charge. Yipee!

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 3 miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

Wheeler’s Yard
28 Lorong Ampas,
Singapore 328781
Tel: +65 6254 9128
Mon, Wed to Thu: 10.30am – 10pm
Fri to Sun: 10.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Novena / Toa Payoh

Read: 27 Affordable Romantic Restaurants For Your Next Date.

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.

Centrally located in the heart of the bustling Marina Centre, Marina Square is one shopping destination where you can find everything under one roof. Easily accessible from City Hall, Esplanade and Promenade MRT Stations, Marina Square is home to more than 200 exciting retail, lifestyle and F&B outlets.

Dining choices are almost endless—ranging from mid-scale cafes and restaurants located within ‘The Dining Edition’ to authentic Japanese eats at Emporium Shokuhin, Singapore’s first integrated Japanese Emporium.

If you think that it is impossible to find meals below S$20 in town, this is where we come into place. Here are 10 Affordable Restaurants At Marina Square With Mains Under S$20.

COLLIN’S®

If you plan on dropping by Collin’s® for a meal over the weekend, do not be daunted by the long queues snaking outside the restaurant because a little waiting is worth it for their menu of affordably-priced dishes.

An inviting restaurant with a warm and intimate ambience, Collin’s® is a great place for families, couples, and friends to share a meal.

Order the Collin’s® Special (S$19.80), Collin’s® signature 12″ Wood Fired Oven Pizza—a meaty option that includes sausages, bacon and salami. By the way, any order of pizza entitles you to a small tub of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream!

The 120g Mishima Wagyu Steak-Frites (S$19.90)—a new addition to the menu—is one affordable steak to try. Wagyu steak seasoned with salt and black pepper is served with sweet potato fries and truffle sauce.

Collin’s®
6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square #01-204/205
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6264 6228
Sun to Thu: 10am – 12am
Fri, Sat & Eve of PH: 10am – 2am
Nearest Station: City Hall / Esplanade / Promenade

KAI GARDEN

Cantonese cuisine is the ultimate comfort food because it will always remind us of homecooked goodness. At Kai Garden, expect favourites such as Pan-Fried Pork Dumpling “Siew Mai” (S$8.80), Crackling Pork Belly (S$14.80) and Wok-Fried XO Carrot Cake (S$9.80).

Oh yes, the Crackling Pork Belly was so sinfully yummy. The skin was in a gorgeous shade of brown, crispy and fragrant; the meat was succulent and juicy.

The posh Chinese restaurant resembles an emperor’s courtyard and is an elegant space for family dinners, company luncheons and birthday celebrations for your older folks.

Kai Garden
6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square #03-128A/128B
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 +65 6250 4826
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 11am – 4pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: City Hall / Esplanade / Promenade

KITH CAFE

A long-time favourite in Singapore’s cafe scene, Kith Cafe is recognised for their hearty Australian eats and distinctive blend of signature coffees. Nestled away on the second level of Marina Square, Kith Cafe radiates a lovely quaint charm.

The Poached Eggs and Avocado (S$16) is a light breakfast item to love; otherwise, there is the Kung Pao Pizza (S$12) which is a fusion pizza that combines Italian and Chinese flavourfully.

We also particularly enjoyed the rich and flavourful Kith Black Curry (S$19), a dish that features contrasting flavours of spices.

As always, your meal will not be complete without Kith Cafe’s fragrant specialty Black Coffee (S$4.50). The underlying tones of dark fruits and cocoa in the coffee is best enjoyed with some Sea Salt Chocolate Cookies (S$4 for a pack of seven and S$2.80 for a pack of three).

Kith Café
6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square #02-49
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6352 4393
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall / Esplanade / Promenade

MEI HEONG YUEN DESSERT

Although cafes and western desserts are all the rage, traditional Chinese desserts will always have a permanent home in our hearts. A wave of nostalgia will hit you no matter what your dessert choice at Mei Heong Yuen Dessert is.

As Mei Heong Yuen Dessert is famous for their various pastes, we were delighted to tuck into the Sesame Paste (S$3.50) which was smooth and nutty, without too much sugar. The Red Bean Lotus (S$3) was another favourite.

Cold, refreshing desserts such as the Mango with Pomelo & Sago (S$5), Mango Strawberry Snow Ice (S$6.50) and Chendol Snow Ice (S$6.50) are crowd pleasers at Mei Heong Yuen Dessert too.

Mei Heong Yuen Dessert
6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square #03-207
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6252 1661
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall / Esplanade / Promenade

MOUTH RESTAURANT

Mouth Restaurant has been known for serving dim sum since 1988.

And over the years, the culinary team has evolved with trends and creativity. Today, look forward to Steamed Squid Ink BBQ Pork Bun (S$5 for 3 pieces) and Deep Fried Banana Roll (S$3.90 for 2 pieces). Unconventional? Yes, they are.

Mouth Restaurant’s 6 Flavour Shrimp Dumpling With X.O. Sauce (S$9.80 for 6 pieces) comes in 6 different flavours—squid ink, spinach, sweet potato, pumpkin, carrot and original.

You can never go wrong with the Baked Cream Of Salted Egg Yolk Bun (S$5.80 for 3 pieces). When opened, flowy salted egg yolk sauce bursts out of the crispy crackly bun; what a splendid thing to watch!

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 2 miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

Mouth Restaurant
6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square #02-200
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6337 7446
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 10am – 4.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall / Esplanade / Promenade

REDPAN

Located on level 2 of Marina Square, redpan is a fun yet stylish dining establishment with a menu that focuses on bringing local ingredients and familiar flavours with a twist.

The Truffle Floss Fries (S$9) or the Truffle Duck Confit Taco (S$16) will kick your meal off to a great start. Next, dive into the main event with the Bak Chor Foie Gras Pasta (S$19) or the Prawn & Hae Bi Hiam Pasta (S$19). Delighted with how well local flavours fused together with Western fare, we would definitely return to have these again.

For a sweet ending, the Durian Baked Alaska (S$9) is a star dessert that will enthral all durian lovers. Durian ice-cream is encased with meringue and blow-torched in a manner that had the dessert resemble a durian!

Reserve a table at www.redpan.sg/reservations

redpan
6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square #02-03/04 (new wing)
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6255 5850
Daily: 12pm – 10pm (extended to 11pm on Fridays)
Kitchen is closed from 3pm – 5:30pm on weekdays.
Nearest Station: City Hall / Esplanade / Promenade

RONG HUA BAK KUT TEH

We are guilty of diving straight into the Salted Egg Yolk Chicken Wings (S$10.90) at Rong Hua Bak Kut Teh because we could not resist its aromatic salted egg yolk sauce. Trust us when we say that this dish is a must-order!

That being said, we still enjoyed the rich and peppery Signature Pork Ribs Soup (Regular – S$7.50, Large – S$9.50). Other sides dishes worth mentioning are the Braised Pig Trotters (Regular – S$7.50, Large – S$9.50), Handmade Fried Prawn Roll (S$7.90) and Spinach With Top Shell Abalone Sauce (S$12).

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Rong Hua Bak Kut Teh
6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square #02-201
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6469 3536
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall / Esplanade / Promenade

SENMI SUSHI

Everything at Senmi Sushi hits the right spot—from the soft ambient lighting where you can unwind from work to the sumptuous Japanese sashimi spread, sushi and donburis prepared painstakingly by hand.

This is one Japanese restaurant you have to drop by when you are at Marina Square.

Gourmet Japanese dishes to order are the Chirashi Don, (S$19), Salmon Lovers Platter (S$17.80) and the all-time favourite Dynamite Maki (S$16.80).

The Dynamite Maki is the restaurant’s signature creation that features maki with torched beef slices and tempura batter bits. Every bite was a delightful crunch of flavours.

Senmi Sushi
6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square #01-18
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6812 2179
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall / Esplanade / Promenade

SHIO & PEPE JAPANESE-ITALIAN KITCHEN

Featuring Japanese and Italian fusion dishes, Shio & Pepe Japanese-Italian Kitchen is a new dining establishment you will find at Emporium Shokuhin in Marina Square. Long tables can be arranged together for communal dining to cater to big groups.

Dishes to look out for include the Spicy Seafood Arrabbiata (S$17.50), Hamburg Steak with Oroshi Ponzu (S$19.80) and Mentaiko Fries (S$7.90).

If you are dining in big groups, try the Parma Ham Arugula Pizza (S$19.90). There are several other Japanese-flavoured pizzas on the menu too.

Shio & Pepe Japanese-Italian Kitchen
6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square #01-18
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6812 2174
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall / Esplanade / Promenade

SUKI-YA

Oh glorious, glorious meat! An all-you-can-eat sukiyaki and shabu shabu buffet at a wallet-friendly price is a dream come true for all meat lovers.

The lunch buffet is going at S$18.90++ (Mon to Thu) and you get to choose from five different soup bases with free-flow meat and vegetables.

Craft your own dipping sauce or go for special sauces such as Ponzu, Spicy Peanut Sauce and Fresh Egg.

Diners can also complement their meal with mushrooms, eggs, tofu, cheese balls and more.

Suki-Ya
6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square #02-183B/183C
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6337 9969
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Fri to Sun, Eve of PH & PH: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall / Esplanade / Promenade

This post is brought to you by Marina Square Singapore.

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

As Sunny Korean Cuisine is a self-service eatery, diners are required to place their order with the staff at the counter or through the e-kiosk. Besides that, food and beverages are to be collected on your own as well. There is also a bucket filled with ice just beside the food collection counter should you need any for your drinks.

While service is not a priority here, food is served efficiently and we waited no more than 10 minutes for our orders to be ready.

We felt that their 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. So good!

Every order of a Bibimbap comes with a small bowl of miso soup.

On the other hand, we had mixed feelings about the Hot Plate Beef Set (S$6.50). While the aromatic beef slices are tender and juicy, the amount of oil used made it impossible for us to finish the dish without rice.

Their hot plate sets come with a small serving of banchan and miso soup. We had to add S$1 for a bowl of rice.

Other Korean dishes you can enjoy at the eatery include Hot Plate Saba Fish Set (S$6), Kimchi Soup (S$5.50) and Kimchi Beef Ramen (S$5.50).

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

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

Nobody goes to Sunshine Plaza unless they are printing name cards, but you would have heard about the famous Victor’s Kitchen and made a trip there for dim sum.

But we have another reason for you to visit that otherwise random mall.

Our search for good and affordable eateries led us to this discreet Japanese shop called Ichi Tei, which is located inside Sunshine Plaza. Ichi Tei’s set meals are less than S$14, which makes for a decent lunch or dinner.

Upon stepping into the mall, you will definitely notice the bright red colours of the signboard of Ichi Tei, which will stand out in the plain-looking mall.

Affordably priced at S$8.90, the Chicken Teriyaki Set Meal is a good go; flavourful, and we liked that the chicken skin was slightly charred and crispy. The sweet teriyaki sauce enhanced the flavours of the chicken without it being overwhelming.

Every set meal entitles you to a rice set, creamy potato salad and a bowl of miso soup.

Another popular choice at Ichi Tei is the Unadon Rice Set Meal (S$12.90), where visitors get a generous serving of unagi (Japanese eel) with rice.

While we also enjoyed this rice bowl, the chicken teriyaki fared much better.

There is more on Ichi Tei’s menu—Udon Set, Curry Rice Set and Curry Udon Set. Sides include Deep Fried Shumai (S$6), Salmon Sashimi (S$9) and Tori Karage (S$8).

Ichi Tei
91 Bencoolen Street
#01-52 Sunshine Plaza
Singapore 189652
Tel: +65 9139 1746
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 8pm
Sun & PH: Closed
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

Located in the heart of Kovan—just a stone’s throw away from Kovan MRT Station—is Ice Edge Cafe.

The cafe-cum-restaurant has been around for a decade and has gained a huge following over the past years with its hearty savouries and stellar sweets. Dishes served here are very affordable and generously portioned; there is even a perpetual one-for-one lunch promotion* on weekdays!

You might have heard of their legendary Mao Shan Wang Lava Cake, Waffles and Homemade Brownies, but Ice Edge Cafe is more than that. It offers a menu of wallet-friendly dishes (most mains are priced under S$20). If you haven’t been, you are missing out, dude.

From now until 15 December 2016, quote “ladyironchef” to get a FREE Waffle with a scoop of gelato when you spend S$20 per table. This offer is valid during dinner daily.

#1 BUFFALO WINGS

Ice Edge Cafe’s Buffalo Wings (S$9.80+) come in a platter of six.

Each deep-fried chicken wing is coated in a hot peppery buffalo sauce that is infused with vinegar and butter, and garnished with herbs and spices. If you can’t handle spices well, steer clear of this.

The Buffalo Wings are part of Ice Edge Cafe’s 1-for-1 menu.

#2 CALAMARI WITH THAI MAYO

We absolutely love the Calamari with Thai Mayo (S$12.80++) that is on the starters menu. Green salad and Thai mayonnaise dip are served alongside succulent, deep-fried battered squid rings.

#3 JAPANESE BONITO PRAWN SALAD

If calories matter, then the Japanese Bonito Prawn Salad (S$12.80++) is for you. This is a salad of assorted leafy greens, Japanese seasoning, fresh prawns and crispy wakame. Pretty simple, but no less fresh and healthy.

The Japanese Bonito Prawn Salad is part of Ice Edge Cafe’s 1-for-1 menu.

#4 SEAFOOD AGLIO OLIO SPAGHETTI

The Seafood Aglio Olio Spaghetti (S$16.80+) is an Ice Edge classic. Served with clams, juicy prawns and squid, the pasta is served al dente and tossed with chilli padi and garlic. It comes in a very generous portion too!

The Seafood Aglio Olio Spgahetti is part of Ice Edge Cafe’s 1-for-1 menu. Each pasta works out to be just S$8.4+ during lunch!

