Discover the Cheapest Food in Singapore: Satisfy Your Taste Buds Without Breaking the Bank
Singapore may be known for its high cost of living, but when it comes to food, this city-state is a paradise for budget-conscious diners. From hawker centers brimming with local delicacies to hidden gems serving up mouthwatering dishes, there’s no shortage of cheap eats in Singapore that will leave you full and happy. Get ready to embark on a delicious journey as we explore some of the best cheap food in Singapore, each offering unforgettable flavors without a hefty price tag.
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice (S$3 – S$5)
When it comes to cheap eats in Singapore, you simply can’t miss Hainanese Chicken Rice. This iconic dish is a national favorite, offering tender poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, paired with garlic chili sauce and dark soy sauce. At hawker centers like Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice in Maxwell Food Centre or Boontong Kee, you can enjoy a generous serving for just S$3 to S$5. The juicy chicken and aromatic rice will have you coming back for more, proving that great taste doesn’t have to come with a high price.
2. Char Kway Teow (S$3 – S$5)
For those who crave a heartier dish, Char Kway Teow is a must-try. This stir-fried noodle dish combines flat rice noodles with eggs, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, and cockles, all cooked in a rich, dark soy sauce. It’s smoky, savory, and slightly sweet, with a delightful charred flavor known as “wok hei.” You’ll find some of the best versions at Hill Street Fried Kway Teow or Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee for around S$3 to S$5. Watching the hawker expertly flip the noodles in the sizzling wok is almost as satisfying as digging into the dish itself.
3. Laksa (S$3.50 – S$6)
If you’re a fan of rich and spicy flavors, Laksa is a perfect choice. This coconut-based noodle soup features thick rice noodles soaked in a spicy, creamy broth, topped with fresh prawns, fish cakes, and bean sprouts. For just S$3.50 to S$6, you can grab a steaming bowl at places like Sungei Road Laksa, where they serve it with a traditional spoon and chopsticks. The velvety broth, infused with lemongrass and chili, is pure comfort food, offering a taste of Singapore’s Peranakan heritage without burning a hole in your pocket.
4. Nasi Lemak (S$3 – S$5)
Nasi Lemak is a dish that brings together the best of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors on a single plate. This beloved meal features fragrant coconut rice, fried chicken wings or fish, a fried egg, crunchy peanuts, crispy anchovies, and a dollop of spicy sambal chili. At hawker stalls like Changi Nasi Lemak or Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak in Adam Road Food Centre, you can find a satisfying plate for S$3 to S$5. The combination of creamy rice, crispy chicken, and spicy sambal is a true delight that makes for a filling and affordable meal.
5. Roti Prata (S$1 – S$4)
For breakfast or a late-night snack, nothing beats Roti Prata. This Indian flatbread is pan-fried until golden and crispy, served with a side of rich curry or sweet condensed milk. At popular spots like Mr. and Mrs. Mohgan’s Super Crispy Prata or Springleaf Prata Place, you can enjoy this treat starting at S$1 per piece, with more substantial options like egg prata or cheese prata priced at around S$3 to S$4. The crispy exterior and soft, chewy center make every bite a satisfying experience. Pair it with a steaming cup of Teh Tarik (pulled tea) for a perfect combo.
6. Wanton Mee (S$3 – S$5)
Wanton Mee is another classic hawker dish that won’t break the bank. Thin, springy egg noodles are served with tender slices of char siew (barbecued pork), fresh wantons, and a handful of leafy greens, all drizzled with a light soy sauce. For about S$3 to S$5, you can get a delicious bowl from stalls like Fei Fei Wanton Mee or Pontian Wanton Noodles. The combination of savory noodles, sweet char siew, and the juicy, delicate wantons makes this a popular choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
7. Satay (S$0.70 – S$1 per stick)
Craving a meaty treat? Satay is a perfect choice. These skewers of marinated and grilled meat, usually served with a side of peanut sauce, cucumber, and onions, are a delight for the taste buds. You’ll find satay stalls at places like Lau Pa Sat Satay Street or Chomp Chomp Food Centre, where sticks are priced between S$0.70 to S$1 each. Order a variety of chicken, beef, and lamb satay, and enjoy the smoky, charred flavors that pair perfectly with the sweet, creamy peanut dip.
