The best cheap eats in Singapore

Freshly made pasta under $10 might sound ludicrous but at Tangled, it isn't – they ain't about that instant spaghetti life. Instead, they have fresh pasta options such as squid ink spaghetti, mushroom or beetroot pappardelle and spinach penne that is readily customisable. And they keep things au natural here without the use of food colourings and preservatives. You can expect witty flavour combinations such as the kimchi salmon alfredo ($11.90) and the mango prawn Aglio e olio ($9.90). Thought, the best value-for-money dishes are the classic spaghetti meatballs and the truffle-laced mushroom squid ink pasta, both priced at just $8.90.

What can $10 get you these days? At Bamboo Bowls, you can get a meal designed by renowned chefs – like Mano Thevar from Michelin-approved Thevar. These nutritious Asian bowls are made for quick lunches and will fuel you for the rest of the workday that's to come. Choose from eight different flavours inspired by the cities of Singapore, Sichuan, Saigon, Bangkok, Bali, Tokyo, Mumbai, and Seoul. For those comfortable with forking out a little more, $5 will get you a hefty addition of proteins such as a spiced lamb kofta. 

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. It is nothing short of a flavour explosion where you'll crunch into the crackling skin into the juicy tender meat while the layers of fat dissolve with each bite. Accompanied by rice and a drink, the indulgent set will cost you $11.30. Yes, it is above the $10 budget but this is an absolute steal for such a labour-intensive dish in this economy.

This top tendon chain from Japan utilises a special tempura-frying machine that can churn out over 1,000 pieces of perfectly crisp parcels in under an hour. With this efficient, reliable rate, properly prepped tendon bowls that can be produced in short durations, and in greater quantities. This allows Tenya to keep its price low – just $9.50 for its signature namesake bowl, which comes crowned with prawn, redfish, squid, pumpkin, and french beans. Looking to cut down on carbs (and more cost-savings)? Opt for the less rice option to shave $0.50 off the price of the bowl. Or go plant-based with the Vegetable Tendon ($8.90) which is equally as delicious.

The Singapore outpost of Bangalore institution Mavalli Tiffin Room (MTR) serves arguably the best thosai on the island. For starters, it's the Karnataka-style thosai ($6 for plain) of fermented rice and black lentils griddle is cooked to perfection. It’s a 60-year-old recipe that needs no modification. Hearty, moreish and sinfully ghee-laced, its served with sambhar and chutney. Don't be afraid to ask for more ghee, the restaurant is happy to serve you more.

Our favourite outlet of the three is in Joo Chiat. This comforting bowl will only set you back $6.80. 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 ($6.80) instead as you'll still enjoy the hearty prawn soup. By the way, your first soup refill is free – you can thank us later. While prices are comparable to many coffee shops out there but why risk it? Here, you're guaranteed a solid bowl of Prawn noodles.

Thai street food is all about serving up quick meals that are utterly satisfying and bang for value. Krapow knows just that where a bulk of the dishes are priced below $10. The star dish is the fiery Drunken Noodle ($7.90), one that we've returned countless times for. Expect heaps of garlic and heavy splashes of fish sauce that coat the silky flat rice noodles. You can even customise the level of spiciness but before you overcommit, be warned. A medium will already set fire to your tastebuds – those Thai bird's eye chillies don't play.

Like the namesake, this casual joint offers many affordable – and well-made – Hong Kong dishes from dim sum, bbq meats to noodles and rice. A satisfying bowl of shrimp wonton noodles will cost you $7.30 and a curry beef brisket rice at $8.50. If you're going light, the silky steamed rolls start from just $4 a serving. Visit during off-peak hours for epic savings where hearty set meals start from just $6.50.

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. But rise early, this gem in the heartland closes early – at 2 in the afternoon.

The pies at Sonny’s Pizza are inspired by the grab-and-go culture of high-speed NYC. They’re sold by the slice so not exactly artisanal, but delish nonetheless. Their pies are made using low-gluten 00 flour and fresh beer yeast, which promises a pizza that’s equal parts crispy and chewy. A good starter slice is their “I’m Going Green” ($8). Put aside all prior beliefs: a vegetarian pizza can be as tasty as a meat-based pie, and this pizza with mushrooms and a rich bechamel sauce proves just that.

Famed for its rich soups and delicious dishes, Soi Aroy serves up scrumptious grub at budget-friendly prices. Most of their dishes cost below $10 and come in generous portions. The savoury spicy meat salad is priced at $5.50, while the classic basil pork with rice will only set you back $6.80. There's the all-time favourite Tom Yum Goong dish which features a collagen soup base packed with prawns, mushrooms, egg, vegetables, and noodles - all for $7. Come lunch, hearty sets start from just $6. Definitely no holes in your pockets after this meal.

For some good ol’ laksa, Sungei Road Laksa comes to mind without question. Tuck into a bowl of traditional Katong Laksa, topped with cockles, green leaves and sauces for only just $3. The broth comes rich and textured, slurping it all down to the last drop is the only way you can do the dish justice. If you are feeling extra hungry, you could just order another round. Trust us, with your bellies full, you'll hardly feel the pinch.

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) goes best with mutton keema ($3.50). 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.

Enjoy a smokeless barbecue meal at Yakiniku-GO. This casual heartland eatery utilises an electric grill to cook up cuts of beef and chicken – all without the lingering odour. Visit during lunch between 11.30am to 3pm to cash in on a 200g Karubi set along with rice, soup, and a choice between salad or kimchi, which goes for just $9.90. Other sets are also affordably priced if you're comfortable working around the $15 range.

Pizza Boy’s aim is to offer Singaporeans quality pizzas at an affordable price, and it’s safe to say they nailed it. This Halal-certified pizza joint offers a super value meal for $7.50 and it includes either a delicious quesadilla, mac and cheese, or a six-inch pizza with fries, all paired with a drink. There's a wide variety of flavours to choose from – think spicy beef, cheesy garlic chicken to vegetarian options.

You'll find traditional Chinese plates – of hand-pulled noodles and freshly pinched dumplings – at this restaurant. The Muslim-owner store hopes to put a Halal spin on these conventionally meat-heavy dishes, resulting in a hearty plate of eight dumplings (from $10.80), stuffed with minced beef or lamb that come drizzled with a fiery sauce that packs a savoury kick.

Hit up this modern smokehouse for real-deal American barbecue. Inspired by the smokehouses in Nashville, Memphis and Austin, the Telok Ayer serves $10 burgers on weekdays. On Mondays, brisket sandwich; Tuesdays, cheeseburger; Wednesdays, fried chicken sandwich; and Thursdays, pulled pork sandwich.

Yakiniki Like, a Japan-based Yakiniku fast-food chain, has opened its first local store in Paya Lebar Quarter. The brand is known for its affordability and quick service – and promises to deliver your food from kitchen to table in under three minutes. Once served, cook your meat over the special, individualised smoke-less grill, paired with rice, soup, and your choice of kimchi or salad. There is no GST and service charge, and the cheapest Karubi Set comes with 100g of beef short plate priced at just $10.80.

What started out as a hawker stall at Yishun Park Hawker Centre has now branched out to the CBD. The menu at Ah Lock & Co. combines modern Hakka rice bowls (from $7.80) with freshly made min jiang kueh (from $1.60). Get the Hakka tofu bowl, a well-balanced meal featuring handmade meatballs, tofu stuffed with a meat paste, and the quintessential mani cai (sayur manis) served atop fluffy rice.

It’s 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. If you're looking for a ton of wok-hei, try the crispy JB pan-fried bee hoon ($10.80).