#5 TOM YAM SEAFOOD LINGUINE

Tom Yam Seafood Linguine (S$17.80+) is an interesting East-meets-West pasta invention which has successfully incorporated the traditional Thai soup into an Italian classic. The pasta is cooked firm to the bite and enhanced with the garlic’s aroma. It is then complemented with clam, squid and prawn.

And it is very spicy. But that is precisely how we like it to be. Definitely our favourite pasta in the entire menu!

#6 BUTTER CREAM SALMON

Over at Ice Edge Cafe, salmon fillets are cooked to perfection—think crispy skin and runny flesh. The fish flakes easily when pierced through with a fork, and topped with a slap of buttery herbs cream and pink peppercorn. The Butter Cream Salmon (S$19.80+) is also served with grilled asparagus and a house salad.

It honestly looks like nothing, but it is the kind of comfort lunch you’d wish for on a boring workday.

#7 PESTO CREAM CHICKEN

The chef-recommended main course Pesto Cream Chicken (S$17.80+) looked pretty messy but this plate packs a punch. It comprises a juicy chicken thigh pan-fried till golden brown, then topped with fresh pesto, and accompanied with carrots, cream, herbs, potatoes and spices.

The Pesto Cream Chicken is part of Ice Edge Cafe’s 1-for-1 menu. S$8.90 for a main course? Lunch doesn’t get any better than this.

#8 CORDON BLEU

By now, you would have noticed that the menu is comprehensive; from American, Italian to Swiss, you can expect a myriad of cuisines.

Ice Edge Cafe’s take on the Cordon Bleu (S$18.80+) is a beautiful one. Slice into the deep-fried breaded chicken and you will see the intersection of bacon and bursting nacho cheese. This is actually our favourite main, for it was satisfaction in every bite.

#9 PIZZA PRAWN MENTAIKO

The Pizza Prawn Mentaiko (S$16.80+) is a work of art and damn, ain’t it photogenic?! The pizza comes with a thin crust. Herbs, prawns and mozzarella cheese are scattered all over the flat dough, before Japanese mayonnaise and mentaiko cream are drizzled in circular motions.

#10 MAO SHAN WANG LAVA CAKE

The divine Mao Shan Wang Lava Cake (S$14.80+) is a must-order when at Ice Edge Cafe. And we’ve heard many stories of how people from all over Singapore travel to Kovan for this legendary dessert. It is safe to say the folks at Ice Edge Cafe pioneered the durian lava cake trend.

The King of Fruits has been integrated into a dense lava cake and warm molten durian will ooze out upon forking it. No efforts have been spared in the making of this signature dessert, and the end result is a robust, divine dessert that bursts with aroma. The lava cake comes with a scoop of gelato of your choice.

#11 WAFFLE

Super crisp on the outside and featherlight on the inside, the Waffles here are superb. Choose to top your waffle with one, two, three or four gelato scoop(s). Prices are S$10+, S$14.50+, S$19+ and S$23.50+ respectively.

There are many flavours to choose from for your gelato (which is also what Ice Edge Cafe is well-loved for), and unique flavours include Salted Egg, Japanese Yuzu and Cotton Candy.

#12 BROWNIE WITH GELATO

Like the idea of death by chocolate? Well, then you have to get the warm double chocolate brownie with chocolate sauce. This decadent dessert comes with either one or two scoop(s) of gelato; the former is priced at S$9.80+ whilst the latter would set you back S$14.30+.

And it is important to know that Ice Edge Cafe takes pride in their desserts, and this brownie is baked fresh in-house daily.

#13 CHEESECAKE

We can always do with a good cheesecake, yes? There are three flavours of cheesecakes available on a rotational basis, i.e. Blue Berry, New York and Oreo. Each rich cheesecake costs S$6.80+.

Of course, you need to top it off with a scoop or two of gelato.

From now until 15 December 2016, quote “ladyironchef” to get a FREE Waffle with a scoop of gelato (worth S$10+) when you spend S$20 per table. This offer is valid during dinner daily.

*The 1-for-1 Lunch Promotion is available every day on weekdays (excluding eves of and Public Holiday), and it is redeemable from 11.30am to 3pm. The higher-priced item will be charged. 1-for-1 items can be mixed and matched, and no splitting of bills is allowed.

Ice Edge Cafe
2 Kovan Rise
Simon Plaza, #01-10
Singapore 548008
Tel: +65 6858 5729
Daily: 11.30am – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Kovan

This post is brought to you by Ice Edge Cafe.

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.

Gone are the days where you can indulge in a mouthwatering western meal without burning a hole in the pocket. Fortunately, 49 Seats exists and has made it a point to keep its fusion gourmet very affordable and accessible amidst the rising costs in this competitive industry. Most of the dishes are priced below S$16.90 and there is no GST and service charge.

From their signature spicy Tom Yum Seafood Pasta (S$14.90) to Cheesy Chicken Chop (S$16.90), 49 Seats may not be any gourmet fine dining establishment but its menu will leave you salivating. Your grandparents will find them comfortingly nostalgic whilst your kids will have no qualms gobbling them up. It is surely a place for everyone, without breaking the bank!

Here’s sharing our favourite dishes at 49 Seats. It is hard to just decide on one, or two.

49 Seats is renowned for their industrial chic ambience, where old-school metallic plates and tin mugs are used. We love that fuss-free, retro-ish touch to the food.

As its name suggests, the founding store at Outram Park sits exactly 49 diners. Due to its increasing popularity, 49 Seats has proceeded to open two bigger outlets at Bugis Plus and Orchard Central to accommodate more patrons. The casual dining establishment takes pride in serving East-meets-West delicacies similar to those served during Singapore’s British colonial era.

Being one of the leading pioneers in Singapore to create fusion dishes with spicy tom yum broth, we have to applaud 49 Seats for their brilliant concept of integrating Asian flavours into classic Italian dishes.

Who would have known that these seemingly contrasting ingredients would actually complement each other so well? We were completely hooked to the Tom Yum Seafood Pasta (S$14.90).

Active foodies on the prowl might have already heard about this highly raved dish that features an exotic cream-based seafood pasta. It packs a punch of sweetness, sourness and spiciness with every bite and is indeed illustrative of Singapore’s diverse ethnicity.

Topped with generous amounts of mussels and prawns, the semi-spicy pasta is the bestseller at 49 Seats and you will not get this unique pasta rendition elsewhere.

The Creamy Smoked Duck Pasta (S$14.90) and Smoked Duck Aglio Olio (S$14.90) also got to us with its simplicity. The smoked duck breasts are so tender and juicy, and either way, we liked both pastas. The former takes on the classic carbonara, while the latter is a traditional aglio olio – the end results are delightful fusion dishes with a notable local twist.

Do note that the Smoked Duck Aglio Olio is not on the menu so one would have to make a special request for it.

Fish options to look out for are the Old Fashioned Fish & Chips (S$16.90) and Pan-fried Fish (S$16.90). The former is a battered seasonal fish, while the latter is a tender dory cooked simply with salt and pepper and lemon juice.

Both fishy mains are generously portioned and served with either an Al Scampi or Tom Yum sauce on the side for dipping. For the uninitiated, the Al Scampi is a seafood dish prepared with sautéed clams, mussels and prawns.

If your briny cravings are still not met, order the deep-fried Fish Bites (S$9.90) that comes in a basket of 10. Damn, these snacks got us hooked and we couldn’t stop munching on them while waiting for our mains! By the way, you would have guessed that the Tom Yum sauce is addictive, right?

49 Seats also offer a few poultry and red meat dishes, such as the chef’s recommendations of Cheesy Chicken Chop (S$16.90) and Sirloin Steak (S$19.90).

Complete your main and make it a set with an additional S$4.90, and you get a portion of soup of the day, and a soft drink of your choice. And the drink choices include their pretty house fizz beverages (S$2.50 for a la carte); we’d say go for these instead of the normal soft drinks!

Should you be a light eater, there is a variety of light bites for you to snack on. Our favourite appetisers is the glorious Cheese Fries (S$7.90).

Need another reason to love 49 Seats? They are open at ungodly hours if you need supper! Ain’t this good news?! There is an ongoing supper promotion for all main courses where 49 Seats’ customers get to enjoy 10% off after 10pm, 20% off after 11pm and 30% off after 12am. Like it cannot get cheaper, nocturnal creatures actually get to enjoy an unbelievable 50% off all pastas after 3am! Partygoers now know where to go after all that dancing.

If you haven’t realised, 49 Seats’ favourite number is evidently number 49. Alcoholic drinks are very affordable, where you can enjoy a bucket of 5 beer bottles for just S$49! Choose your poison from Corona, Heineken, Hoegaarden, Stella Artois and Tiger. And if you fancy some wines, a bottle of red or white wine is reasonably priced at S$60 and S$70 respectively.

This Christmas, customers also get to enjoy a scrumptious festive feast at 49 Seats at just S$49 nett for two. The value-for-money set meal is inclusive of two soups, two mains and a dessert for sharing.

We will definitely head back when those midnight hunger pangs strike, for both their lip-smacking dishes and awesome discounts!

For the latest updates, head over to www.49seats.com and like them on Facebook.

49 Seats Main Outlet
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

Orchard Central #08-08
181 Orchard Road
Singapore 238896
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm 5.30pm – 10pm
Sat to Sun: 11am – 10pm
Tel: +65 6509 5895
Nearest Station: Somerset

Bugis Plus #07-04
201 Victoria Street
Singapore 188067
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Sat to Sun: 11am – 10pm
Tel: +65 6884 4633
Nearest Station: Bugis

This post is brought to you by 49 Seats.

EwF by Everything With Fries has changed our perceptions of fast-food concepts forever. It is common to assume that fast food – especially burgers – will be lacklustre. And boy, were we totally wrong!

EwF by Everything with Fries currently has two outlets at Bugis Junction and Orchard Central and it serves scrumptious gourmet burgers prepared with fresh meats, and the fluffy buns are all made from scratch. Fries lovers are also in for a treat. Well, because it is Everything with Fries, right? Five irresistible flavours of fries – Sour Cream and Onion, Barbeque, Curry, Garlic, and Truffle - await you!

Besides the delicious burgers and fries, EwF’s menu also features sinfully tasty side orders, drool-worthy desserts and a variety of hot and cold drinks. 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.

From now till 30 Sep 15, quote ‘Ladyironchef’ to receive a complimentary meal upsize when you order any burger set at EwF by Everything with Fries in Bugis Junction.

Thanks to EwF by Everything with Fries, gourmet quality burgers are now made accessible to those with financial and/or time constraints. Indeed, we were surprised by how their decadent ala carte burgers start from a reasonably low price of S$8.90. There is an optional add-on of S$3 to complete your meal with fries and drinks!

As the brand name suggests, EwF is famous for their amazing fries. Priced at S$4.90 per portion, you can choose from the following four flavours – Sour Cream and Onion, Barbeque, Curry and Garlic. The Truffle option is S$5.90.

Deep-fried to perfection with crisp exteriors and fluffy insides, we found ourselves having no problems devouring countless helpings of these addictive piping hot fries. Our absolute favourite is Sour Cream and Onion; what about you?

EwF is so confident of their signature Har Jeong Kai Chicken Wings (S$6.90) that they have proclaimed them to be the ‘Best Wings in the World’. For non-locals, Har Jeong Kai is a popular Singaporean dish of fried chicken wings marinated with fermented shrimp paste. The crispy, fragrant and juicy wings are served with a sambal chilli dip. We were sold upon sinking our teeth into the sizzling wings, and you have no clue how we always crave for them.

EwF’s culinary interpretations with Har Jeong Kai have extended to their burgers. You would want to hear this – 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.

Everything With Fries is the first restaurant in Singapore to create Har Cheong Kai and it has gained a legion of fans since its first appearance in its flagship store at Holland Village and we are unabashedly one of them. Do we even need to justify?

Besides the best-selling Har Jeong Kai Burger, there are also a few other Asian-inspired burger inventions at EwF, such as the semi-spicy Tandoori Chicken Burger (S$8.90/ala-carte, S$11.90/meal) and Hainanese Pork Chop Burger (S$8.90/ala-carte, S$11.90/meal).

The former has been a longstanding favourite among its regulars, while the latter is a relatively new dish that has been no less popular. We like that that it is topped off with a sunny side-up, because simple goodness like this always works.

If none of these unique burgers appeal to you, opt for their classic beef burgers. Those with bigger appetites should order the Double Decker (S$11.90/ala-carte, S$14.90/meal), which is essentially a juicy double patty beef burger stuffed with melting cheese and other goodness. It is worth mentioning that despite being a fast food restaurant, the buns and sauces are all handmade.

On to the sweets. We always save some space for desserts, yes?

EwF is not just a destination for burgers, or fries for that matter. Their desserts are so impressive that we dare say they are truly worth the extra calories. The highly acclaimed Nutella Tart with Ice Cream (S$8.90) – another original creation by Everything With Fries – consists of rich pure Nutella filling with Nutella glaze over an oreo biscuit crumb-based tart, still tasted as good as the ones we had in yesteryears. Yipe, we have been fans since Day One.

The Browned Butter Sugee Cake (S$6.90) is an interesting adaptation of the local brown sugar sponge cake. Light and with a surprising crisp texture on the top, the sweet slice of cake is covered with almond streusels and coated in browned butter fudge. It is a definite must-try, and we actually found ourselves caught in between this and the Nutella Tart. Can we just have the best of both worlds? You won’t judge us, right?

Last but not least, the Nutella Crepe (S$6.90) is an exclusive treat to EwF. A millefeuille-like nutella pastry with twenty alternating layers of paper-thin chocolate crepes and nutella cream filling, this is not as decadent as Nutella Tart, so if you still want your Nutella fix, this makes a great alternative.

Need more to satisfy that nutella obsession of yours? Indulge further with a cup of Hot Nutella (S$5.90/regular, S$6.90/large).

Otherwise, we say give the Katong Jelly (S$4.50) a go! It is a concoction of pink lemonade and fresh agar-agar jelly that are made and “grated” in-house daily.

