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

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.

From an old school deli with awesome milkshakes, to a ghetto Thai eatery, a modern Vietnamese pho bar, and our favourite Japanese eatery – there are plenty of affordable dining options in town if you know where to go.

In this feature, we will share with you Singapore’s Top Budget Restaurants in Orchard Road.

For more recommendations on where to eat in town, read our guide to restaurants in Orchard Road.

Aston 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

Caffe Beviamo

Caffe Beviamo has firmly established itself as a popular haunt with 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$12-18) or Pizza (S$12-14). It also has a range of tempting desserts (S$3.50-7.50), 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

Hob Nob Cafe Bar

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.

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

Jane Thai

Orchard Towers might not exactly be the place you have in mind for a gathering with friends, but if you dare to venture inside, you will be rewarded with affordable and good Thai dishes at Jane Thai. This Thai eatery dishes out authentic Thai food in a ghetto surrounding. Prices range from S$7 for Pineapple Fried Rice, to S$10 for Papaya Salad, and S$12 for Tom Yum Soup. Jane Thai has also recently added Mookata to the menu.

Jane Thai is listed in our guide to Singapore’s top affordable Thai restaurants.
400 Orchard Road
#04-30 Orchard Towers
Tel: +65 6887 5677
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Nakajima Suisan Grilled Fish

Nakajima Suisan Grilled Fish at Takashimaya’s Japanese food court is one of the places that we usually frequent when we want a quick fix in town. The prices of the set meals — choose from Salmon Teriyaki ($12.50), Gindara Teriyaki ($14.50), 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

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

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).

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

Tsuru Koshi Udon

Another place at Takashimaya Japanese Food Court that we like to go to is the udon specialist, Tsuru Koshi.

The udons on the menu 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.

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

Toss & Turn

While there are plenty of salad shops in town, what makes Toss & Turn stand out is the generous portions of fresh salads and sandwiches. Expect a huge serving of greens with your favourite sides for just S$10. It has done remarkably well since opening, so don’t be surprised to see more branches around Singapore soon.

#B4-55, ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
Tel: +65 6636 5835
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

For more recommendations, read our guide to restaurants in Orchard Road.

This guide to Singapore’s Top 20 Inexpensive Restaurants was last updated on 1 May 2015.

Dining out is an expensive affair, and nowadays, it is very difficult to find a decent restaurant/cafe which has main courses for under $20. However, if you know where to go, there are still some hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered.

Here is a list of Singapore’s Top 20 Inexpensive Restaurants where you can go for a good meal, even on a budget.

CLUB STREET SOCIAL

Located at Gemmil Lane (a quiet corner off Club Street), Club Street Social is a chic restaurant/bar which does simple and well-made food — such as all day breakfast, salad, soup, crostini, tramezzini, panini — at reasonable prices.

5 Gemmill Lane, off Club Street
Tel: +65 6225 5043
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10.30pm
Sat: 9am – 10.30pm
Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Chinatown/Raffles Place

FRESH FRUITS LAB

It is a bright and cheerful spot that is tastefully designed to a laboratory theme. Think iced water served in beakers, and fruit juices served in test tubes and conical flasks. The menu is also specially designed to incorporate a fruity element; even their side salads for the main courses come with generous chunks of fresh fruits.

The must-try dishes are the Fish & Chips (S$19), Da Bomb Burger (S$19), Messy Big Breakfast (S$17) and Rainbow Cake (S$7).

351 Changi Road
Tel: +65 6677 6741
Tue to Thu, & Sun: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 12midnight
Nearest Station: Eunos/Kembangan

HOOPLA COFFEE & KITCHEN

The moment we stepped in to Hoopla Coffee & Kitchen, we knew we would fall in love with the cafe. It ticked all the right boxes: well-cooked comfort food at affordable prices (everything on the menu is priced below S$17); a welcoming and friendly environment where you can hang around with your friends; good coffee and homemade cakes; and for those who drive, inexpensive and convenient parking at Infinite Studios.

#01-05, Infinite Studios, 21 Media Circle
Tel: +65 6778 0051
Tue to Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: One-North

JAI THAI

A neighbour to First Thai – and a better one at that – Jai Thai is a perennial favourite whenever we find ourselves at Bugis. Cheap and good sounds overrated, but it describes exactly every dining experience at Jai Thai. They fry one of the better Phad Thais in town, and at S$5, you get a generous serving that comes complete with prawns.

