The best cheap eats in Singapore that are actually good

What is it? The Singapore outpost of Bangalore institution Mavalli Tiffin Room (MTR) serves arguably some of the best thosai on the island.

Why we love it: For starters, it's the Karnataka style of thosai ($6 for plain) that's served here, made with fermented rice and black lentils and cooked to perfection. For the uninitiated, Karnataka is a southern state in India. The thosai at MTR are made from a 60-year-old recipe that requires no modification. Hearty, moreish and sinfully ghee-laced, each piping hot sheet is served with sambhar and chutney.

Time Out tip: There's also the masala thosai ($7) for an added kick of spice.

Address: 438 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 218133
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 8.30am-3pm, 5.30pm-10pm

What is it? This beloved stall in Joo Chiat is a go-to for mini, crispy coin prata, best enjoyed when dunked in fish or mutton curry.

Why we love it: While the beloved dough discs are generally known for offering a budget meal, the husband-wife duo’s roti prata is one you should try for its crackling crispiness. Best savoured alone, but also fantastic with curry, the roti prata makes for a great start to your day. The plain starts from just $1.50 and an egg prata will set you back $2.

Time Out tip: This small stall tends to run out pretty early, so it might take you a few visits before you finally get to try it. 

Address: 300 Joo Chiat Rd, Tin Yeang Restaurant, Singapore 427551
Opening hours: Thu-Tue 6.30am-1.30pm

What is it? Award-winning nasi padang stall at Joo Chiat with a loyal following.

Why we love it: The queue at this nasi padang restaurant stretches out the door even before lunch hits. We can't blame the crowd, though, as the early birds get the worm. Or in this case, the stellar beef rendang and sambal goreng. Also, don't miss out on the tauhu telor that sells out fast. Aside from quintessential nasi padang dishes, there are also rarer ones like lemak siput sedut – sea snails in a coconut-rich broth. It all starts from just $4.

Time Out tip: Start queueing before lunch for a more comfortable experience, or visit any of the Hjh Maimunah Mini outlets instead.

Address: 20 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427357
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 8am-7pm

What is it? Zero-frills coffeeshop selling hearty local comfort food.

Why we love it: Drop by the oldest coffee shop in Singapore and have a plate of nasi lemak for just $2.80. That's as economical as it gets when you're dining in the heart of town. Killiney Kopitiam serves a wide variety of local favourites, such as mee rebus ($5.20), mee siam ($5), and laksa ($5.20), with all of the mains coming in below $10.

Time Out tip: You can indulge in a dessert such as grass jelly with longan ($3) and finish off your meal with a coffee (from $1.90) and still spend less than $10.

Address: 67 Killiney Rd, Singapore 239525
Opening hours: Daily 6am-6pm

What is it? KL-style dry ban mian (pan mee) in Jalan Besar with a loyal following.

Why we love it: You know a place is good when it only features a couple of items on the menu, meaning that it's perfected those said dishes. Prince Noodles does just that, only offering the signature noodles and two different types of dumplings. You can get a bowl of noodles starting at $6 and choose from three different types of noodles – you mian, mee hoon kueh or ban mian.

Time Out tip: If you don't mind busting the $10 budget by just a dollar, you can top up for a plate of chive and pork dumplings, chicken karaage, or other sides for $5.

Address: 380 Jln Besar, ARC 380, #01-10, Singapore 209000
Opening hours: Daily 11am-11pm

What is it? Casual Thai eatery in Orchard Tower that serves authentic Thai food at an affordable price.

Why we love it: Orchard Tower may not be on anyone’s top three places to visit while in town, but don’t let its unassuming appearance deter you from a good, hearty meal. Located on the third floor is Thai Tantric, an eatery that serves authentic Thai food at affordable prices. Most of the mains will set you back around $8 to $9, but the relatively big portions make the price point more worth it. 

Time Out tip: We also recommend their Thai-style char kway teow ($8), also known as pad see ew, which, similar to our local delicacy, sees flat noodles fried up with dark soy sauce till smoky and slightly charred.

Address: 400 Orchard Rd, Orchard Tower, #03-44, Singapore 238875
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11.30am-10.30pm

What is it? Straightforward salad bar with bowls starting from as low as $9.90.

Why we love it: Keep it super simple at Super Simple, a salad bar where you can customise your perfect salad starting from $9.90. With over 30 options to choose from, ranging from the base to the toppings and dressings, you can build a salad that’s just to your liking. 

Time Out tip: For those who may find a huge number of options overwhelming, Super Simple also has house salads with recommended pairings for you to choose from under its 'No Fuss' section (from $9.90).