For the uninitiated, Katong Jelly is a long-lost Katong drink which disappeared from Singapore about 20 years ago. The good people at Everything With Fries wanted to bring back the nostalgic taste of Katong so they went on a quest around the neighbourhood to ask the old residents about the drink.

As mentioned earlier, from now till 30 Sep 15, quote ‘Ladyironchef’ to receive a complimentary meal upsize when you order any burger set at EwF by Everything with Fries in Bugis Junction.

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

This post is brought to you by Everything With Fries.

If you are thinking of having a meat-free food meal that is not only healthy but affordable, you might want to add GreenDot to your list of restaurants. The co-founder’s family has been in the meat-free food business for decades, and being a supplier themselves, they are ever proud of their high quality and stay true to keeping their prices competitive.

With the motto “Eat Green, Feel Good”, the people behind GreenDot are strong believers of eating green to stay healthy. In order to cater to their customer’s nutritional needs, they have teamed up with a group of nutritionists to serve food that contains only the most beneficial ingredients, and there is no added MSG.

This humble restaurant currently has three outlets (Westgate, Paya Lebar Square and Bedok Mall) in Singapore and it plans to open a few more outlets so that everyone can enjoy affordable meat-free meals.

The best thing about GreenDot is most dishes on the menu are priced under S$10 – you can have a well-balanced meal without burning a hole in your pocket.

GreenDot distinguishes themselves in serving home-cooked fares prepared down to the very last detail – much like how our moms do. Step into the restaurant, and you will be greeted by a welcoming interior and a group of passionate employees who will enhance your experience; good food that reminds of you dining at home, that is what we really love about GreenDot.

For the working crowd, their customised bento lunch sets allow you to grab a quick lunch at a pocket-friendly price of S$7.90. Customize your lunch, and pick only your favourites. You get to choose from 5 different types of rice choices – Beauty Rice, Emperor Rice, Five Treasure Rice, Fragrance Rice or even Sesame Rice.

Mix and match is the fun part here – opt for one main and two greens from their bento counter. Our favourite was definitely the Cereal Konnyaku, a high fibre and low-fat dish. The Konnyaku is coated with cereal, then tossed with bird’s eye chilli and curry leaves till golden brown. The taste barred close resemblance to that of Cereal Prawns, a hawker dish no stranger to any Singaporean.

Some other crowd pleasers include their Lion Mane Mushroom Rendang Bowl (S$9.50), Tom Yam Noodles (S$6.50) and Laksa Noodles (S$5.90). Now, trust us when we say the Lion Mane Mushroom Rendang Bowl can be really addictive. It comes with Lion Mane mushrooms and assorted mushrooms with signature rendang sauce atop sesame rice. Definitely not your usual vegetarian food, and it is one so flavourful that we really did not miss our meat at all.

Every ingredient used for the dishes at GreenDot is handpicked by their owners and is free of MSG. They believe in the philosophy of crafting their broth from scratch; mom will approve.

For burger fans, you will be surprised, but GreenDot serves a series of meat-free burgers that are so tantalizing, they are bound to whet your appetites. Their Lion Mane Mushroom Burger Set (S$11.80) comes with a patty fused with mashed Lion Mane mushrooms and soy. It is then smothered with feisty black pepper sauce, cheese, Green Coral lettuce and tomatoes for a complete experience. Complete with fries and salad served on the side, of course.

To be most honest, we were not expecting ourselves to love this meat-free burger. How exciting can a mushroom patty be, right? But you know what they say about “do not judge a book by its cover”? We finally grasped the meaning of this saying. Now, make a trip down to GreenDot and try the burger for yourself; you will sing praises of it too.

Need your steamboat fix? Sure, this mini hotpot set at S$29.90 will do the trick. It is ridiculously affordable, because the set comes with a whole pot of green goodness and mushrooms that last a lifetime, together with free refills of soup, two bowls of brown rice and free refill of tea. A mini hot pot set for four is also available at S$49.90, with extra ingredients in the basket, four bowls of rice, and a mushroom platter.

The mini hotpot set comes with 3 variations of soup of your choice – Herb, Laksa and Tom Yam. And we say go straight for the herb broth. It is incredible beyond words. Prepared with ten different kinds of fresh herbs that boost blood circulation, reduce cholesterol and to expel heat from the body, this broth got us so hooked. There were many items on our table for lunch, and subconsciously, all of us kept reaching for more soup from the hotpot. We had thought we would drink this for good complexion, but heck, we will drink it because it tastes so damn hearty!

Of course, apart from your greens and mushrooms, the platter also comes with Konnyaku prawns, crispy beancurd skin (tau kee) and Green Corals.

We are carnivores and we are proud of it. But for this table of gorgeous greens and real food, we are more than happy to eat clean and eat green at GreenDot – which has rocketed to become our favourite vegetarian restaurant in Singapore. GreenDot is the best testament that having a healthy and meat-free meal need not be expensive.

P.S. We heard it is really popular with the executives and families in the area!

GreenDot
Paya Lebar Square
60 Paya Lebar Road, #02-15/16/17
Singapore 409051
Tel: +65 6702 2221
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar

This post is brought to you by GreenDot.

It is hard to resist a beautiful bowl of Chirashi-don that is filled to the brim with fresh, premium seafood. Apart from the fact that it is completely colourful and photogenic, a good bowl of chirashi-don does wonders for the soul with all the goodness in one serving.

Chirashi-dons come in many shapes and sizes. The most popular serving in Singapore is the classic chirashi-don, where big slices of sashimi are served atop vinegar-ed Japanese rice, and more often than not comes with a premium price tag. On days that we need our sashimi and rice fix without burning a hole in our wallets, we turn to ‘bara chirashi-don’, which typically refers to diced sashimi – sometimes marinated with mirin or soy sauce.

Thankfully, we have several affordable chirashi-don options in Singapore and most of the ones on this list are so affordable that we are not even kidding! Here is a guide to Chirashi-dons In Singapore That Are S$20 And Under.

#1 BABETTE

Served with plain Japanese Niigata rice, Babette’s Chirashi Donburi (S$19) first impressed us with the colourful assortment of sashimi, tamago and even mini carrot cubes that added a nice textural variety to the dish.

The sashimi blocks were marinated in a light soy dressing, so the donburi is good to eat on its own. Finished off with tobikko, Babette’s Chirashi Donburi was love at first sight, until the last bite.

165 Tyrwhitt Rd
Singapore 207569
Tel: +65 6341 7727
Mon to Thu, Sun: 11am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 1am
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

#2 GINZA KUROSON

There are many restaurants along Robertson Quay, but most of them come with relatively higher price tags. If you are in the are during lunch hours, why not drop by Ginza Kuroson for some sweet deals? At S$20, you enjoy a serving of “fisherman’s bowl”. We do think this is a pretty darn value-for-money deal, because will you just look at the number of slices of sashimi, on top of a whole prawn?

Topped with ikura, the bowl’s variety may differ from day to day, but you will always be guaranteed a reasonable portion for S$20.

30 Robertson Quay
Singapore 238251
Tel: +65 6737 5547
Daily: 11.30am – 2pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

#3 HINOKI

Hinoki is known for their fresh sashimi, served in a semi-fine dining setting. A lesser known fact is that during lunch, they serve a chirashi-don for only S$16.80 in a set with salad and soup.

Besides just cubed sashimi, Hinoki also adds other ingredients such as pickled jellyfish. Upgrade your accompanying miso soup to a rich pork broth with tender pork slices for only S$1.50 to complete your meal.

22 Cross Street, #01-50/53
China Square Central
Singapore 048421
Tel: +65 6536 7746
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

#4 IKKI

If you live near Buona Vista or work around the area, make sure you make a trip down to IKKI Izakaya, just a stone’s throw away from the MRT Station. For just S$14, you get a half Barachirashi Don with a half bowl of Udon.

On the side, you get a serving of deep-fried salmon, salad and miso soup. For the extremely affordable price, we are definitely loving what IKKI has to offer.

9N Buona Vista Drive, #01-06/07
Singapore 138588
Tel: +65 8138 8578
Mon to Thu: 11am – 12am
Fri: 11pm – 2am
Sat: 6pm – 12pm
Nearest Station: Buona Vista

#5 KINSA SUSHI

Kinsa sushi has just introduced a special Purple Fusion menu which consists of 8 maki rolls, 1 sushi and 1 #ChirashiCupcake – all of which are prepared with purple rice. Just to clarify, there is no cake nor icing in the Chirashi Cupcake, and it is actually just a beautifully plated chirashi-don, using purple rice and freshly sliced sashimi.

The rice is dressed with a nice sesame ponzu sauce and sandwiched with some denbu (pink fish flakes) for an extra oomph to the dish. We loved how, in this dish, you could taste the distinct yet subtle nutty flavour of the purple rice, which reminded us of a classic local dessert, Pulut Hitam.

This is a great choice especially for lunch and it comes at an affordable price of only S$15.80 per bowl.

4 Hillview Rise
HillV2 #02-02
Singapore 667979
Tel: +65 67107278
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Fri, Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bukit Batok

#6 KOJI SUSHI

Tucked in China Square, along Nankin Row, Koji Sushi gets naturally packed with people during lunch hours. Most people would have a bowl of the Chirashi Don (S$17) on their table, and we can safely say its popularity is due to its friendly price tag.

The main plus point of this Chirashi Don is the dollop of fatty negitoro and use of Japanese ginger flower for a unique and fragrant touch.

3 Pickering Street
#01-42 Nankin Row
Singapore 048660
Tel: +65 +65 6225 6125
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

#7 SUMIYA

We dare say that this is the most value-for-money chirashi-don in Singapore. The Bara Kaisendon (S$18.80) is a lunch-exclusive item at Sumiya, Orchard Central and this beauty features extremely generous cubes of sashimi, crowning a bed of perfectly cooked sushi rice.

The sashimi cubes are dress in a Japanese sesame dressing and is mixed in with Ikura, Tobiko and avocado pieces. The set comes with salad, soup, chawanmushi and a dessert too – definitely an amazing deal you can’t find anywhere else.

181 Orchard Road
#12-02 Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6509 9618
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#8 SUSHI AIRWAYS

Also another lunch exclusive, Sushi Airways’s Bara Chirashi Sushi Set (S$15) surprised us with how fresh the sashimi were. Avocado cubes were also mixed in here and we loved how it added a nice creamy texture to the dish.

The set comes with a side of soup and for just $15, it is definitely worthwhile. Sushi Airways has a whole list of other lunch donburi sets, but we say skip the rest and dive right into this beauty.

20A Baghdad Street
Singapore 199659
Tel: +65 6291 1151
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

#9 TEPPEI SYOKUDO

The Teppei group has had their loyal fans since they first started, has ventured out into other concepts, and now, even a takeaway counter. A mainstay in all of their outlets is the Barachirashi Don or Kaisendon (S$16), as it is referred to at Teppei Syokudo.

The marinate on the sashimi is possibly one of the best you can find in Singapore and the thick cubes of sashimi feels more satisfying.

391 Orchard Road
#B2 Takashimaya Food Hall, Ngee Ann City
Singapore 238872
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best chirashi-don in Singapore.

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.

Concetto by Saveur is one of the ventures by the successful Saveur group, serving a range of Italian food instead of their usual French fare.

Concetto sports a chic and current industrial-style interior that screams minimalistic without being overly pretentious. With a simple and to-the-point menu, we saw countless of options from fresh pastas to heartier red meat options.

As Concetto’s menu has been newly revamped not long ago, we will be highlighting the new dishes on their menu instead. However, we did love the older version of the Concetto Pasta (S$4.90) with ikura and crab meat just a little more than their current version with squid and enoki.

A dish that stayed throughout since their opening last year is the ever popular Carbonara (S$12.90). This mouth-watering plate showcases a range of flavours and textures, from the homemade fettucine to the sous vide egg and confit confit pork belly.

The Beef Oyster Blade (S$16.90) is one to remember with incredibly tender meat from braising for 36 hours. We also liked the Kurobuta Pork Cheek (S$16.90) that is equally tender and served alongside chewy potato gnocchi and flavourful squid ink.

Concetto by Saveur is a great place in Orchard Road to venture to if you are feeling fancy but rather not burn a hole in your pocket!

Concetto by Saveur
2 Handy Road
Singapore 229233
Tel: +65 6735 1141
Daily: 12pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

For more recommendations, read our guide to Singapore’s top 20 inexpensive restaurants.

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.

Step into a myriad of aromatic smells and a cornucopia of flavours with Bar Bar Black Sheep, a multi-concept bar and restaurant along Tanjong Katong Road.

Set in a coffee shop-like setting with a casual dining vibe, Bar Bar Black Sheep is the perfect place to watch your favourite sports and enjoy cheap beers and food, with no GST and service charge. And did we mention that weekday set lunches are available at S$11 Nett?

Moreover, you need not worry if your buddies are indecisive about what food to eat that day as you can have a variety of dishes from three different cuisine types – Thai, North Indian and Italian food! If you have a hankering for pizza but your friend insists on Phad Thai, settle your disagreement with a trip down to Bar Bar Black Sheep, conveniently located along Tanjong Katong Road.

Here are 10 dishes from Bar Bar Black Sheep at Tanjong Katong you must try!

#1 AGLIO OLIO MUSHROOM SPAGHETTI

Tossed in olive oil, chilli and garlic, we loved how Bar Bar Black Sheep’s Mushroom Aglio Olio (S$13) was simple yet delicious. The mushrooms added a nice touch to enhance the flavours of the pasta.

This is a good option if you’re a vegetarian or if you have a friend who’s one. Bar Bar Black Sheep also has a non-vegetarian version of this dish where they add tiger prawns into the mix – Chilli Prawn Spaghetti (S$15), perfect for seafood lovers.

#2 BUTTER CHICKEN

Butter Chicken has been a favourite among North Indian food lovers for the longest time. Bar Bar Black Sheep sets the bar high with their highly addictive Butter Chicken (S$11) curry that is best eaten with naan or white rice.