8. Economy Rice (S$2.50 – S$5)
Economy Rice, also known as cai fan, is the ultimate budget meal in Singapore. Choose from a wide range of dishes like sweet and sour pork, stir-fried vegetables, and tofu, and pair them with steamed white rice. The beauty of economy rice is in its variety—there’s something for everyone. Depending on the dishes you choose, a meal can cost as little as S$2.50, making it a go-to option for anyone looking to fill up without spending much. For the best value, check out stalls at Maxwell Food Centre or Amoy Street Food Centre.
9. Mee Rebus (S$3 – S$4)
A favorite among locals, Mee Rebus is a comforting noodle dish with a rich, thick gravy made from sweet potatoes, peanuts, and spices. It’s served with yellow noodles, topped with boiled eggs, tofu, and a dash of lime. A bowl at hawker stalls like Inspirasi at Bedok Interchange Hawker Centre costs around S$3 to S$4. The creamy, savory gravy and the burst of citrus from the lime create a complex flavor that’s satisfying and heartwarming, especially on rainy days.
10. Carrot Cake (S$2.50 – S$4)
Forget the sweet dessert by the same name—Singapore’s Carrot Cake is a savory delight made from radish flour cakes, stir-fried with eggs, garlic, and preserved radish. It comes in white (without sweet sauce) or black (with sweet soy sauce) versions. For just S$2.50 to S$4, you can enjoy a plate of this local favorite at stalls like Fried Carrot Cake at Zion Riverside Food Centre. The crispy edges and soft interior make it a textural delight that pairs perfectly with a spicy chili dip.
11. Chicken Rice Balls (S$3 – S$5)
While Hainanese Chicken Rice is famous, its lesser-known cousin, Chicken Rice Balls, offers a unique twist. Originating from Malacca, these compact rice balls have a firm, chewy texture that makes them perfect for dipping in chili sauce. At Good Year Local Hainanese Chicken Rice Ball in Tampines, you can enjoy a plate for S$3 to S$5. The rice balls are paired with tender slices of chicken, creating a fun and flavorful dining experience.
12. Fried Hokkien Mee (S$4 – S$6)
Fried Hokkien Mee is a delightful mix of yellow noodles and rice vermicelli, stir-fried with prawns, squid, and egg in a savory, rich broth. The dish is served with a side of sambal chili and a squeeze of lime for added zing. At stalls like Xiao Di Fried Prawn Noodles or Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee, you can enjoy this hearty dish for about S$4 to S$6. The smoky flavor and seafood essence make it a must-try for noodle lovers.
13. Mee Siam (S$3 – S$4.50)
Mee Siam is a spicy-sweet noodle dish that combines thin rice vermicelli with a tangy tamarind-based gravy. It’s topped with boiled eggs, tofu puffs, and bean sprouts, offering a delightful contrast of flavors. For around S$3 to S$4.50, you can grab a plate at places like Queenstown Lontong or neighborhood hawker centers. The combination of sweet, sour, and spicy makes every bite a treat, and it’s perfect for those who crave a flavor-packed meal.
14. Kaya Toast Set (S$2.80 – S$4.50)
A quintessential Singaporean breakfast, Kaya Toast features toasted bread slathered with kaya (coconut jam) and butter, served with soft-boiled eggs and a cup of hot kopi (coffee). This breakfast set is available at chains like Ya Kun Kaya Toast or Toast Box, with prices ranging from S$2.80 to S$4.50. Dip the toast in the runny eggs for the full experience, and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that’s sure to kickstart your morning.
15. Soya Beancurd (S$1.50 – S$3)
End your food journey on a sweet note with Soya Beancurd. This silky, smooth dessert is served either hot or cold, with a drizzle of syrup that makes it melt in your mouth. At popular spots like Lao Ban Soya Beancurd or Rochor Beancurd House, a bowl costs around S$1.50 to S$3. It’s the perfect light and refreshing treat after a heavy meal, offering a taste of traditional dessert at an unbeatable price.
Conclusion: Savor Singapore’s Best Cheap Eats
From iconic hawker dishes to local delights, Singapore offers a wide range of cheap eats that don’t compromise on flavor. Whether you’re exploring the bustling hawker centers or finding hidden gems in the heartlands, these affordable dishes prove that eating well in Singapore doesn’t have to be expensive. So, grab your appetite, explore these culinary treasures, and discover why Singapore’s cheap food scene is celebrated worldwide.