27 Purvis Street
#01-01 An Chuan Building
Tel: +65 6336 6908
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

7 Clover Way
Tel: +65 6258 0228
Mon to Sat: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 9pm
Sun: 6pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Marymount/Bishan

K. COOK KOREAN BBQ BUFFET

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. Granted, the quality and variety of meat are not the best, but given the prices, there is really nothing to complain about.

Lunch: S$14.90++ (Mon to Fri), S$24.90++ (Sat, Sun, Eve of PH, & PH).
Dinner: S$24.90++ (Mon to Thu), S$26.90++ (Sat, Sun, Eve of PH, & PH).

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

KINSA SUSHI

Nestled in the quaint HillV2, Kinsa Sushi is made for the heartlanders and all who love a simple Japanese meal. Prices are not at all intimidating to say the least, and the menu is well-covered with the usual Nippon favourites prepared with premium ingredients.

The must-try dish at Kinsa Sushi is undoubtedly the Wagyon Don (S$24.80). Prepared with Grade A4 Kagoshima Wagyu and prized for its premium marbling, your don will be nothing but divine.

Equally good is the Kinsa Roll (S$14.80) – cucumber and avocado maki roll, wrapped with torched salmon and salmon roe, and jazzed up with a mentaiko that adds some cheesiness and saltiness to the fresh roll.

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

LITTLE DINER

Little Diner is a New York style restaurant and bar that serves honest and hearty comfort food at super reasonable prices. Some of the dishes that we love include Truffle Fries (S$9.50), Buttermilk Fried Chicken (S$18.50), Beef Burger (S$21.50), Truffle Mac & Cheese (S$20.50) and the Nutella French Toast (S$16.50).

789 Bukit Timah Road
Tel: +65 6466 4088
Tue to Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village/Botanic Gardens

MIHARU SAPPORO RAMEN

The first few brands that we fell in love with when the ramen trend hit Singapore was Miharu Sapporo Ramen. It used to sit along Robertson Quay, at Gallery Hotel. When the hotel ceased operations, Miharu fans were left upset and deprived of their favourite Sapporo ramen. However the good news is that NOW, they are exclusively at Millenia Walk and you can enjoy a bowl of Miharu’s goodness!

Rejoice, ramen fans! The outlet at Millenia Walk is slightly bigger and very comfortable, while your favourite ramen with the famous Nishiyama noodles specially imported from Japan, and rich miso broth is still flavourful as always. Our favourite ramen is most definitely the Tokusen Miso Ramen with a special miso blend (S$14.80++).

Millenia Walk #01-06
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6733 8464
Daily: 12.00pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall/Promenade

NAKHON KITCHEN

While Nakhon Kitchen is more of an eatery than a restaurant, it is a popular option for many because of its affordable and authentic Thai food. Perennial favourites include Pad Thai, Beef Kway Teow, Green Curry Chicken and Stir-fried Pork with Thai Basil.

212 Hougang Street 21 #01-341
Tel: +65 6286 8785
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Kovan

NOUVELLE FUSION KITCHEN & BAR

Nouvelle Fusion Kitchen & Bar takes centre stage at SCAPE as an edgy fusion restaurant with signature tapas conveyor belt. It is uncommon to see anything other than sushi on conveyor belts, and Nouvelle Fusion Kitchen & Bar sure wins for novelty. Here’s other tidbit – the fusion tapas conveyor belt items are all at a flat price of S$1.50 per plate.

Besides tapas, Nouvelle Fusion Kitchen & Bar also serves classy fusion mains with equally reasonable price tags. Think risotto, duck confit and so much more.

Scape, #03-03,
2 Orchard Link,
Singapore 237978
Tel: +65 6834 4063
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

NUDE SEAFOOD

NUDE Seafood draws its name from the words ‘Nutritional’ and ‘Delicious’, with their dedication in serving fresh seafood at super affordable prices.

NUDE’s emphasis on the usage of quality catches cooked in the simplest of methods is simple – to let the freshness of the ingredients take the centre stage.

There are only five items on the menu, and most of them are reasonably priced between S$16 to S$22. We enjoyed their Salmon (S$16), a sashimi-grade fish and smoked with hickory sauce, served with “Forgotten Grains” such as red rice, chickpeas, oats and almonds – grains that are rarely eaten and thus, its name.

Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3
12 Marina Boulevard, #01-02
Singapore 019982
Tel: +65 6443 1167
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
Nearest Station: Downtown

RYOSHI SUSHI IKEIKEMARU

Ryoshi Sushi Ikeikemaru may be a conveyer belt sushi restaurant, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that they are a medicore joint. They have surprisingly fresh sushi at pocket-friendly prices – definitely worth a try when you are craving for Japanese food.

Ryoshi Sushi is also listed in our guide to the most affordable sushi restaurants in Singapore.

177 River Valley Road
Basement 1 Liang Court
Tel: +65 6337 1022
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

SAVEUR RESTAURANT

Saveur Restaurant at Purvis Street has done a good job by serving inexpensive French food. The long line of hungry patrons during meal times is a testament to its popularity.

It is probably impossible to find another place that gives you Pan Seared Foie Gras for $8, and Duck Confit for $9.90. Saveur is still worth a try for those who are dining out on a budget.

5 Purvis Street #01-04
Tel: +65 6100 1788
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

SIN LEE FOODS

A notch above the rest – that’s how we’d describe Sin Lee foods. It is different from most of the cafes that serve your typical brunch fare like Eggs Benedict and Pancakes. The offerings here are creative, well-cooked and refreshing.

Our favourite dish was the Soft Shell Crab Bun (S$19). A well-seasoned breaded soft shell crab with kimchi aioli and house slaw sandwiched between a toasted bun – we’d come back again for this. Other dishes that are worth trying include The Breakfast Tortilla (S$19) and Aburi Broccoli Salad (S$12).

The much-lauded Fried Chicken & Waffles (S$21.90, on the other hand, did not live up to the hype. The waffle and the melted maple butter were excellent, but the fried chicken was slightly underwhelming.

4 Jalan Bukit Ho Swee
Tel: +65 6377 3170
Tue to Fri: 11am – 9pm
Sat: 9.30am – 9pm
Sun: 9.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

SPATHE PUBLIC HOUSE

Housed in a historic brick and timber shophouse along Mohamed Sultan Road, Spathe Public House encourages communal dining by serving dishes with hearty portions that are perfect for sharing.

The food is relatively inexpensive – Spathe Classics include Crispy Black-inked Hake (S$18), Spathe Cheese Burger (S$14) and Homemade Salt Beef Sandwich on Ciabatta (S$22). We also highly recommend the Belgian Waffles & Fried Chicken (S$17), which is one of the best we’ve had in town.

8 Mohamed Sultan Road #01-01
Tel: +65 6735 1035
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

SUPPLY & DEMAND

With its al fresco area and a rooftop bar, Supply & Demand Modern Bistro & Rooftop Bar at Esplanade Mall is a great place for a relaxing meal. They focus on Italian and South East Asian cuisines, and you may expect a combination of mouthwatering street food – from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Burma – presented in a modern way.

Most of the pastas, pizzas and main courses are priced below S$20. Come with a big group and order a variety of dishes to share.

#01-13 Esplanade Mall
8 Raffles Avenue
Tel: +65 6336 0588
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 2am
Sun: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: City Hall/Esplanade

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. Fronted by the guys behind label Benjamin Barker, The Assembly Ground at The Cathay is fast becoming our favourite spot to have a break when we are at the Dhoby Ghaut area.

On the food menu, they’ve got you covered with appetisers, sandwiches and burgers, salads and soup, pastas and pizzas and brunch food. Among the many, the Porcini Cream pasta (S$17.50) deserves a mention. Think a trio of mushrooms, truffle-scented egg and generous amount of shaved parmesan.

As fans of scrambled eggs, we had to try the Omega 3 Scrambled Eggs (S$14). A shame it was not as runny as we’d like it to be. Other outstanding creations to order include the Ragout of Beef with Rosti (S$22), Beef Chilli Fettucine (S$16) and The Assembly Wagyu Burger S$24).

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

TAMOYA UDON

This udon specialist from Japan serves cheap and delicious handmade udon. This is a place where regulars come back again and again for a quick fix.

177 River Valley Road
B1 Liang court
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

101 Thomson Road
United Square #B1-07
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Novena

YAYOIKEN JAPANESE RESTAURANT

This Japanese casual dining restaurant serves surprisingly decent food at affordable prices. Most of the dishes are priced below S$15, and there are several value-for-money sets at S$9.90.

Meidi-ya Supermarket
177 River Valley Road
#B1-50 Liang Court Shopping Centre
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

For more recommendations, read our guide to Singapore’s Top 10 Budget Restaurants in Orchard Road.