In Singapore, great food doesn’t always have to come with a hefty price. Iconic flavours and bold tastes can all be enjoyed without breaking your bank. You can find the finest inexpensive food being served up in hawker stalls and neighbourhood eateries.
So, if you’re planning on finding cheap eats or wallet-friendly late-night snacks in Singapore, this article has got you covered.
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice
(Source – Pexels.com)
No list of Singapore’s affordable food is complete without Hainanese Chicken Rice. The highlight of this iconic meal is the steamed chicken with soy sauce and sesame oil. The tender chicken is served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock, ginger, and pandan. Usually, minced garlic and chilli dip is included for that extra kick of flavour.
Hainanese Chicken Rice is a dish that locals never get tired of and visitors instantly fall in love with. It’s no wonder that this meal is considered by many to be Singapore’s national dish.
Estimated price:
$4–$8
Recommended places:
Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
2. Nasi Lemak
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If you’re looking for a meal that stops you mid-bite just to savour the flavours, Nasi Lemak is the one for you. This dish is a staple in local Singaporean eateries and for good reason. Originating from Malaysia, Nasi Lemak is served with creamy and fragrant coconut rice that warms the soul. On the side are spicy sambal, cucumber slices, peanuts, anchovies, and boiled eggs for that extra oomph. Those who want extra protein can add on a crispy fried chicken or fried seafood.
Nasi Lemak is the embodiment of simple ingredients, unforgettable taste. So, if you love variety and strong flavours, nasi lemak is a must-try.
Estimated price:
$5–$10
Recommended places:
Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak
3. Char Kway Teow
(Image source–Michelin Guide)
Nothing screams Singapore comfort food like a steaming plate of wok-fried Char Kway Teow. Flat rice noodles are fried over high heat with eggs, vegetables, and protein of choice. The result? Smokey flavour known as wok hei that people go crazy for. Additionally, Char Kway Teow is often served in large portions, making it one of the best budget meals in Singapore.
Char Kway Teow is proof that hearty flavours don’t need to come with a hefty price tag. This dish is irresistible and will leave you craving it again after your plate is empty.
Estimated price:
$3–$10
Recommended places:
Da Lao Fried White Kway Teow
Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee
Lai Heng Fried Kuay Teow
Ang Mo Kio Fried Kway Teow
No. 18 Zion Road Fried Kway Teow
4. Bak Chor Mee
(Image source–Michelin Guide)
Bak Chor Mee, or minced pork noodles, deserves a place among Singapore’s best affordable eats. This savoury dish can be served dry or with steaming hot soup. The dry version features springy noodles tossed in a vinegar-based sauce, then topped with minced pork, pork slices, and vegetables. Add some pork broth, meatballs, and dumplings, and you’ll get the soup version. Once garnished with spring onions, this meal instantly becomes irresistible and leaves you wanting more.
For those searching for inexpensive meals that taste like a warm hug after a long day, Bak Chor Mee is perfect for you.
Estimated price:
$3–$12
Recommended places:
Toa Payoh Lorong 5 Bak Chor Mee
5. Roti Prata
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Crispy and flaky on the outside, soft and fragrant on the inside. Light, fluffy, and perfect as a snack. This is how fans would describe Roti Prata, a popular South Asian flatbread from India. To make this delicious roti, a simple dough is stretched and folded multiple times by hand, then pan-fried. For maximum satisfaction, use your hands to tear the prata apart and dip it into spicy curry or dhal.
This is one of Singapore’s best affordable breakfasts because even with fillings like eggs and cheese, Roti Prata is still budget-friendly. So, if you’re looking for something light with bold flavours, Roti Prata is the one for you.
