Valentine’s Day can be an incredibly expensive affair. While it is commonly known to be a romantic event for lovers to express their undying love to one another, many people also think of it as a money sucking holiday where people go broke because they feel the need to splurge on their partners in fear of looking like an utter scrooge.

If you’re feeling a tad bit broke this month and you’re still reeling from the damage done to your wallet during Christmas, fret not as we have come up with 11 affordable places for a romantic dinner that won’t make you look like a cheapskate.

COMO CUISINE

From the buttery whiff of freshly baked viennoiseries to the chocolatey aroma of fresh coffee grinds in the morning, COMO Cuisine is the ideal place to head to for a date with your special one. Luxuriate in their all-new menu that features all-day comfort fare that will leave a lasting impression this Valentine’s Day.

A meal for two should cost around S$50 to $60.

Block 18A Dempsey Road,
Singapore 249677
Tel: 1800 304 6688
Mon to Sun: 8am – 9pm
Breakfast (Mon to Fri): 8am – 12pm
High Tea (Tue & Fri): 3pm – 5pm
Brunch (Sat & Sun): 8am – 3pm

DUCKLAND 

If you and your date love duck, this would be the perfect place to have your Valentine’s Day meal! Duckland serves up a pretty impressive range of both Asian and Western-style duck dishes that will change the way you eat duck. Despite using the finest quality of Irish duck, the prices here are kept affordable so you are truly getting more bang for your buck.

A hearty meal for two here should cost no more than S$50.

United Square Shopping Mall #B1-09&64/65
101 Thomson Road
Singapore 307591
Tel: +65 6259 5668
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Novena

FRAPASBAR BY SAVEUR 

The newly opened FrapasBar by the renowned Saveur serves up delectable, authentic French fare and tapas with modern twists here and there—all while keeping prices affordable. Not only is the food here fantastic, but the ambience of the place is also really classy and cosy, creating the perfect atmosphere for a romantic dinner date with Bae.

You can expect a meal for two to cost around S$30 to S$40, which is pretty decent for the food.

2 Tampines Central 5, #01-35
Singapore 529509
Tel: +65 6789 1121
Daily: 11.30am – 12pm
Nearest Station: Tampines

FRESH FRUITS LAB

Fresh Fruit Labs is one of our favourite places in Singapore to get an affordable meal for two. We love how the crux of their food creations revolve around fruit, which definitely is a factor that makes them stand out. The colourful ambience of the cafe also makes it a quirky destination for you and your partner to celebrate your relationship and feel like kids again.

The wallet damage here for two people should be less than S$40.

28 Clementi Road
Singapore 129754
Tel: +65 6803 7472
Tues to Fri: 12pm – 12am
Sat & Sun: 11am – 12am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Kent Ridge

FYNN’S

Tucked away at South Beach Avenue is Fynn’s, a beautiful, modern all-day dining cafe. Here, they serve up scrumptious Australian fare that is sure to please you and your date. The cafes aesthetic marbled tables, rattan chairs and stylish decor also makes this the perfect setting for that quintessential Valentine’s Day photo for the gram.

The cost of a meal for two people should be around S$40 to S$50.

26 Beach Road
#B1-21, South Beach Avenue
Singapore 189768
Tel: +65 6384 1878
Tue to Sat: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: 10.30am – 4.30pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Esplanade 

ICEHAUS

Icehaus is an all-day dining restaurant at Alley on 25 that offers cold cuts, sustainable seafood, heirloom salads and locally-inspired desserts. Guests hankering for a light yet satisfying desserts can also opt for Icehaus’ famous desserts that beautifully encompass the elements of local street sweets but with a modern approach.

5 Fraser Street, Level 25
Andaz Singapore
Singapore 189354
Daily: 6.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

LA NONNA

If Bae is hankering for some Italian food, then the one place that you both should go to is La Nonna. La Nonna serves up authentic, mid-priced Italian food that will leave you both with full, happy bellies. The portions are also incredibly large so it’s great for couples who have larger appetites.

Despite the generous portions, the prices here are still kept affordable. The bill for two can be less than $60, which is really decent for authentic Italian fare.