Address: International Plaza, SBF Center, China Square Food Centre, IOI Central Blvd Towers, CIMB Plaza, Galaxis
Opening hours: See website

What is it? Vietnamese-owned banh mi joint in Jurong East and Yishun Avenue.

Why we love it: Drop by Ba Buông Bánh Mì if you ever find yourself in the west, and get a banh mi starting from just $5. We recommend the heo quay (roast pork), as the crispy, juicy pork complements the soft and fluffy bread perfectly ($7). You can also get a combo with a cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee for $8.50. 

Time Out tip: Those who prefer their coffee sweeter, opt for their ca phe sua dua (coconut milk coffee), which costs $2.50.

Address: Blk 132 Jurong Gateway Rd, #01-277A, Singapore 600132 and 920 Yishun Ave 2, #01-21, Singapore 769100
Opening hours: Daily 9am-9pm (Jurong), Daily 9.30am-9.30pm (Yishun)

What is it? Old-school style coffeeshop with nostalgic decor and hearty local fare.

Why we love it: Step into the past at Great Nanyang Heritage Café, where the interior has been decorated to resemble old kopitiams from the 50s to 80s. The menu consists of local favourites, such as dry mee siam (from $8.90) and hor fun with egg ($6.90), as well as unique pairings such as curry leaves french fries ($4.80) and chicken floss thick toast ($4.80).

Time Out tip: The chain has since expanded to four locations across Singapore, including venues in the East and West. 

Address: Craig Rd, 111 Somerset, Geneo, Changi City Point
Opening hours: See website

What is it? Japanese food can be pretty pricey, but Katsu-an serves a delicious katsu don at an affordable price.

Why we love it: Starting at $5.90, you can get a crispy pork loin katsu with fluffy eggs and rice. For those who enjoy a gooey soft-boiled egg to go with their rice bowls, simply top up an additional $1.20. Katsu-an also offers various teishoku (traditional Japanese set meal) for you to choose from, which includes the loin katsu, rice, soup, and a side dish starting at $7.90 – sure to fill you up.

Time Out tip: There's no service charge here, only GST.

Address: 3 Temasek Blvd, Suntec City, #B1-149A, Singapore 038983
Opening hours: Daily 10am-10pm

What is it? Lechon is the pride of Cebu and this casual joint is all about serving up one of the tastiest crisp-skin hogs while keeping things affordable.

Why we love it: It is nothing short of a flavour explosion: crackling skin gives way to tender meat and layers of juicy fat. Enjoy it in the lechon paksiw, which features the juicy meat coated in lechon sauce, beef stock and bay leaves, resulting in a flavourful and succulent meal. This set costs $8.50 but comes with rice and a drink, giving you more bang for your buck.

Time Out tip: While they go a little over budget, the lechon kare-kare meal ($11.30), and chopped lechon meal ($12.80) are also great ways to enjoy this crispy roast pork.

Address: 275 Thomson Rd, Novena Regency, #01-09, Singapore 307645
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am-8.30pm

What is it? Heritage chain from Tokyo from the 1980s, with over 100 outlets in Japan and four in Singapore.  

Why we love it: This top tendon chain from Japan utilises a special tempura-frying machine that can churn out over 1000 pieces of perfectly crisp parcels in under an hour. With this efficient, reliable rate, properly prepped tendon bowls can be produced in short durations and greater quantities. This allows Tenya to keep its price low – just $9.90 for its signature namesake bowl, which comes crowned with prawn, redfish, squid, pumpkin, and French beans. 

Time Out tip: Looking to cut down on carbs (and more cost-savings)? Opt for the less rice option to shave $0.50 off your bill. Or go plant-based with the vegetable tendon ($9.50), which is equally as delicious.

Address: Orchard Central, Ion Orchard, Parkway Parade, Hillion Mall
Opening hours: See website

What is it? Homely prawn noodle joint serving two distinct types of the dish – local and Penang style.

Why we love it: This comforting bowl will only set you back $7.80. The works: three palm-size prawns, thick slices of pork belly, crunchy beansprouts, kangkong and of course, the umami-rich broth. No one to peel the prawns for you? Go with the pork rib noodle ($7.80) instead, as you'll still enjoy the rich prawn soup. 

Time Out tip: By the way, your first soup refill is free – you can thank us later. While prices are comparable to many coffee shops out there, why risk it? Here, you're guaranteed a solid bowl of noodles.

Address: 328 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-01, Singapore 427585
Opening hours: Daily 9am-10pm

What is it? This casual joint offers many affordable – and well-made – Hong Kong dishes from dim sum, BBQ meats to noodles and rice.