The intense burst of flavours will hit you the second you consume it and you will keep going for more! Bar Bar Black Sheep has a range of naan flavours from Garlic to even Cheese, so you can have a mix of different naan to dip into this wonderful curry.

#3 CRISPY BUFFALO WINGS

From the Italian/Western side, a must try starter or bar grub is none other than the classic Crispy Buffalo Wings (S$9). Besides just Buffalo Wings, Bar Bar Black Sheep also offers other selections such as Moroccan Wings and Chilli Lime Wings (both S$9 each).

From the classic Margherita, to Hawaiian, and local favourites such as Rendang Spicy Minced Beef Pizza, you can find a selection of 12 inch pizzas (S$14 to S$18) on the menu.

#4 FISH TIKKA

Of all of their grilled seafood and meats, we were pleasantly surprised by the Fish Tikka. Marinated with yogurt and spices and grilled, the fish inside remained tender and did not dry out.

However, the outer layer caught out attention with the crisp texture and the spirited burst of flavours from the spices used. A mint onion dip will be served on the side and we love how the sauce added more aggressive flavouring to the fish, which makes it a perfect pairing to white rice.

#5 GREEN CURRY

Thai curries can be a stark contrast from others such as local curries and Indian curries. What most people love about the Thai Green Curry (S$11.90) at Bar Bar Black Sheep is the aromatic smell of coconut milk, mixed in with spices and seasonings such as green chilli and fish sauce.

Choose between Chicken, Beef or Pork with your curry and have it drizzled all over a plate of rice for ultimate satisfaction.

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#6 MANGO STICKY RICE

As the most popular Thai dessert Singaporeans love, we were glad to find out that the mango served at Bar Bar Black Sheep is deliciously sweet. Portioned nicely with the sticky rice, skip the hassle of messily portioning out the mango and rice yourself.

The Mango Sticky Rice (S$6.90) is a good choice to end off your meal on a sweet note. If you prefer puddings, the Mango Pudding with Nata De Coco (S$4.90) is the one for you!

#7 PHAD THAI

It is not easy to find a good plate of Phad Thai in Singapore but we thank our lucky stars that the Phad Thai (S$12.90) at Bar Bar Black Sheep is extremely delectable.

Choose between Chicken, Beef, Pork or Seafood (+S$1 for seafood) and taste the delicious wok hei of the noodles. The added lime offers a nice hint of zest, adding on to the multitude of flavours of this dish.

#8 STRIPLOIN STEAK

If you are up for a hearty meal of meats, look no further than the Western side’s selection of grilled meats. The Striploin Steak (S$19) can be cooked to your desired doneness and the steak itself is slathered in delicious black pepper sauce.

Each order comes with a side of mesclun salad and fries. If you prefer other cuts of beef, Bar Bar Black Sheep also has a Rib Eye Steak (S$19) that comes with the same sauces and sides!

#9 TANDOORI CHICKEN

It was hard to find fault with the Tandoori Chicken (S$22, whole) at Bar Bar Black Sheep as we were greeted with throng of mouth-watering flavours that left us wanting more. The tandoori grilled meats at Bar Bar Black Sheep is not surprisingly, one of the best-selling items there.

For a hearty meal, go right for the Tandoori Platter (S$20) which consists of prawn, fish and chicken tikka with either chicken or mutton kebab. All of these meats and seafood will go perfectly with a bowl of curry and white rice or naan.

#10 THAI SAUCE CHICKEN RICE

A large piece of chicken thigh deep-fried to a perfect ‘juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside’ doneness, served with a side of rice. The chicken is topped off with a tangy sweet and sour Thai sauce that adds a nice heat and flavour to the chicken.

The Thai Sauce Chicken Rice (S$14.90) is just one of the many other rice options you can pick from from the Thai food section. Other selections include Pattaya Fried Rice (S$12.90) and Olive Rice (S$13.90).

Brighten up your Mondays with some draught beer with a 1 for 1 promotion every Monday from 5pm to 7pm. From Monday to Thursday, get a bucket of 5 Corona or Somersby for only S$45.

Grab a bottle of your favourite hard liquors – XO, Johnny Walker Blue, Strathisla, Scapa or Longmorn at 30% off  until 9 August 2015.

Bar Bar Black Sheep
362 Tanjong Katong Road
Tel: +65 6348 8275
Mon to Fri: 11am – 12midnight
Sat & Sun: 11am – 1am
Website: www.bbbs.com.sg

This post is brought to you by Bar Bar Black Sheep.

Tucked away in a small corner of Tiong Bahru, it’s easy to walk past this gem of a stall at the Day & Night coffee shop along Eng Hoon Street. Ah Bong’s Italian shares the same space as a traditional Yong Tau Foo shop at the coffee shop, which transforms into a bar at night.

Packed with a steady crowd, it is no surprise that this humble stall has been gaining popularity ever since it opened as they churn out new surprises every day with no fixed menu. The prices of the pasta range from S$7 to S$10.

Ah Bong’s Italian’s rustic charm reflects perfectly on their dishes as they use traditional plates used way back then in coffee shops and features a straightforward menu with no more than five items daily.

A dish that we have recommended before but could not sing enough praises of is their Basil Pesto Pasta (S$7). First impressions were already a hit as the aroma of the herbs greets our senses with a bang. Upon further tasting of the pasta, we knew that this is one of the best pesto pastas we’ve ever eaten, with an even better price tag.

The Spaghetti Bolognese (S$8) may be a simple dish, but it packs a punch with a perfectly executed sauce that coats the al dente pasta evenly. Ah Bong’s Italian is indeed worth travelling for.

Ah Bong’s Italian
56 Eng Hoon Street
#01-46
Tel: +65 9650 6194
Daily: 10am – 2pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.

Dining out in Singapore can be very cheap, and it can be a costly affair too. Sure, you can do the budget way and have hawker food every day, but eating is also a form of social activity and there are many times that call for a proper meal at a proper outlet. And inevitably, that would mean spending more and S$3 for a plate of chicken rice no longer applies.

But we are fortunate enough to be in Singapore – the land of food. And the possibility of a pig flying is higher than you running out of dining options here. Dining out need not be expensive, really.

Amidst rising living costs and stagnant salaries, here’s sharing 20 Singapore Restaurants’ Dishes that are priced S$20 and under. Your bank account will thank us, but your jeans might not.

#1 ARTISTRY – BIG BREAKFAST

Brunch was never meant to be expensive, so we are happy that Artistry kept their classic Big Breakfast at an affordable S$15. While most places overcharge for this popular brunch favourite, head down to Artistry for some eggs and sausage goodness without burning a hole in your pocket!

17 Jalan Pinang
Tel: +65 6298 2420
Tue to Sat: 10am – 11.45pm
Sun: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

#2 BOUFE – EGGS BENEDICT

Eggs Benedict sounds so common, but we have to give it to Boufe for doing theirs really well. At S$16, it comes with a generous portion of homemade brioche with honey baked ham and perfectly poached eggs with a runny center, generously drizzled with creamy hollandaise sauce that is made in-house.

308 Tanglin Road
Phoenix Park
Tel: +65 6734 7656
Tue to Sun: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard/Redhill

#3 CHIKUWA TEI – TENCHA SOBA

There are many reasons why we love Chikuwa Tei, and one of them is its Tencha Soba (S$14). When all you want is comforting Japanese food, a serving of cold, green ten soba noodles and tempura moriawase will do the trick. And Chikuwa Tei’s version never fails.

9 Mohamed Sultan Road #01-01
Tel: +65 6738 9395
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

#4 DANCING CRAB – POPCORN SHRIMP PO’ BOY SANDWICH

A cheaper alternative to lobster roll is Dancing Crab’s Popcorn Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich. Quite essentially a prawn roll, this item is no less satisfying. It is S$15 for a set of two rolls and lots of cajun fries – how does that sound? Value for money, right? We told you so.

The Grandstand #01-20/21
200 Turf Club Road
Tel: +65 6466 3303
Tue to Fri: 5pm – 10.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

#5 DEPARTMENT OF CAFFEINE – LUNCH PLATE

For a fuss-free meal, Department of Caffeine has dishes from the counter which are prepared readily. A main course and regular salad is only S$15 – you get to choose between roast chicken and poached salmon for the main course; and for the salad, they have roasted beetroot, soba noodles or roasted cauliflower. Wholesome and freshly prepared in-house daily, this makes one of our all-time lunches.

Department of Caffeine
15 Duxton Road
Tel: +65 6223 3426
Mon to Fri (except Wed): 10.30am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 9.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#6 FIVE & DIME – MENTAIKO PASTA

At S$18, this pasta at Five & Dime is a crowd’s favourite. Creamy, flavourful, and very filling. A huge portion of spaghetti that is generously covered in mentaiko sauce, this is for those who like a heavy lunch that packs a punch.

Five and Dime Eatery
297 River Valley Road
Tel: +65 9236 5002
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 10am
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12 midnight
Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#7 FRESH FRUITS LAB – FISH & CHIPS

Fresh Fruits Lab prides itself on inculcating fresh fruits into their food and drinks! Well, as its name suggests, it is a heaven for all fruits lovers. Its Fish & Chips (S$19) is easily our favourite dish there. Beer battered pacific dory fried to a golden perfection, and the end result is skin so crispy, with beautiful sweet white flesh on the inside. The serving is very generous, and it comes complete with steakhouse frittes and homemade tartare.

351 Changi Road
Tel: +65 6677 6741
Tue to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 11pm
Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Eunos/Kembangan

#8 GINZAWA – KUROBUTA TSUKE SOBA

This may not be the cheapest soba in town, but it is nothing less than value-for-money. At S$20, the Kubobuta Tsuke Soba at Ginzawa, an underrated Japanese restaurant at Palais Renaissance, features icy cold buckwheat noodles served with thinly-sliced black pork and yuzu-perfumed dipping sauce.

Ginzawa
390 Orchard Road
Palais Renaissance #01-07
Tel: +65 6736 0100
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#9 HANWOORI KOREAN RESTAURANT – SPICY BEANCURD STEW

Located in the buzzing Serangoon Garden enclave, Hanwoori Korean Restaurant is one of those under-the-radar restaurants that only Korean food lovers in the know and residents will find their way here.

During lunch times on weekends, you will find several S$10 nett options such as Spicy Beancurd Stew and Kimchi Jjigae. The options are usually on rotation, and they come along with an impressive spread of banchan (side dishes).

76 Serangoon Garden Way
Tel: +65 6283 6339
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

#10 HYDE & CO – TRUFFLE MAC & CHEESE

Instead of being drenched in cheeses, each macaroni is perfectly coated with just the right amount of cream cheese.

The aroma and taste of truffle oil in this plate sure kicked it up a notch for us. Baked with mushrooms and bread crumbs for added texture, Hyde & Co.’s Truffle Mac & Cheese (S$18) wins a nod from us.

785 North Bridge Rd
Singapore 198753
Tel: +65 6635 5785
Mon: 11am – 6pm
Wed – Sat: 11am – 10.30pm
Sun: 11am – 6pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Lavender or Bugis

#11 JING HUA XIAO CHI – CHINESE PIZZA

Jing Hua Xiao Chi is a casual chic Chinese restaurant at Palais Renaissance that serves a concise and inexpensive menu, making it a good place for an intimate business lunch or a casual dinner date.

On its all-day menu, you have to zoom straight in to the Jing Hua Signatures. The Chinese Pizza (S$10.80) is flaky, savoury pastry with generous fillings of meat and vegetables – quite unlike your usual Chinese food, no?

390 Orchard Road
#B1-04/05 Palais Renaissance
Tel: +65 6733 8231
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#12 LITTLE DINER – NUTELLA FRENCH TOAST

Nutella, Nutella and more Nutella in Little Diner‘s version of stuffed French Toast (S$16.50) which is served during weekend brunch. At S$16.50, this is a notch above your usual French Toast. Thick brioche with a crunchy cereal crust, lavishly stuffed with everyone’s favourite hazelnut spread, topped with fried bananas and drenched with chocolate sauce. What’s a better word than ‘heavenly’?

789 Bukit Timah Road
Tel: +65 6466 4088
Tue to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village/Botanic Gardens

#13 NAKAJIMA SUISAN – SABA MIRIN SET

Do you always see a queue at the corner of Takashimaya’s food court? That is because Nakajima Suisan Grilled Fish is there, and they have been around since we were students! We have loved their affordable sets since, and it is something that we always turn to when in doubt. The Saba Mirin Set is the most popular. At S$11.50 per set, it comes with a huge slab of saba, a side salad, rice and miso soup.

391A Orchard Road Basement 2
Takashimaya Food Hall Ngee Ann City

#14 PINT & CURRIES – CHICKEN VINDALOO WITH CHEESE & GARLIC NAAN

Nestled in the heart of Clarke Quay, Pint & Curries offers an affordable supper menu of North-Indian curries and well-loved crafted beers. Our favourite is the Chicken Vindaloo (S$12). The boneless chicken in the spicy gravy is exceptionally sweet and succulent, and you have to eat it with the Cheese & Garlic Naan (S$4.50) that is fresh and fluffy from the oven.

#01-14, Clarke Quay
3D River Valley Road
Tel: +65 6337 4616
Daily: 7pm – 4am
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

#15 POULET – POULET ROTI WITH MUSHROOM CHARDONNAY SAUCE

This is a perennial favourite, we know. It is ours too. Nothing a simple roast chicken dish can’t do, right? The queues at every outlet are the best testaments to the brand’s popularity, and any time is a good time for a Poulet Roti with Mushroom Chardonnay Sauce (S$15.90 for half chicken).