26/26B Lor Mambong
Singapore 277685
Tel: +65 6468 1982
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Eve of PH: 12pm – 11pm
Sun & PH: 12pm – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

THE BETTERSHIP

The Bettership is a sashimi-centric eatery that serves up boats of fresh restaurant-quality sashimi as well as stellar bowls of donburi. Their open kitchen concept also allows you to watch the chefs prepare your food right in front of you, which definitely adds an interesting touch to the meal.

For less than S$40 for the both of you, you can get restaurant-grade Japanese fare that will leave you and your partner with happy, satisfied bellies.

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

Photo Credit: The Marmalade Pantry 

THE MARMALADE PANTRY 

The marmalade pantry takes pride in serving up modern comfort food at affordable prices. We are also in love with the decor of the place; chic, minimalistic and tasteful, this place will wow you and your date in terms of both food and ambience.

A meal for two here should cost less than S$45.

The Marmalade Pantry At Downtown
Oasia Hotel Downtown, #01-01
100 Peck Seah Street
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 6385 0741
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 4pm – 7pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

WAA COW! 

For some mind-blowing wagyu beef bowls that will leave you and your partner craving for more, Waa Cow is the place to go. Here, you can get some life-changing value-for-money bowls of flame-torched wagyu donburi. You’ll find yourselves coming back here again even after Valentine’s Day is over!

Each bowl of this quality goodness costs less than S$25 each and for such premium cuts of meat, it really is a very good deal.

5 Straits View, #01-09 Marina One
The Heart West Tower,
Singapore 018935
Tel: +65 9851 1552
(Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Downtown

My friends always ask me for suggestions of gift ideas for their boyfriends. Since Valentine’s Day is just next week, I thought it would be fun to share some ideas on presents to get for guys.

Contrary to popular belief, getting presents for men is not that difficult; you just need to know what his hobbies are. Guys love gadgets, or at least, most guys do. Just go along that line and you’ll be fine. If not, you can always bring him to go shopping for a wardrobe overhaul. (Just make sure you promise not to walk into the female section.)

Here’s a list of Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Men.

Wallet

One of the essential items every man should have, a good wallet can go a long, long, way. The brand of the wallet depends on his preference, so you can try to ask casually if he likes any particular brand.

Palate dining card

This is a good gift if both of you enjoy trying out new restaurants. While the membership fee may seem a little steep at $428+/year, the card allows members to benefit from dining privileges of up to 50% at over 40 restaurants island-wide, as well as a range of trendy bars.

It sounds a little too good to be true, but I’ve tested it, and yes, it really offers you 50% off (discount for 2 persons dining) at restaurants like Anar, Brasserie Wolf, Fremantle Seafood Market, il Lido, OChre, Keystone Restaurant, Roast, and Tung Lok.

(Full Disclosure & Fine Print: I was given the Palate membership for free during the media launch; no monetary benefits were received to write or to furnish my opinion.)

Smart phones

Smart phones have changed our lives, and having instant messengers like WhatsApp and BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) will allow you to communicate with each other on-the-go. Get an iPhone or BlackBerry for him this Valentine’s Day, I’m sure he will love it!

Chocolates

A new British Medical Journal article suggests that indulging in chocolate could lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. I know it’s a cliché to buy chocolate as a Valentine’s Day Gift, but who cares? Chocolate has health benefits, and there’s no doubt that it makes us happy.

Get a proper present for your partner, and throw in chocolate as a little bonus. Chocolate Research Facility (9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-30 Millenia Walk Tel: +65 6338 5191) is a one-stop heaven for chocolate lovers with a world-first collection of 100 flavours under one roof. For more ideas, take a look at my list of Valentine’s Day Food Gifts.

Camera

No matter where I go, camera is one of the things I always bring along. Be it photos of food, or people, the captured memories are priceless. If you are still thinking of a Valentine’s Day gift for your boyfriend, why not get a nice camera? A decent midrange DSLR camera (like Nikon D7000 or Canon 600D) is a good start, otherwise you can consider others like FujiFilm X100, Olympus EP-3 or Panasonic GF-3.