Estimated price:
$2–$6
Recommended places:
Master Prata
Rahmath Cheese Prata
Crispy Roti Prata
6. Wanton Mee
(Image source–The Straits Times)
Wanton Mee is one of the easiest dishes to fall in love with in Singapore. For an affordable price, you get to enjoy a plate of springy egg noodles, wantons (dumplings), char siew slices, and stir-fried greens. The soy-based sauce provides a salty and savoury base to balance out the sweetness of the char siew. Wanton Mee can be served in soup or fried to give an extra smoky taste.
Wanton Mee is a crowd favourite for its complex but balanced flavours. This dish is filling, so you know you’ll get every bang for your buck.
Estimated price:
$3–$12
Recommended places:
Wanton Fu – ARC 380
Chef Kang’s Noodle House
Ji Ji Wanton Noodle Specialist
Rong’s Wantan Noodle
7. Laksa
(Image source – Pexels.com)
Craving something rich, creamy, and utterly delicious? Laksa is the answer. Laksa is a popular Peranakan dish, renowned for its rich broth and diverse toppings. Usually, it is served with thick rice noodles with prawns, fishcakes, and bean sprouts. Laksa comes in two famous variations: curry laksa and asam laksa. Curry laksa uses a spicy and creamy curry broth, while asam laksa uses a tangy tamarind-based broth.
Laksa is one of the best cheap local dishes in Singapore. This dish is perfect if you are craving a homey Peranakan dinner with friends and family.
Estimated price:
$4–$10
Recommended places:
Sungei Road Laksa
928 Yishun Laksa
Janggut Laksa @Roxy Square
OK Chicken Rice & Humfull Laksa
8. Hokkien Mee
(Image source–Eatbook.sg)
For something more savoury and smoky with hints of seafood flavours, Hokkien Mee is the way to go. This dish is one of the best hawker dishes in Singapore because of its rich flavours and aroma. Hokkien Mee is prepared using a mix of thick yellow noodles and thin rice vermicelli stir-fried in prawn and pork broth to give it that rich flavour. It is often plated with prawns, squid, crispy lard, and pork slices. For extra flavours, sambal and lime are served on the side.
From the ingredients alone, it’s clear why Hokkien Mee is a crowd favourite. If you’re hungry and looking for something cheap with a big portion, this is the dish for you.
Estimated price:
$4–$10
Recommended places:
Ah Huat Hokkien Prawn Mee
Come Daily Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee
Shiok Hokkien Mee Beauty World
9. Satay
(Image source -Pexels.com)
Satay is a skewered meat dish, popular in Southeast Asian. Marinated meat is put on skewers, then grilled over charcoal to give it that rich smoky flavour. Usually, satay is eaten with an earthy peanut sauce and ketupat rice to balance out the taste and textures. Whether you prefer chicken, mutton, or beef, you can enjoy a smoky and flavour-packed meal for an affordable price.
Satay proves that rich flavours and affordability can come hand-in-hand. If you’re craving something smoky, grilled meat, consider getting satay for dinner.
Estimated price:
$0.70–$1.50 per skewer
Recommended places:
Shi Xiang Satay
Yong Seng Satay
10. Kaya Toast with Soft-Boiled Eggs
(Image source – The Worktop)
For a classic Singaporean breakfast, Kaya Toast with Soft-Boiled Eggs is a must-try. It features fluffy white bread toasted to a golden crisp, generously spread with sweet kaya and chilled butter. To complete the experience, dip the toast into soft-boiled eggs seasoned with soy sauce and pepper for a savoury touch.
Kaya Toast with Soft-Boiled Eggs is a snack where every bite is a balance between soft and crispy, sweet and savoury. It’s the perfect introduction to nostalgic Singaporean flavours at a low price.
Estimated price:
$3–$7
Recommended places:
Coffee Queen
Conclusion
Singapore’s food scene is a celebration of culture, comfort, and community — and you don’t need a high-end restaurant to enjoy it. No guidebook can match the story that the island’s hawker centres will tell you. Now that you know the top affordable foods to try in Singapore, there’s only one thing left to do: Go hunt them down!
If you’re looking for more culinary recommendations, visit our food blog!