HarbourFront Walk
#01-175/176/177
Tel: +65 6376 9087
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

#17 SUNDAY MARKET – SIRLOIN RENDANG TOAST

Sunday Market is a quirky space with brick walls in the prettiest hues of rust, spotting irregular display of paintings sporadic plant arrangements, and filled with chitters from a hipster crowd. A Rendang Toast is what you’d least expect for brunch, but the Straits-style item is a delightful twist to the usual toast. At S$15.90, this is a non-mainstream cafe item to try!

Sunday Market
22 Lim Tua Tow Road
Mon to Fri: 1am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

#18 THE REFINERY – PULLED PORK RICE BOWL

The newest addition to Jalan Besar neighbourhood is The Refinery, a 3-storey space housed within a industrial building at King George’s Avenue. The concept includes a restaurant on the ground level, a bespoke cocktail bar on the second level, as well as a workspace area on the third level.

On the lunch and brunch menus, you can find several creative dishes such as Gyuniku Donburi (S$14), Pulled Pork Rice Bowl (S$10), and Spicy Pulled Pork Mee (S$12). Most of the items are affordably priced under S$16.

115 King George’s Ave
Tel: +65 6293 0461
Tue to Sun: 6pm – 12am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Lavender

#19 TOLIDO’S ESPRESSO NOOK CAFE – ROSTI

Sitting in the heart of Crawford, just 5 minutes away from Bugis and Haji Lane, Tolido’s Espresso Nook has its series of specialty brews that come with photo-worthy latte art. And what we totally dig is their rosti. Tolido’s do a really mean rendition! Served with an egg, the Rosti comes in various combinations – with cheesy sausage (S$14.90), smoked Bratswurst (S$16.90) and smoked salmon (S$20.90).

Block 462 Crawford Lane #01-63
Tel: +65 6648 0178
Tue to Thu: 9.30am – 7pm
Fri & Sat: 9.30am – 10pm
Sun: 9am – 6.30pm
Nearest Station: Lavender

#20 XIN CUISINE – DIM SUM

Dim Sum is another reason why you should head to Xin Cuisine. Most of the dim sum are reasonably priced at S$4.50 per basket. The dim sum menu is available daily, and on Sundays and Public Holidays, the menu features additional items.

The classic offerings – including Siew Mai, Xiaolongbao, Har Gau – are all nicely executed, but if you are there for yum cha with your family on Sundays, you can look forward to other noteworthy creations that include Steamed Melon Ring with Shrimp, Pork Paste in Abalone Sauce (S$4.50 for 3 pcs), Steamed Cuttlefish with Spicy Sauce (S$4.50), Baked Chocolate and Custard Bun ($ 6.00 for 3 pcs) and Deep-fried Bacon and Crab Claw with Salad Sauce ($9.00 for 3 pcs).

#04-00 Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
317 Outram Road
Tel: +65 6731 7173
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 10.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Outram

For more recommendations, read our guide to Singapore’s Top 20 Inexpensive Restaurants.

It has been four years since we wrote our guide on restaurants in Orchard Road and though we update them from time to time, we thought it is high time to re-curate and to introduce a new guide, featuring even more dining places in Singapore’s most famous shopping street.

Options are aplenty and no doubt we are all spoilt for choice, but are they really worth their queues/ price tags/ waiting time? We have friends from overseas who visit Singapore and have limited time on our sunny island, and then we have our locals who do not want to waste their calories unnecessarily.

The next time you head to Orchard Road, you need not face the risk of stepping in to a random diner and not knowing what to expect.

Here is the Ultimate Orchard Road Food Guide—Top Places to dine at Orchard Road, Somerset and Dhoby Ghaut:

ANTOINETTE PATISSERIE

Undoubtedly one of the prettiest tea salons in Singapore, Antoinette is a perennial favourite for elegant French pastries and sweets. Nothing quite like your usual cakes and tarts, Antoinette promises nothing but surprises.

Antoinette Patisserie is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s 58 must-try desserts.

333A Orchard Road
Mandarin Gallery #02-33/34
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

AKASHI JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Among the many mid-tier Japanese outlets in Singapore, we love Akashi for its consistency. The menu is neatly categorised, and whether you are looking for sushi, sashimi or teishoku, there will be something to please. Or you can sit by the sushi counter and do an omakase meal while interacting with the chefs to understand more about what goes on your plate.

Akashi is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s best Japanese restaurants.

290 Orchard Road
#B1-01 Paragon
Tel: +65 6735 8887
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

AKANOYA ROBATAYAKI

A meal here would be exceptional, and despite its hefty price tag, it is still worth saving up for and splurging on. Robatayaki is a fun experience; pick from the array of fresh ingredients, point to order, and the chefs will grill them over charcoal, and serve it to the customers using a long wooden paddle.

1 Tanglin Road
#01-01 Orchard Parade Hotel
Tel: +65 6732 1866
Daily: 6pm – 1.30am
Nearest Station: Orchard

AOKI

Les Amis fans would stand united when we talk about Aoki, a Japanese outlet that has always been well-received over so many years. Its Bara-Chirashi don is listed as one of the Best Chirashi Dons in Singapore.

1 Scotts Road
Shaw Centre #02-17
Tel: +65 6333 8015
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

ARTEASTIQ TEA LOUNGE

A stunning tea lounge Arteastiq is, this gem in Mandarin Gallery sees us returning regularly for its collection of superior teas. The Iced Lychee Tea is a clear winner among the crowd, but we also love the range of hot ginger teas. Arteastiq also has an art jamming studio, so it is a post-lunch alternative away from the crowd in Orchard Road.

333A Orchard Road
#04-14/15 Mandarin Gallery
Tel: +65 6235 8370
Daily: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

ARTISAN BOULANGERIE CO

Towards the Killiney side, we have Artisan Boulangerie Co – or better known as ABC. Any time is a good time for ABC’s Vanilla Eclair. We love the minimalistic vibes at ABC, and how we can enjoy a cuppa while reading our magazine on a lovely weekend.

118 Killiney Road
Tel: +65 6444 8130
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

ASTONS SPECIALITIES

They are no strangers to locals now. But if you do not already know, Astons’ shot to fame when they introduced very affordable steaks and casual Western food in a quick dining setting. They may not have the sexiest facade, but the food is nowhere near lacklustre. Choose from a huge menu of steaks, seafood, poultries and burgers, that all come with two side dishes.

2 Orchard Link
*Scape #03-04
Tel: +65 6509 4806
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

BEANSTRO

Offering a wide variety of mains, desserts and drinks, Beanstro is a lovely bistro that boasts a casual and laid-back vibe for shoppers. Let us not forget that Beanstro offers The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s signature drinks like coffee and ice blended drinks; perfect pair-ups with your hearty mains.

Unit B1-37, Ngee Ann City
391 Orchard Road
Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238873
Tel: +65 6235 1610
Daily: 8.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard/Somerset

BEDROCK BAR & GRILL

Bedrock Bar & Grill at Pan Pacific Serviced Suites is a modern New York style steakhouse. The restaurant boosts a dark, sexy, and classy interior; making it the ideal place to bring your client for a business luncheon, or your date for a romantic dinner.

The menu is small and concise. There are three US beef – 300g Dry Aged Ribeye ($96), 220g Tenderloin ($89), and 400g USDA Prime Black Angus Ribeye ($96); and three Australian beef – 400g Ribeye ($79), 350g Bone in Striploin ($69) and 500g Porterhouse ($89). For those in a big group, get the massive Tomahawk Steak for the table share.

Bedrock Bar & Grill is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s best steak restaurants.

96 Somerset Road
#01-05 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites
Tel: +65 6238 0054
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Somerset

BISTRO DU VIN

Bistro Du Vin has been seeing a steady following since its opening in 2009. Classic French food that offers fair value, head down for a French affair when you need some Duck Leg Confit or Braised Oxtail.

1 Scotts Road
#02-12 Shaw Centre
Tel: +65 6733 7763
Daily: 12am – 2pm, 6.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

BROTZEIT GERMAN BIER BAR & RESTAURANT

An outlet for the discerning meat and beer lovers, Brotzeit is always packed with regulars and expats. Toast to a great meal with a pint of beer and lots of meat and sausages, Brotzeit offers a sexy and laidback environment for you to loosen your tie for some after-work fun.

313@Somerset
313 Orchard Road #01-27
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 12am
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 1am
Sun: 12pm – 12am
Tel: +65 6834 4038
Nearest Station: Somerset

CAFÉ & MEAL MUJI

Fans of MUJI, the popular Japanese concept store, rejoice as they bring you something even bigger and better. Café & Meal MUJI – the first MUJI cafe in Singapore is now open at The Paragon. The Japanese cafe is adjacent to their current merchandise store in the mall, and we were most certainly thrilled by their arrival.

Paragon Shopping Centre
290 Orchard Road, #04-36
Singapore 238859
Tel: +65 6735 0123
Daily: 10am – 9:30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard or Somerset

CAFFE BEVIAMO

Caffe Beviamo has firmly established itself as a popular haunt for locals and expats alike. It is not difficult to understand why it is always packed. It offers affordable and well-prepared Australian-inspired food. A simple Scrambled Eggs with Toast is only S$8. If you want something more substantial, go for Pasta (S$12 – S$18) or Pizza (S$12 – S$14). It also has a range of tempting desserts (S$3.50 – S$7.50), including cupcakes, carrot cake, and sticky date pudding.

Caffee Beviamo is also listed in our guide on Singapore’s Top 20 Inexpensive Restaurants.

163 Tanglin Road
#02-K1 Tanglin Mall
Tel: +65 6738 7906
Daily: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

CAJUN ON WHEELS

Located on Level 3 at the new extension of Plaza Singapura, Cajun On Wheels is a Halal-certified seafood diner serving unadulterated and fresh seafood in true American fashion. This is their second outlet—after their first food truck at Pasarbella Suntec City—and you would be delighted to know that their menu at Plaza Singapura is exclusive to that outlet too.

68 Orchard Road, #03-92 Plaza Singapura
Singapore 238839
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

CHOCOLATE ORIGIN

Look out for a little kiosk at the basement food hall of 313 @ Somerset, and you will be in for a decadent chocolate treat. Primarily serving chocolate lava cake, Chocolate Origin makes a good pit stop in between shopping.

#B3-10A, 313@Somerset
313 Orchard Road
Tel: +65 68844019
Daily: 10am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

CHURRO101

A popular churro chain in Korea, Churro101 has a big range of different churros, but the ones that appealed to us the most on our first visit were their filled churros and churros coated with dark chocolate.

The churros are deep-fried fresh and served to us a la minute. We picked the Dark Chocolate Churro with Strawberry Crunch (S$5.90). The dark chocolate range is also available in two other coatings – almond and coconut.

313 Orchard Road
B3-49 313@Somerset
Singapore 238895
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

CRYSTAL JADE LA MIAN XIAO LONG BAO

The Crystal Jade brand is renowned being one of the leading Singapore-based restaurant groups to preserve the rich traditions of Chinese cuisine.

As far as comfort food is concerned, one of our all-time favourite places to dine at is Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao. We grew up enjoying their classic and contemporary interpretations of the much-loved xiao long bao and la mian which finds its roots from the Jiangnan region in China!

Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao has officially opened its latest outlet at Basement 2 of Ngee Ann City which was previously occupied by Crystal Jade Korean Ginseng Chicken and BBQ. Paying homage to its opening on 01 Dec 2017, the restaurant will be bringing back their limited-edition local-inspired Hainanese Chicken Rice Xiao Long Bao.

391 Orchard Road, #B2-36A,
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
Singapore 238873
Tel: +65 6733 3229
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

CRYSTAL JADE GOLDEN PALACE RESTAURANT

One of the grandest outlets by the Crystal Jade empire, Golden Palace Restaurant is a longstanding favourite among locals and its constant crowd is a testament to its superb food quality. We always covet the idea of a Sunday dim sum brunch with our family here, what about you?

Crystal Jade Golden Palace is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s top 30 Chinese restaurants.

290 Orchard Road, Paragon Shopping Centre
Tel: +65 6734 6866
Daily: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

DANCING CRAB AT ORCHARD CENTRAL

After the resounding success of their first outlet at Grandstand, Dancing Crab has since opened a brand new outlet at Orchard Central, replacing the space where Noodle Stories used to be.

Of the many Louisiana seafood restaurants in town, Dancing Crab has the most competitive prices without compromising on the quality of their ingredients and seafood. And with the introduction of new lunch options, burning a hole in your pocket is the least of your worries now.

Orchard Central #07-14/15
181 Orchard Road
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6509 1878
Fax: +65 6509 1879
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30 – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

DEAN AND DELUCA

There is absolutely nothing to not love about this New York brand. Dean And Deluca continues to wow the local crowd with its spacious Orchard Central outlet, spanning across Level 4 with takeaways, retail merchandise and a huge dine-in area. Weekend brunch is our favourite.

Dean & Deluca’s Rainbow Cake is also listed in our list of Best Rainbow Cakes in Singapore.

181 Orchard Rd, 04 – 23/24, Orchard Central
Tel: +65 6509 7708
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

DIN TAI FUNG

Din Tai Fung – a household name in Singapore since 2003 – is a popular favourite among locals and visitors alike. Talk about xiao long bao and we all think of Din Tai Fung’s legacy. Among the 18 locations Paragon’s outlet is the flagship restaurant and it showcases three VIP rooms that can be expanded to accommodate up to 30 diners.

#B1-03/06, Paragon Shopping Centre
290 Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6836 8336
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9.30pm
Sun & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Paragon

FOOD EXCHANGE

If you love luxuriating in weekend brunches, then you need to check out the all-new Food Exchange at Novotel Singapore on Stevens for your next weekend indulgence.

Comfortably nestled in the spanking new Novotel Singapore on Stevens, this sleek restaurant spins up a plethora of international cuisine, allowing you to tuck into delectable food while overlooking the view of the hotel’s infinity pool.

As far as lavish Sunday brunches are concerned, freshness, quality and variety are some of the factors that we value most. Helmed by award-winning Finnish Head Chef Janne Ollikainen, the extensive buffet line at Food Exchange encompasses everything from fresh sashimi and seafood to hot cooking stations that serve up eggs, pasta and risotto à la minute, a myriad of roasted meats and more. They even have their very own DIY Bloody Mary bar so you can concoct your own brunch-time cocktail!

