Takashimaya at Ngee Ann City had revamped their basement Japanese food court. The current space is bigger and it has more Japanese eateries – like Baikohken, Nakajima Suisan, Romankan Yokohama, Tsuru Koshi Udon, and Yonehachi – which serve cheap and good Japanese food.

So if you haven’t been there for a while, maybe it’s time to check it out when you are looking for a place to eat in Orchard.

Baikohken

Tucked in a corner of the Japanese Food Hall, Baikohken has always been known for serving generous portions of ramen. Prices start from $13.5 upwards for a bowl of regular ramen.

391A Orchard Road #B2-01-04
Takashimaya Food Hall Ngee Ann City
Tel: +65 6235 3483

Nakajima Suisan Grilled Fish

The menu is Nakajima Suisan is rather limited, but there are more than enough options for fish lovers. The cheapest item on the menu, Saba Set is only $7.5.

There are also Salmon Teriyaki Set ($12), Gindara Terryaki Set ($14.5), and Hokke Hiraki Set ($10) to choose from. Each set comes with miso soup, white rice, pickles, and salad (ala carte items are $2 cheaper).

391 Orchard Road
Takashimaya Shopping Centre Food Hall

Romankan Yokohama

When you mention Tonkatsu, most people will think of Japanese restaurants like Tampopo, Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin, or Tonkichi. But the problem is a tonkatsu set there can easily cost $20 or more.

This is where Romankan Yokohama – a tonkatsu speciality eatery – comes into play. It has been a fixture at Takashimaya’s food hall for some time, and although the tonkatsu ($13) isn’t spectacular, you can’t really complain for that kind of price.

391 Orchard Road #B2-04
Takashimaya Food Hall Ngee Ann City
Tel: +65 6738 2505

Tsuru Koshi Udon

My friend is a big fan of Tsuru Koshi Udon at Takashimaya Basement Japanese Food Court. He’d go so far as to that it is the best Udon he had in Singapore.

After having it, I thought it was okay, nothing special really. That said, I can see myself coming back when I’m craving for Udon because they have affordable prices.

Udons range from the basic Kake Udon ($6.5) to the more fanciful Curry Udon ($9). I had the Ebi Tempura Udon ($9) and Niku Udon ($9) and they were fairly decent. Add $5 to get a set meal with Mini Soboro Don or Mini Kakiage Don.

391 Orchard Road
Takashimaya Shopping Centre Food Hall

Yonehachi

If you are looking for a light and simple meal, try the healthy Okowa rice meals at Yonehachi. It serves simple Okowa sets which include the famous sticky rice, miso soup and pickles; and cost between $6.80 and $7.80. They come in different flavours – red beans (original), chestnuts, salmon, Hijiki seaweed and sansai (vegetable).

For something more substantial, they have Grill/Fry Okowa sets like Shio Saba, Chicken Teriyaki and Unagi. Prices range from $11.80 to $14.80 depending on the Okowa.

391 Orchard Road #B2-04-1/2
Takashimaya Food Hall Ngee Ann City
Tel: +65 6333 8227

Non-Japanese options:

Ambush Pasta Bar

Serves simple and (relatively) cheap western food like pasta and sausages. Pastas are available for $11, and you can add on $3.9 to upgrade to a set.

391 Orchard Road #B2-04
Takashimaya Food Hall Ngee Ann City
Tel: +65 6726 8303

Fisherios Fish N Chips

The kiosk specialises in fish and chips, which starts from $6.

391A Orchard Road
#B204-4-2 Ngee Ann City

Mignon’s Steak

Besides affordable steaks ($19.9 for Ribeye Steak), Migon’s also has a comprehensive menu which includes appetisers (below $10) like Mushroom Soup, Mussels, and Escargot. The casual steakhouse is worth a try for those on a budget.

391 Orchard Road #B2-04-3
Takashimaya Shopping Centre Food Hall
Tel: +65 6737 3556

For more recommendations, please read my list of Japanese Restaurants in Singapore