Thinking of where to go for a romantic date? Read my Guide to Valentine’s Day Dinner.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, I am sure most of you have made reservations at a romantic restaurant for Valentine’s Day Dinner, why don’t you include a food gift as part of the surprise?

If your talent lies in eating rather than baking, this list of Valentine’s Day Gifts and Presents will come in handy for any festive occasions.

I love to feed people, I love the satisfied look on their face after a big feast, I love how food can always make us happy. Naturally, I always give food gifts to my friends and loved ones.

I know Cupcakes are so yesterday, but it never fails to make me happy so who cares if they are cliche. Be it the pretty cupcakes with fanciful toppings, or the plain ones with a messy and rustic look — it is always nice to see a cupcake. If you want to give cupcakes as part of your Valentine’s Day Gift, Marmalade Pantry has some of the best cupcakes in Singapore. You can also look for customised cupcakes from online bakeries.

GET THE BEST CUPCAKES IN SINGAPORE FROM:
Awfully Chocolate
131 East Coast Road Singapore
Tel: +65 6345 2190

Marmalade Pantry
2 Orchard Turn #03-22
ION Orchard Singapore
Tel: +65 6734 2700

Give me a box of macarons and I will love you forever.

Macarons are delicious little devils, they are like love potions sealed within the shell. How can something so small be so intriguing? They are the perfect food gifts for Valentine’s Day.

GET THE BEST MACARONS IN SINGAPORE FROM:
Canele Patisserie
1 Scotts Road #01-01A
Shaw Centre Singapore
Tel: +65 6738 9020

Jewel Artisan Chocolate
181 Orchard Road #02-31/32
Orchard Central Singapore
Tel: +65 6509 8998

SweetSpot Patisserie
10 Bayfront Avenue Lobby Level,
Tower 3 Marina Bay Sands Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6688 8888

Do I really need to elaborate about giving chocolate on Valentine’s Day? There are several Chocolatiers in Singapore like Laurent Bernard, Truffls, and Jewel Artisan which offer delicate and beautifully crafted truffles.

GET THE BEST CHOCOLATE IN SINGAPORE FROM:
Laurent Bernard Chocolatier
80 Mohamed Sultan Road #01-11
The Pier @ Robertson Singapore
Tel: +65 6235 9007

Royce Chocolate
Basement 4, Near ION Station
2 Orchard Turn
#B4-10 ION Orchard
Tel: +65 6509 9340

Truffs The Chocolate Artisan
179a Telok Ayer Street Singapore
Tel: +65 9088 2736

Jelly Hearts Cheesecake is a dessert sold in Singapore by online bakeries. Maybe it is the fact that I am not a baker, so the Jelly Hearts recipe seems a little complicated. Basically, each Jelly Heart consists of a cheesecake square base topped with heart shape strawberry piece within the translucent jelly.

There is no nice dinner, fanciful holiday or diamond ring, but you can have my jelly heart.

GET THE STRAWBERRY JELLY HEART CAKES IN SINGAPORE FROM:
Eds Kitchen
Pick-up Area: Choa Chu Kang MRT
Make orders 2 Days in advance
$10 for a box of 12 pcs Jelly Hearts

The Jelly Hearts
Contact Candie Tel: +65 9118 4639
Pick-up Area: Flora road (Near Loyang)
Make orders 4 days in advance
$38 for a 5″ Heart Shape Jelly Heart Cake

Jelly Hearts
Contact Brian Tel: +65 9459 7711
Pick-up Area: 38 Hertford road Farrer Park
Make orders 2-3 days in advance
$18 for a box of 20pcs, or $10 for a box of 10pcs

* * *

Even though the title of this post is Valentine’s Day Food Gifts & Presents Ideas, you can also use this guide for other occasions like Christmas Food Gifts, a gift exchange session, or simply as a present to your partner.

Just one thing to note, the food gift should not be your only plan, it is just a nice little surprise. You should have a real Valentine’s Day Gift prepared. Instead of spending money on flowers that never last, why don’t you DIY a chocolate flower bouquet as your Valentine’s Day present for your date? Happy Valentine’s Day!

// Read my recommendations of romantic restaurants for Valentine’s Day Dinner.