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

Novotel Singapore on Stevens
28 Stevens Road,
#01-01, Singapore 257878
Tel: +65 6491 6100
Email: h9543@accor.com
www.novotel-singapore-stevens.com/restaurants-bars/food-exchange/

GOOD MORNING NANYANG CAFE

When we need our comfort food in the form of kaya toast and eggs, our go-to place in town is Good Morning Nanyang Cafe. Sitting on level 2 of Far East Plaza, this old-school outlet stands the test of time and has been lathering fragrant kaya on their crispy toast for we-lost-count-how-many years. Some traditional kopi for you too?

#02-23, Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road
Tel: +65 9650 3256
Daily: 8.30am – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

HOSHINO COFFEE

Known for its hand-dripped coffee, Hoshino Coffee is located in the newer wing of Plaza Singapura. And we really love this popular Japanese coffee chain’s soufflés – Vanilla Soufflé (S$9.80) and Matcha Soufflé (S$9.80).

68 Orchard Road
#03-84 Plaza Singapura
Tel: +65 6338 3277
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

HUA TING RESTAURANT

One of the most reliable tables in town, Hua Ting at Orchard Hotel has been serving Cantonese delicacies for years and you can always be assured of a good meal here. The interior is not fancy, nor is the food particularly sophisticated. What it is, however, is simple and well-executed Chinese food.

Level 2, Orchard Hotel, 442 Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6739 6666
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

IMPERIAL TREASURE SUPER PEKING DUCK RESTAURANT

Because the Peking Duck is really super, and it is our guilty pleasure when we crave some good Chinese meat. Its fatty goodness is a sin, but that extra few rounds of jogging will be worth it for Imperial Treasure’s Peking Duck. But of course, if you are already there, go for some dim sum too.

290 Orchard Road
#05-42/45, Paragon Shopping Centre
Tel: +65 6732 7838
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.45pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat: 11am – 2.45pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: 10.30am – 2.45pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

IPPUDO RAMEN

Ippudo’s ramen empire is showing no signs of slowing down as it opens more and more outlets across the globe, including New York City, Seoul, Shanghai and Sydney. Its first outlet in Singapore – Mandarin Gallery – continues to see queues for their world-famous Japanese noodles, and if you haven’t tried, what are you waiting for?

Ippudo Ramen is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s best ramen shops.

333A Orchard Road
#04-02/03/04 Mandarin Gallery
Tel: +65 6235 2797
Mon to Sat: 11am – 11pm
Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

ISHINOMAKI GRILL & SAKE BAR

This Japanese restaurant at Palais Renaissance truly an undiscovered gem. Opening its door to public since December 2014, Ishinomaki Grill & Sake Bar is a welcoming diner helmed by Chef Chi – a well-experienced chef who has been in the industry for 25 years.

His keen passion for Japanese food has seen him travelling to different parts of Japan and building relationships with the best suppliers, so expect nothing less than the freshest catches when you dine at Ishinomaki.

390 Orchard Road
#B1-02/02A/03 Palais Renaissance
Tel: +65 67371065
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

ITACHO SUSHI

Salmon skin sushi for S$0.40 – everyone will know Itacho Sushi because of this. And more than that, they are a favourite because of the wide variety of sushi creations at very friendly prices. When dining at Itacho, treat yourself to a selection of makis, rolls and nigiris made with fresh ingredients. They have very value-for-money lunch sets, too.

Itacho Sushi is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s affordable sushi places.

Ion Orchard, #B3-20 ION Orchard
Tel: +65 6509 8911
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

IZAKAYA NIJUMARU

Izakaya Nijumaru is one hidden gem (literally) in Cuppage Plaza.

It is tucked at a corner on the second level of Cuppage Plaza and you wouldn’t otherwise walk past it unless you were particularly looking out for it. The nondescript outlet has been around for three decades. We actually only discovered it about seven years ago but it has since remained as a favourite of ours whenever we want a simple, affordable Japanese meal in Orchard Road.

5 Koek Rd, #02- 228796, 10 Cuppage Rd
Tel: +65 6235 6693
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

J65 AT HOTEL JEN TANGLIN SINGAPORE

Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore’s gorgeous all-day dining restaurant J65 is an ultimate gourmet paradise if you are keen on mainly local fare.

Now, you can get excited every day of the week with the themed buffet nights through the week! There are 6 different buffet themes including Crab, Beef, Lobster, Prawn, Seafood and local food.

Lobby Level, 1A Cuscaden Road
Singapore 249176
Reservations: hoteljen.com/bookJ65
Tel: +65 6831 4374 / J65@hoteljen.com
Daily: 6.30am to 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Dinner Buffet
Sun to Thu: 6pm – 9.30pm / S$55++ per pax
Fri and Sat: 6pm – 10pm / S$60++ per pax

JADE PALACE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

It is pretty inconspicuous, and you might miss it unless you are familiar with its location. However, Jade Palace is a popular spot for those in-the-know, and the claypot rice, in particular, is one of the more memorable ones around. Jade Palace also has one of the most impressive selectionss of wines among the Chinese restaurants in town.

#B1-12, Forum The Shopping Mall
583 Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6732 6628
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

JANE THAI

Orchard Towers is definitely not the best place to step in to, but if any, we would go there for Jane Thai. Sleazy as the building may be, any time is a good time for Thai food at Jane’s. They open till 4am, so it is perfect supper option. And the other good news is, they have an outlet at Simpang Bedok, too!

Jane Thai is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s top 10 affordable Thai restaurants.

400 Orchard Road
#04-30 Orchard Towers
Tel: +65 6887 5677
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

JIANG-NAN CHUN

The showpiece of the luxurious Four Seasons Singapore, Jiang-Nan Chun presents well-executed Cantonese fare – using traditional cooking techniques, with a slightly modern twist - in a refined setting.

Jiang-Nan Chun is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s top 30 Chinese restaurants.

190 Orchard Boulevard
Four Seasons Hotel
Tel: +65 6831 7220
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

KAIHO SUSHI

Kaiho Sushi, a hole-in-the-wall sushi joint, is one of those nondescript Japanese restaurants in Cuppage Plaza. It has been around for years and it is where food lovers in-the-know head to for some authentic Japanese cuisine indulgence. During lunch, it serves nine sets (at S$30) – pick from Anago Don Set, to Sushi Set and Ebi Tendon Set.

Kaiho Sushi is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s best chirashi-don.

5 Koek Road, Cuppage Plaza, #03-01/02
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 11pm
Tel: +65 9734 9822
Nearest Station: Somerset

KITH CAFE

One of our all-time favourite cafes in town has got to be Kith Cafe. They serve honest food and good brew, and the al fresco seating area is a lovely spot to catch up on some me-time or to simply people watch. Most of the items on their menu are reasonably-priced under $20.

163 Penang Road, #01-01
Winsland House II, Singapore 238463
Tel: +65 6235 0582
Daily: 7.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

K COOK KOREAN BBQ RESTAURANT

K. Cook Korean BBQ Buffet has just opened at Orchard Central for a few months, but it has already earned the loyalty of many customers for a simple reason. It is one of the most affordable Korean BBQ buffet restaurants in Singapore. On weekdays, the Korean BBQ buffet is S$14.90++ /pax for lunch, and S$24.90++/pax for dinner.

#07-01, Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6884 7282
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

KOH GRILL & SUSHI BAR

Koh Grill & Sushi Bar is a small eatery that sits within Wisma’s Food Republic, and the one dish that everyone queues up for is the very famous Shiok Maki. It is a maki made up of avocado, unagi and aburi salmon, drenched with a supremely addictive sauce that is seemingly a legit mixture of mayo and mentai, then topped with a copious amount of tobiko. Sounds tempting already?

Koh Grill & Sushi Bar is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s affordable sushi places.

435 Orchard Road #04-21
Wisma Atria Singapore
Tel: +65 9180 3805
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

LOKKEE

Located on the 3rd storey of Plaza Singapura is American-Chinese establishment Lokkee that is not just your ordinary Chinese restaurant. It is worth mentioning that the up-and-coming gourmet eatery is successfully pushing the boundaries of traditional Chinese cuisine – without compromising on key oriental ingredients – and introducing a tantalising variety of revamped Asian classics that will impress even the most discerning diners. Expect unique renditions of steamed baos, spicy Sichuan diced chicken and whatnot.

Plaza Singapura
#03-01, 68 Orchard Road
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6884 4566
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

LUKE’S CHOPHOUSE & OYSTER BAR

Luke’s is a classy and upmarket chophouse, the sort of restaurant that you will find in New York. Known for its seafood cocktails, steaks and oysters, Luke’s Chophouse also does an impressive rendition of the classic lobster roll too.

Luke’s Chophouse & Oyster Bar is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s best steak restaurants.

260 Orchard Road
#03-02 The Heeren
Daily: 12pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

MAISON KAYSER

We love the eclairs at Maison Kayser! They do not have the best coffees, but the outlet at Scotts Square makes a decent pitstop in between shopping. And we love their spread of breads, too!

#B1-09, Scotts Square, 6 Scotts Road
Tel: +65 6636 3672
Daily: 8am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

MAK’S NOODLE

Hong Kong’s famous Mak’s Noodle has just opened its very first overseas outpost, and it is in Singapore no less! Sitting on the ground level of The Centrepoint, Mak’s Noodle in Singapore brings you the familiar authentic taste of Hong Kong with its concise menu of noodles and beef brisket.

176 Orchard Road
The Centrepoint, #01-63/64
Singapore 238843
Tel: +65 6235 5778
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

MANHATTAN BAR

This sleek, dark and sexy bar is exactly the kind of place where you’ll refuse to call it a night, which would be for the best, since your refusal will be met with a number of discreetly potent cocktails. Or you could give them a wild-card route (layman’s term: bespoke)—tell them your poison of choice, serving style and whatever preferences pop into your head, and watch them do their magic.

1 Cuscaden Road
Regent Singapore
Singapore 249715
Tel: +65 6725 3377
Mon to Sun: 5pm to 1am
Nearest Station: Orchard

MAKAN @ JEN

This all-day dining restaurant at the new Hotel Jen orchardgateway that offers both a la carte and buffet-style options. Weekday Semi Buffet Lunch is affordably priced at S$19.90, while its Weekend Singapore Brunch is only S$30 – quite possibly the most affordable weekend brunch buffet in Singapore.

277 Orchard Road
Hotel Jen orchardgateway
Tel: +65 6708 8899
Daily: 6.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

MARRIOTT CAFE

One of the best buffet restaurants in town where you can indulge yourself, Marriott Cafe at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel is best known for its local high tea buffet which comes with an amazing lineup of more than 50 treats including Nasi Lemak, Chicken Rice, Laksa, Hokkien Mee, as well as Western desserts like Scones, Crepes and Toffee Date Pudding.

During the dinner buffet, you can find the freshest selection of oysters, snow crabs, crayfish and prawns at the Seafood Station. Seafood aside, you can look forward to local favourite such as Singapore Chilli Crab, Chicken Rice and succulent roasts.

320 Orchard Road
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
Tel: +65 6831 4605
Daily: 6am – 11am, 12pm – 2.30pm, 3pm – 5.30pm, 6.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

MARUTAMA

The popular ramen shop is now in town! Away from the crowd and sitting unassumingly along the stretch of eateries at Killiney, Marutama serves their famous chicken-based ramen all day. We usually prefer tonkotsu soup base for ramen, but nobody says no to Marutama’s spicy chicken soup. Period.

Marutama is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s best ramen shops.

75 Killiney Road
Tel: +65 6352 6369
Nearest Station: Somerset

MENYA MUSASHI

Menya Musashi commanded long queues in the first few months, but the hype has died down since then which is unfortunate, as they’ve opened a few more branches around and out of town.

The broth is boiled for more than nine hours, and the chef has to stir it every half an hour to prevent the bottom from being burned. Menya offers three different types of ramen – ‘White’, ‘Red’ and ‘Black, each featuring different combinations of noodles and broth.

Menya Musashi is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s best ramen shops.

Ion Orchard
2 Orchard Turn, #B3-25
Tel: +65 6509 9394
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

MEZZA9

Dining at mezza9 is always a comforting familiarity akin to dining at home. They offer superb value for their weekday set lunches. Else, indulge in a Sunday Champagne Brunch. “The ultimate champagne brunch,”- that was the only thought we had on our minds while enjoying our feast. Read more here.

Grand Hyatt Singapore
10 Scotts Road
Tel: +65 6416 7322
Sun Brunch: 11.30am – 3pm
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

MITZO

We will go out on a limb and say that Mitzo at Grand Park Orchard is the sexiest Chinese restaurant in Singapore. It combines a contemporary and intimate design with modern Cantonese cuisine. Quite unlike your usual Chinese restaurants, Mitzo actually has a lounge-like feel, and they have song curator for the daily loops.

270 Orchard Road
Grand Park Orchard
Tel: +65 6603 8855
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm to 12midnight
Nearest Station: Somerset

NAKAJIMA SUISAN GRILLED FISH

Nakajima Suisan Grilled Fish at Takashimaya’s Japanese food court is gold. The prices of the set meals — choose from Salmon Teriyaki ($12.50), Gindara Teriyaki ($14.50), and Shio Saba ($7.50) — are so pocket-friendly. We’ve had their grilled fish for a decade, and still falling in love with it with every visit.

Nakajima Suisan is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s top 10 budget restaurants in Orchard Road.

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

NAMNAM NOODLE BAR

The pho and banh mi at NamNam Noodle Bar are not only delicious, but also very value-for-money. A bowl of pho is less than S$10, while the Banh Mi is only S$5.90. They also have extremely value-for-money lunch sets.