Why we love it: A satisfying bowl of shrimp wonton noodles will cost you $8.30, and a plate of curry beef brisket rice $9.50. If you're going light, the silky steamed rolls start from just $4 a serving, and there are plenty other standard dim sum dishes to try too. Also check out the adjacent So Good Bakery for glistening, fresh bakes like salt bread, polo buns and more.

Time Out tip: Visit during off-peak hours for epic savings where hearty set meals start from just $7.

Address: Capitol Piazza, 111 Somerset, Midview City, Hong Leong Building, Republic Plaza, 100AM, i12 Katong
Opening hours: See website

What is it? Breezy brunch café in Yishun overlooking Yishun Pond and serving up traditional local breakfasts and fresh bakes.

Why we love it: Enjoy a traditional breakfast of artisanal toast, soft-boiled eggs and freshly brewed Nanyang coffee with a view – all under $10. Tucked away in the heartlands of Yishun is a slice of paradise for early risers and breakfast goers. Coffees start from $1.80 and fresh bakes from an attractive $2.80. 

Time Out tip: Make sure to rise early – this gem in the heartland closes early at 2pm in the afternoon.

Address: 30A Yishun Central 1, Singapore 768796
Opening hours: Daily 7am-2pm

What is it? For some good ol’ laksa, Sungei Road Laksa comes to mind without question.

Why we love it: Tuck into a bowl of traditional Katong Laksa, topped with cockles, green leaves and sauces for only $4. The broth comes rich and textured, slurping it all down to the last drop is the only way you can do the dish justice. 

Time Out tip: If you are feeling extra hungry, you could just order another round. Trust us, with your bellies full, you'll hardly feel the pinch.

Address: 27 Jalan Berseh, #01-100, Singapore 200027
Opening hours: Thu-Tue 9.30am-4pm

What is it? No-frills chapati and keema joint at Little India.

Why we love it: While there’s a wide variety of curries to choose from at Azmi, ask any connoisseur and they’ll tell you that chapati (from $1.20) goes best with the mutton keema ($4). Tear off some of the warm flatbread, scoop up the devil-red mix of minced mutton, potato and peas, add a slice of raw cucumber or onion, and stuff it all in as the keema dribbles down your hand. It’s so good, you won’t mind the mess.

Time Out tip: The chana masala (chickpea curry) has its own fan base as well. 

Address: 168 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 218051
Opening hours: Daily 8am-10.30pm

What is it? What started out as a hawker stall at Yishun Park Hawker Centre has now branched out to the CBD. 

Why we love it: The menu at ALC Rice Bowls combines modern Hakka rice bowls (from $8.80) with freshly made min jiang kueh (from $1.80). Get the Hakka vege rice bowl, a well-balanced meal featuring homemade potato salad, coleslaw, tofu, and the quintessential mani cai (sayur manis) served atop fluffy rice. 

Time Out tip: There's also the option to top up $1.60 to enjoy homemade Hakka meatballs for extra protein.

Address: 7 Wallich St, #B2-22/23/24, Singapore 078884
Opening hours: Daily 10.30am-8.30pm

What is it? Go-to supper spot in the East for comforting herbal soup and crispy fried bee hoon.

Why we love it: It might be a popular supper joint, but the famous herbal mee sua (from $5.80) can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Each bowl of nourishing soup comes swimming with vermicelli and slices of pork, kidney and liver. Others make their way down for their herbal black chicken soups boiled with herbs like ginseng or cordyceps. 

Time Out tip: If you're a fan of wok-hei – who isn't? – try the crispy JB pan-fried bee hoon ($10.80).

Address: 475 Changi Rd, Singapore 419892
Opening hours: Daily 11.30am-1.30am

What is it? Known as the cheapest Michelin meal you can get in the world. 

Why we love it: Bid goodbye to long queues at hot and stuffy Chinatown Complex – you can have a taste of chef Chan Hon Meng's Michelin-winning dishes at his quick-service restaurant, Hawker Chan. The air-conditioned restaurant seats 80 and serves the same dishes that catapulted Chan to fame, in particular, the humble soya sauce chicken rice (from $6.80), among other roast meats and noodle dishes.

Time Out tip: Most foodies will know that while the soy sauce chicken rice is the Michelin-recognised dish, it's the char siew at Hawker Chan's that deserves more attention.

Address: 78 Smith St, Singapore 058972
Opening hours: Mon-Wed 10.30am-9pm; Thu-Sun 10.30am-8pm