501 Orchard Road #B2-02
Wheelock Place
Tel: +65 6735 1488
Nearest Station: Orchard

NANA’S GREEN TEA

A modern Japanese tea house that offers a selection of Japanese food like  as well as matcha drinks and desserts. From matcha parfait, to matcha latte, and matcha Anmitsu, fans of matcha will enjoy every item here.

68 Orchard Road
#03-80/81/82, Plaza Singapura
Tel: +65 6684 4312
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

NARA THAI

We used to go to Bangkok for Nara Thai, for its fine Thai cuisine is truly deserving of all its credits and accolades. The well-known name is now in Singapore, and has an outlet at Ion Orchard.

2 Orchard Turn
#B3-21 ION Orchard
Tel: +65 6634 5787
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

NASSIM HILL BAKERY & BISTRO BAR

Tucked at the end of the Orchard Road, Nassim Hill Bakery & Bistro Bar sits beside Singapore Post at Tanglin, and is a quaint outlet when you need a break from the crowd. Its menu is comprehensive and we dare say almost every dish is enticing. Oh, it is a family-friendly spot too!

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 3 miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

56 Tanglin Road
Tanglin Post Office #01-03
Tel: +65 6835 1128
Tue to Sun: 8am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

NIKU KAPPO

A brand new dining concept by WATAMI originating from Tsukiji, Japan, Niku Kappo offers diners authentic Japanese Kappo-style delights through its colorful menu filled with a diverse selection of food options.

As the word “Niku” suggests, Niku Kappo’s menu has a strong focus on meat. From Meat Sushi to Meat Hot Pot, Niku Kappo only seeks to present Japanese cuisine at reasonable prices.

NOODLE PLACE

If you find yourself stranded in Orchard Road with nothing “budget” to eat, well we’d say to head straight to Noodles Place @ 313 Somerset for a bowl of hearty dumpling noodles. Or more affectionately known as wanton mee.

The restaurant prides themselves on Hong Kong-style food, mostly simple one-dish meals that you would typically expect from a regular cha chaan teng, and at S$10.80, you will be served a bowl of noodles with prawn dumplings in soup. Fuss-free, but so good.

Orchard Gateway, 277 Orchard Road #01-17
Singapore 238843
Tel: +65 6733 3171
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

OMAKASE BURGER

Quite arguable the best cheeseburger in Singapore is Omakase Burger’s rendition. The Omakase Cheeseburger oozes with flavours – delicious hand-ground beef patty with melted cheese, iceberg lettuce, sweet tomato slices and sauce in a nicely toasted bun.

#01-02/38 Wisma Atria Shopping Centre
435 Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6737 3218
Mon to Thu: 10am – 10pm
Fri to Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

ORIOLE CAFE & BAR

Oriole Cafe & bar has been making headlines in the Singapore National Barista Championships 2010. Coffee lovers can always get a good cup of coffee here, and it is conveniently located just right beside 313@Somerset.

96 Somerset road
#01-01 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites
Tel: +65 6238 8348
Mon to Fri: 11am – 11pm
Sat: 10am – 12midnight
Sun: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

OPUS BAR & GRILL

What used to be Checkers Brasserie at Hilton Singapore is now revamped and known as Opus Bar & Grill. The culinary team is helmed by Aussie chef Nick Philip, and the menu is contemporary with Australian influence. The charcoal grill and dry-age cabinet are what Opus Bar & Grill are building their success on, and they are on a mission to spoil you with only the best meals.

581 Orchard Road
Hilton Singapore
Tel: 65 6730 3390
Daily: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard Road

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE

Outback Steakhouse, the largest steakhouse chain in the world, is known to serve reasonably-priced steaks and mains in a casual ambience with friendly service. Even if you are not a fan of steaks, you will be spoilt for choice with its array of mains. They have a fantastic range of cocktails as well.

#04-01 orchardgateway
277 Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6702 6842
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

PARADISE DYNASTY

Known for its colourful xiaolongbao (steamed pork dumplings) that are available in eight different flavours – original, garlic, ginseng, Szechuan, crab roe, cheese, foie gras, and black truffle – Paradise Dynasty is where we like to head to for a simple and fuss-free meal.

2 Orchard Turn, #04-12A
ION Orchard
Tel: +65 6509 9118
Mon to Fri: 11am to 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am to 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

PARADISE TEOCHEW

Singaporeans should be familiar with Paradise Group – the Singapore-based restaurant group with an impressive portfolio of mainly Chinese restaurants under their belt. Think Taste Paradise, Paradise Dynasty and Beauty In The Pot.

The reputable empire has recently launched an entirely new concept – Paradise Teochew Restaurant, where its speciality lies in authentic Teochew-style offerings to preserve and glorify the Teochew culture that many Singaporeans are more than familiar with.

6 Scotts Road, #03-04 Scotts Square
Singapore 228209
Tel: +65 6538 0644
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 3.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

PARIS BAGUETTE

This famous Korean bakery cafe serves a pretty lineup of pastries, cakes and breads, sandwiches and salads. Drop by its branch at Wisma Atria for a pitstop in between shopping.

#02-48/53 Wisma Atria Shopping Centre
435 Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6836 2010
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

PAUL BAKERY

Paul Bakery has opened in Singapore with much fanfare, and it’s not difficult to understand why the French boulangerie/patisserie is packed with customers everyday. For those who have been to Europe, Paul Boulangerie is the place for them to relive those wonderful memories of having a warm croissant and a cup of coffee during winter. For others who have heard much about Paul from their friends, the restaurant in Singapore gives you the chance to taste a piece of Europe.

391A Orchard Road
#03-16/16A/17
Ngee Ann City Tower A
Tel: +65 6836 5932
Sun to Thu: 8.30am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 8.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

PETE’S PLACE

Pete’s Place is one of the most established Italian restaurants in town, specialising in authentic Italian homemade pasta and wood-fired oven pizzas. Tiramisu is always a good way to measure the standard of an Italian restaurant, so you have to try the rendition at Pete’s Place – it always tugs our heartstrings.

Grand Hyatt Singapore
10 Scotts Road
Tel: +65 6416 7322
Daily: 12pm – 4.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sunday: 11.30am – 2.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

POOL GRILL RESTAURANT

Pool Grill at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel has gone through a little makeover and is now a stunner with a show-stopping menu to beat.

Drop by at night for a dinner with your loved one or friends, and the restaurant will not only captivate your heart with its mouthwatering food and innovative cocktails. You will also be swept off your feet with the romantic candle-lit ambience, complemented by the starry night sky and enchanting music.

Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
310 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Mon to Thu, Sun: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

PS.CAFE

Everyone knows PS.Cafe, and it is almost synonymous with Palais Renaissance. This outlet is ever popular, and you can always count on these folks to whip up scrumptious dishes to put on the table. It also makes a perfect pit stop in between shopping, and a quaint afternoon with the girlfriends over some cakes and coffee sounds like a splendid idea, yes?

390 Orchard Road
Palais Renaissance
Tel: +65 6887 2207
Mon to Thu: 9.30am – 12 midnight
Fri & Sat: 9.30am – 1am
Sun: 9.30am – 12 midnight
Nearest Station: Orchard

RAMEN SANTOUKA

Here is a worthy contender for the best all-rounded ramen. A robust broth, chewy noodles and one of the most tender chashu we have had (it is the prized pork cheek after all), it is one easy ramen to love.

Ramen Santouka is also listed in our Best Ramen in Singapore here.

21 Cuppage Road
Cuppage Terrace
Tel: +65 6235 1059
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 12midnight
Sat: 12pm – 12midnight
Sun: 12am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

SABOTEN

Many consider Saboten to be one of the best tonkatsu restaurants in town, but I cannot really agree with that. Don’t get me wrong, though. Saboten definitely has one of the better breaded meats. Try the signature loin katsu ($23), katsudon ($20), and katsu Curry ($19.50).

Saboten is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s best tonkatsu restaurants.

#B2-02/03, 313 @ Somerset
313 Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6333 3432
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

SALT GRILL & SKY BAR

Among the Celebrity Chef Restaurants in Singapore, Salt Grill & Sky Bar stood out with its magnificent view, classy setting, impeccable service and fair cuisine. It has the complete dining experience.

2 Orchard Turn Level 55 & 56
ION Orchard
Tel: +65 6592 5118
Daily: 11.30am – 2pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

SHANGRI-LA SINGAPORE LOBBY COURT

If you are looking for somewhere to spend a quiet afternoon with a group of friends, we cannot think of a better place than Lobby Court at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore. Treat yourself to a traditional English Afternoon Tea with finger sandwiches, scones, cakes and tea.

22 Orange Grove Road
Mezzanine Level Shangri-La Hotel
Tel:+65 6213 4486
Nearest Station: Orchard

SHINJUKU

Another haunt at Cuppage Plaza that we go to for a simple Japaanese meal is Shinjuku. It may not have the most attractive facade, but if you give them a chance, you might just fall in love with their S$10 lunch sets.

#01-01 Cuppage Plaza, 5 Koek Road
Tel: +65 6734 8436
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 1am
Sun & PH: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

STEEPLE’S DELI

Steeple’s Deli is a bit of a hidden gem, tucked away at Tanglin Shopping Centre that makes you feel transported into a different space. They have been around for years, and what keep regulars coming back again and again are the Reuben Sandwich (S$13.90), Beef Burger (S$12.90), and the super thick and rich Milkshakes (S$5.90).

Steeple’s Deli is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s top 10 budget restaurants in Orchard Road.

#02-24/25 Tanglin Shopping Centre
19 Tanglin Road
Tel: +65 6737 0701
Mon to Sat: 9.30am – 6.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

SUPPLY & DEMAND

Since its inaugural outlet at Esplanade, we’ve always enjoyed the fusion spread at Supply & Demand. And they are now at Orchard Gateway too. Of pastas and pizzas and even Asian dishes, its variety is comprehensive and you can always count on the joint for a good dinner with family and friends.

#02-13/14, Orchard Gateway
277 Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6702 6218
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

SU SUPERSTAR KOREAN CUISINE

Su Superstar Korean Cuisine is a casual Korean eatery in *SCAPE that is popular among students and youngsters who hang around the area.

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. If you are looking for a quick Korean fix without burning a hole in your pocket, give Su Superstar Korean Cuisine a try.

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

STRAITSKITCHEN

Renowned for its uniquely Singaporean buffet, StraitsKitchen is one of the most popular buffet restaurants for two reasons. It is the place where you bring overseas guests to savour the best of our local hawker food in a stylish and comfortable setting. And it is a showcase of and opportunity to sample all the popular local dishes in one seating. And, it has a Halal-certified kitchen.

10 Scotts Road, Lobby Level
Grand Hyatt Singapore
Tel: +65 6732 1234
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

TAMPOPO RESTAURANT

Tampopo is one of those top-of-mind restaurant when we need a fuss-free Japanese meal. Their Tonkatsu Ramen is always good – a bowl of springy ramen accompanied by Tampopo’s signature tonkatsu in a spicy broth. We also love their range of chiffon cakes!

391 Orchard Road
#B2-33 Ngee Ann City
Tel: +65 6235 2318
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

TASTE PARADISE

Taste Paradise at ION Orchard is one of our favourite dim sum restaurants in Singapore. The food is always consistently good, and we can never get sick of its spread of classic dim sum. Try the char siew sou and custard bun when you are there; we promise you won’t be disappointed.

2 Orchard Turn
#04-07 ION Orchard
Tel: +65 6509 9660
Nearest Station: Orchard

TATSUYA JAPANESE RESTAURANT

A stalwart of the local dining scene, Tatsuya is where in-the-know locals go for top quality Japanese food. It comes with a price, of course. Omakase – where the chefs decide the menu for dinners based on the guests’ preferences and the freshest ingredients available – here is S$280++/pax for 8-10 course dinner. We would suggest going for their set lunches. The Sashimi Bento (S$45), Sushi Bento (S$45) and Bara Chirashi (S$35.90) sets offer excellent value.

Tatsuya Japanese Restaurant is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s best Japanese restaurants.

Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Tel: +65 6887 4598
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

TENSHO JAPANESE SPECIALITY TENDON

Found in the basement of the recently revamped Centrepoint, Tensho Japanese Speciality Tendon is a recent venture by the Ministry Of Food, which officially opened late September last year.

If you are searching for a reason to visit, the Mixed Tendon (S$14.90++) at Tensho Japanese Speciality Tendon might be your answer.

176 Orchard Road, #B1-20 The Centrepoint, Singapore 238843
Tel: +65 6733 0449
Mon to Thu, Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

THE BETTERSHIP

The Bettership, a sashimi-centric eatery, has recently opened up on the ground floor of The Cathay. This humble Japanese eatery serves up boats—yes, boats—of fresh restaurant-standard sashimi as well as show-stopping donburi.

Priced decently at no more than S$20 for a sizeable donburi, this makes it a rather affordable option as opposed to many restaurants.

2 Handy Road #01-03,
The Cathay
Singapore 229233
Tel: +65 6835 9006
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

THE HUNGRY CAVEMAN

Bringing the very best of China’s skewer cuisine to Singapore, a colossally popular barbecue skewer restaurant chain, called The Hungry Caveman. Located on the 6th floor of Orchard Central, this new barbecue skewer restaurant aims to blaze the trail in Singapore’s meat skewer scene by being the first to adopt automated barbecue skewers. Just how cool is that?!

181 Orchard Road, #06-25
Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

TIM HO WAN

Opened by Chef Mak Kwai Pui, Tim Ho Wan is the cheapest 1 Michelin Star dim sum restaurant from Hong Kong. The star on the menu and what you must order at Tim Ho Wan is the legendary Baked Buns with BBQ Pork ($4.50 for 3). we can say with confidence after trying, that the buns are as good as the ones in Hong Kong.

#01-29 Plaza Singapura
The Atrium @ Orchard
68 Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6251 2000
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

THAIEXPRESS

Quite contrary to “popular beliefs”, ThaiExpress is not a fast food chain. It is a restaurant chain, yes, but its casual dining style is what makes the household brand so popular and affordable.

The chefs here take their Thai food very seriously, and the kitchen is kept busy all day through because every item that is served on the table is prepared in-house with fresh ingredients and homemade sauces – cooked to order in each kitchen daily.

ThaiExpress has launched 3 brand new Sanook Sets which are priced not more than S$10.90++. Our favourite is the Sweet Chilli Fish Set (S$9.90++) which comes with Jasmine rice, Tom Kha Mushroom Soup, and Sweet Potato with Ginger Slice Dessert.

ThaiExpress is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s top 10 affordable Thai restaurants.

68 Orchard Road
#03-24 Plaza Singapura
Tel: +65 6339 5442
Daily: 11am to 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

THE COFFEE ACADEMICS

The Coffee Academics has opened its first outlet in Singapore at Scotts Square. If you have been to Hong Kong, chances are that you have either seen or heard of The Coffee Academics, voted one of the best coffee shops in the world by international publications such as Vogue, CNNGo and Buzzfeed.

Lvl 2 Scotts Square
6 Scotts Road
Singapore 228209
Daily: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

THAI TANTRIC

Another Thai eatery that is worth checking out at Orchard Towers is Thai Tantric. Prices range from S$6 to S$10, and some of the items that you should try – other than the usual classic Thai dishes – include Thai Fried Rice (S$6), Deep-fried Pork with Garlic & Pepper (S$10), and Deep-fried Chicken Wings with Honey (S$10).

Thai Tantric is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s top 10 affordable Thai restaurants.

400 Orchard Road
#03-23 Orchard Towers
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Orchard

THE ASSEMBLY GROUND

This relatively new addition to the cafe scene is a pleasant one. Spacious, dimly-lit and sexy, very good green tea latte and more. On the food menu, they’ve got you covered with appetizers, sandwiches and burgers, salads and soup, pastas and pizzas and brunch food. Of course, their regular brews are aromatic too. Cappuccinos and Flat Whites are at S$5.50 each for single shot.

#01-21 The Cathay
2 Handy Road
Tel: +65 67333375
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

THE DRAGON CHAMBER

The Dragon Chamber is the first speakeasy restaurant in Singapore. A new dining concept by TungLok Group, The Dragon Chamber is hidden within Lokkee at Plaza Singapura.

For the uninitiated, a speakeasy usually refers to a bar which is hidden from plain sight; with that, part of the fun is in digging out its whereabouts. Go through a secret entrance in Lokkee and enter a different world. The Dragon Chamber is effortlessly hip and cool without trying too hard.

68 Orchard Road
#03-02 Plaza Singapura
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6884 4566
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

THE LINE

The highly popular The Line at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore is one of the best buffets in town. Everyone loves a good buffet treat, and at The Line, be lost in the wondrous world of international and continental spread. You can eat a bit of everything and before you even reach the end, you might already be completely stuffed.

Yes, the spread is that extensive. Sixteen live stations for your ala minute dishes too, and a special drinks station where you can order the very satisfying Teh Tarik.

22 Orange Grove Road
Shangri-La Hotel Singapore
Lower Lobby, Tower Wing
Tel: +65 6213 4275
Daily: 5am – 1am
Nearest Station: Orchard

THE PROVIDORE

A nice brunch spot at Mandarin Gallery is The Providore. It is a cosy European-styled cafe, with a retail corner where you can take home colourful tea pots and tea cups, English tea, house jams and homemade chocolates.

#02-05, Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6732 1565
Daily: 09:00 – 23:00
Nearest Station: Somerset

THE SUSHI BAR

The Sushi Bar at level three of Far East Plaza serves the standard dishes like sushi, sahimi, Japanese-style pastas and donburis, but if you only have room for one dish, you must try the much-lauded Salmon Aburi Sushi (S$14.50). It is really good, and the main reason why this hole-in-the-wall sushi bar is always packed with regulars.

The Sushi Bar is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s affordable sushi places.

#04-28 Far East Plaza
14 Scotts Road
Mon to Fri: 12.30pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 9pm
Sat: 12.30pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

TONKATSU BY MA MAISON

Tonkatsu by Ma Maison at Mandarin Gallery is as close to authenticity you can get – easily the best tonkatsu in Singapore. The Kurobuta Rosu Katsu (S$31.80) is excellent, but the highlight is the to-die-for Hungarian Mangalica Rosu Katsu (S$31.80) that will melt in your mouth.

Tonkatsu by Ma Maison is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s best tonkatsu restaurants.

333A Orchard Road
#02-35/36 Mandarin Gallery
Tel: +65 6733 4541
Mon to Fri: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

TONKICHI RESTAURANT

Another Tonkatsu restaurant that retains its popularity among loyal customers for so many years is Tonkichi. Weekends would have the Ngee Ann City’s outlet see long queues of waiting time up to an hour, and it is little wonder because they do their breaded pork so well. Servings are huge, too.

Tonkichi Restaurant is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s best tonkatsu restaurants.

391 Orchard Road
Ngee Ann City #04-24
Tel: +65 6735 7522
Daily: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

TOSS & TURN

The worship ground for health nuts, Toss & Turn is like an institution for salads. You mix and match and create your desired salads, and a regular plate is only S$9.90. Very affordable, very healthy and very (surpringly) filling. The dine-in area is really small, but that does not stop us from popping by when we need to do a VS Angel’s diet.

#B4-55 Ion Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn
Tel: +65 6636 5835
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

TSUKADA NOJO

Love a good pot of Japanese collagen soup? Then Tsukada Nojo will not disappoint. Trust us on this – because its premium jidori chicken soup is so out of the world that every night for dinner, people queue up for 1-2 hours for a table. And we can assure you that it would be so very worth the wait. Priced at S$26.90 per pax, it is also pleasantly affordable!

#03-81, Plaza Singapura
68 Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6336 5003
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

TSUKIJI FISH MARKET RESTAURANT

Japanese food lovers, you need to know about this secret Japanese restaurant on the rooftop of Orchard Central—Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant! It houses 5 different restaurant concepts in one, serving up flavourful Japanese fare in generous portions at fairly affordable prices.

Dishing out a vast variety of Japanese food options spanning from sushi and sashimi, ramen, tempura and an assortment of chicken dishes and wagyu dishes, to say diners will be spoilt for choice is an understatement. And the best part is being able to order from any of the 5 menus and having them served and billed together!

Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant takes pride in providing diners with a variety of fresh seasonal fish and sashimi and you’d be happy to know that most of their seafood products are all air-flown from Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Fish Market twice a week.

181 Orchard Road, #12-02
Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6634 2803
Mon to Thu, Sat & Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

TSURU KOSHI UDON

The udons on the menu here range from the basic Kake Udon (S$6.5) to the popular Curry Udon (S$9). We had the Ebi Tempura Udon (S$9) and Niku Udon (S$9) and they were fairly decent. Add S$5 to get a set meal with Mini Soboro Don or Mini Kakiage Don.

Tsuru Koshi Udon is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s top 10 budget restaurants in Orchard Road.

391 Orchard Road
Takashimaya Shopping Centre Food Hall
Nearest Station: Orchard/Somerset

TUNGLOK SEAFOOD

Seafood restaurants are aplenty in Singapore, but it is considerably harder to find one that serves consistently good seafood at affordable prices. Tung Lok Seafood specialises in the best of Singapore-style seafood prepared with the quality and standards synonymous with the Tung Lok brand.

181 Orchard Road
Orchard Central
Tel: +65 6834 4888
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 11pm
Sun & PH: 10am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

TUNGLOK SIGNATURES

TungLok Signatures has been around for a long time and has since branded itself as one of Singapore’s most established and well-loved Chinese restaurants for impeccable service and high quality food. The restaurant serves modern interpretations of traditional Chinese food, while still keeping traditional flavours intact, hence, appealing to both the older and younger generations.

TungLok Signatures’ cuisine concept is centred upon offering a menu which is planned and executed by Hong Kong-born Senior Executive Chef Li Man.

It features a unique combination of traditional Chinese cuisine, such as Cantonese Shanghainese and Sichuan dishes with a dash of Modern creations – authentic in tastes but with TungLok’s distinctive touch.

Orchard Parade Hotel #02-18
1 Tanglin Road
Singapore 247905
Tel: +65 6834 0660
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

TUNGLOK XIHE PEKING DUCK RESTAURANT

There are many Chinese establishments that impressed us and left us good memories, but TungLok XiHe is one that is timeless. We love its concise menu and how it does not differ too much from its origins – nothing but the comforting familiarity of Chinese food at competitive prices. It is the kind of place that you can host your business associates, throw a celebration or to simply gather with your close ones.

Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road, #07-07/09
Tel: +65 6736 0006
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

TWG TEA SALON

TWG Tea Salon is a homegrown brand that has won over the taste buds of many tea and dessert lovers. Its growing reputation as a tea institution that offers a variety of exclusive and interesting tea blends and tea-infused delicacies has cemented its popularity in the local food scene.

TWG Tea Salon’s macarons are also listed in our guide to Singapore’s best macarons.

2 Orchard Turn
#02-21 Ion Orchard
Tel: +65 6735 1837
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

WAN HAO CHINESE RESTAURANT

A stalwart in the local dining scene, Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel has been serving its loyal regulars since its opening in 1995. What makes Wan Hao a place where you can return to again and again is its familiarity and consistency; standards are always very high and you will never be disappointed by the food.

320 Orchard Road
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
Tel: +65 6831 4605
Mon to Fri: 12pm to 3pm, 6.30pm to 10.30pm
Sat, Sun and PH: 11.30am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

WILD HONEY

In a city that has seen almost every restaurant and café serving brunch on weekends, Wild Honey has done remarkably well. It is one of the first few places that offers all-day brunch. It seems to have the right formula: brunch food made from produce that is sourced from the best in-season markets over the world – with very familiar flavours that would appeal to diners of all age.

6 Scotts Road
#03-01 Scotts Square
Tel: +65 6636 1816
Mon to Fri: 9am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

WINDOW ON THE PARK AT HOLIDAY INN SINGAPORE ORCHARD CITY CENTRE – THE BOSTON LOBSTER WEEKEND

While many other buffet restaurants out there pride themselves on having the largest and most extensive range of food and cuisines, Window on the Park adopts the ‘less is more’ approach by dishing out a substantially sized spread of only the good stuff, allowing diners to be able to savour each and every item before their bellies beg them to stop.

11 Cavenagh Rd, #02-00
Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre,
Singapore 229616
Tel: +65 6730 0170
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset / Dhoby Ghaut

YA KUN KAYA TOAST

Sometimes, all we need is a cup of kopi, two half boiled eggs, and Singapore’s well-loved kaya butter toast. And that is when we need to make a trip to Ya Kun Kaya Toast. Totally unpretentious but extremely comforting, this is one joint that will tug every Singaporean’s heartstrings with their traditional offerings.

313 Orchard Road
#01-32/33/34 313@Somerset
Tel: +65 6238 1872
Daily: 7am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

YAYOIKEN

We are always on the hunt for inexpensive and decent Japanese food, and it ended at Yayoiken. Of course, it does not have the most incredible tastes, but it is casual and fuss-free and satisfying enough, and the prices won’t have your wallet take a beating. Set lunches are mostly around S$10, too.

313 Orchard Road
313@somerset #B3-33/34
Tel: +65 6884 7550
Sun to Thu: 11am – 9.30pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

YAN TING

The luxurious St Regis Singapore has no lack of good restaurants. Our favourite, however, is Yan Ting. The restaurant is classy and exudes an air of understated elegance. You’d be delighted to know that the average check per person for dim sum is actually S$30. Exquisite bites crafted from scratch and using the most premium ingredients, the dim sum at Yan Ting has always been a favourite all these years.

Yan Ting is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s top 30 Chinese restaurants.

29 Tanglin Road
The St Regis Singapore
Tel: +65 6506 6888
Nearest Station: Orchard

49 SEATS

Gone are the days where you can indulge in a mouthwatering western meal without burning a hole in the pocket. Fortunately, 49 Seats at Orchard Central exists and has made it a point to keep its fusion gourmet very affordable and accessible amidst the rising costs in this competitive industry. Most of the dishes are priced below S$16.90 and there is no GST and service charge.

Orchard Central #08-08
181 Orchard Road
Singapore 238896
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm 5.30pm – 10pm
Sat to Sun: 11am – 10pm
Tel: +65 6509 5895
Nearest Station: Somerset

5 ON EMERALD HILL

Possibly the oldest cocktail bar in Singapore, 5 on Emerald Hill has been taking residence in an old Peranakan-styled shop house near the outskirts of town since the early 1990s. The two-level bar exudes an air of nostalgia that envelops you into thinking you’re in the 1990s—think oak wood paneling, worn out furniture and walls covered in black and white pictures of customers and celebrities from that era.

5 Emerald Hill
Singapore 229289
Tel: +65 6732 0818
Mon to Thu: 12pm to 2am
Fri to Sat: 12pm to 3am
Sun: 5pm to 2am
Nearest Station: Somerset

10 SCOTTS

10 SCOTTS at Grand Hyatt Singapore is more than just a hotel’s tea lounge. Impeccably designed with a collection of rooms, it makes you feel right at home. On days when you feel like taking a break and giving yourself a little treat, the afternoon tea at 10 SCOTTS at Grand Hyatt Singapore is just the thing you need.

Grand Hyatt Singapore
10 Scotts Road
Tel: +65 6732 1234
Afternoon tea: Daily 12pm – 2.30pm, 3pm – 5pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

10 AT CLAYMORE

10 at Claymore at Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore is an a la carte buffet concept you can enjoy unlimited servings of premium meats, seafood and other seasonal specialities, served in petite portions and prepared à la minute for the best experience.

Look out for its much anticipated and highly raved Oyster Occasions buffet where you can indulge in premium oysters sourced from five different parts of the world as well as an array of the freshest seafood.

Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore
10 Claymore Road, Singapore 229540
Tel: +65 6831 6686
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard