Where to Eat Well Without Breaking the Bank
In a city where dining out is practically a national pastime, finding quality meals that don’t drain your wallet has become an essential skill. While Singapore’s reputation for excellent food is well-earned, it’s also earned a reputation for rising costs. This comprehensive guide explores the best budget-friendly restaurants where you can still enjoy fantastic meals for under $20—and in many cases, well under $15.
1. Lola’s Cafe
Current Price Range: $17–$25++ (Updated from original $5–$16)
What’s Changed
Lola’s Cafe now has dishes priced around $17, marking a significant increase from the original article. The cafe has evolved from a simple neighborhood spot to a more polished brunch destination.
What to Order
Their brunch selection includes favorites like Lola’s Breakfast at $23++ and Pulled Pork & Avocado Eggs Benedict at $18++. The Crab Cake Benedict features a handmade crab and prawn cake with poached eggs and miso hollandaise.
The Verdict
While Lola’s has moved upmarket with prices now exceeding $15 for most mains, it remains popular for its quality brunch offerings and pleasant atmosphere. The food is through the roof and reasonably priced, though it’s no longer the budget option it once was. The cafe now has three locations: Simon Road, Holland Village, and Tampines Mall.
Still Budget-Friendly? ❌ No longer under $15 for most items
2. Swee Choon Dim Sum
Current Price Range: $2.40–$6.80 (Slightly increased from $2–$10)
What’s Changed
Signature dishes like Siew Mai are priced at $4.50 per serving, while the crowd-favorite Liu Sha Bao (salted egg custard buns) are priced at $4.80 for three. Some items have seen modest price increases, but Swee Choon remains remarkably affordable.
What to Order
The Salted Egg Yolk Custard Bun at $3.60 is one of the best salted egg yolk custard buns in Singapore. The Shanghai Xiao Long Pau at $4.00 comes in fours with a firm skin that doesn’t break easily.
The Verdict
Swee Choon remains one of Singapore’s best dim sum destinations, offering authentic Hong Kong-style dim sum at prices that haven’t skyrocketed. The restaurant’s popularity stems from its use of high quality ingredients and extensive menu. Open from 6pm to 6am, it’s perfect for dinner, supper, or post-night-out cravings.
Still Budget-Friendly? ✅ Absolutely—one of the best values around
3. Eighteen Chefs
Current Price Range: $7.90–$24++ (Increased from $5–$15)
What’s Changed
Eighteen Chefs has maintained its commitment to affordable Western cuisine, though prices have risen modestly. Their Heart Attack Fried Rice sets include 7 options, and students, NSF, and senior citizens enjoy discounts.
Special Features
The restaurant is halal-certified and maintains its social mission of helping ex-convicts reintegrate into society through employment. From September 1 to October 31, 2025, enjoy featured dishes from 3PM to 5PM at only $7.90, making it one of the best value deals in Singapore.
What to Order
Popular items include Grilled chicken infused with truffle mushroom flavors and teriyaki-glazed salmon. The “Be Your Own Chef” concept allows diners to customize their meals.
The Verdict
Prices are inclusive of GST with no service charge, making the final bill more predictable. The social enterprise angle and student discounts make this a feel-good choice that’s still wallet-friendly.
Still Budget-Friendly? ✅ Yes, especially with promotions and student deals
4. Saizeriya
Current Price Range: $4–$10 (Relatively unchanged)
The Champion of Budget Dining
Saizeriya remains Singapore’s undisputed champion of ultra-budget Italian-Japanese fusion dining. For under $10, you can get a warm, filling meal, and pasta bowls cost less than $10, with $2 for focaccia and bottomless drinks for $2.80.
What Makes It Special
The restaurant features a free-flow drinks bar and serving sizes are generous. The self-service model keeps costs down while maintaining quality.
What to Order
Popular items include chicken wings marinated and grilled to golden perfection, creamy carbonara with bacon and poached egg, and pasta with pesto sauce, bacon, and cheese.
The Verdict
While the food won’t win Michelin stars, Saizeriya delivers consistent, satisfying comfort food at prices that seem frozen in time. The atmosphere feels more like a canteen with bright lighting and minimal decor, but it’s clean and functional.
Still Budget-Friendly? ✅ The gold standard for budget dining
5. Astons Specialities
Current Price Range: $9.90–$42.90 (Increased from $5–$20)
What’s Changed
Astons has expanded significantly and prices have increased, particularly for premium cuts. However, they’ve introduced new value deals to maintain affordability.
Current Promotions
Limited-time dishes include Classic Beef Stew and Tomato Spaghetti at $12.90, or Classic Beef Meatballs with Mashed Potato at $9.90. From September 1 to October 31, 2025, 3PM to 5PM, enjoy featured dish of the day at only $7.90.
What to Order
The BBQ Chicken at $12.90 and Crispy Fried Fish at $13.50 remain popular choices with no service charge and GST. The Supreme Salad Buffet is included with most mains.
Halal Option
ANDES by ASTONS is the halal-certified alter-ego, offering almost identical menu with the same high quality ingredients.
The Verdict
While premium steaks now exceed budget range, Astons’ promotional deals and chicken/fish options keep it accessible. The generous portions and included salad buffet add value.
Still Budget-Friendly? ⚠️ Partially—stick to promotional items and chicken/fish dishes
Key Trends: What’s Changed Since 2014
Price Increases Across the Board
Almost every restaurant has seen price increases ranging from 20% to over 100%. What cost $10 in 2014 now typically costs $12–$18 in 2025.
The $15 Threshold Has Shifted
The original article’s “$15 and under” promise is increasingly difficult to maintain. Today’s realistic budget threshold is closer to $15–$20 for casual dining.
What Still Works
- Dim sum remains affordable: Traditional dim sum shops like Swee Choon offer the best value
- Japanese chains: Saizeriya’s model keeps prices remarkably stable
- Promotional hours: Many restaurants offer “happy hour” style deals (3–5pm) with significant discounts
- Student discounts: Several establishments maintain student-friendly pricing
What’s Disappeared
Several restaurants from the original list have either:
- Closed permanently
- Raised prices significantly beyond budget range
- Reduced portion sizes while maintaining prices
Smart Budget Dining Tips for 2025
- Time Your Visits: Take advantage of 3–5pm promotional windows at Eighteen Chefs and Astons
- Student IDs Matter: Carry your student card—discounts of $2–$5 are common
- Dim Sum for Value: Traditional dim sum remains Singapore’s best budget dining option
- Skip Service Charges: Look for “no service charge, no GST” establishments
- Share Strategically: Order family-style at dim sum restaurants to try more items
- Follow Social Media: Restaurants announce flash promotions and limited-time deals online
- Consider Hawker Centers: For under-$10 meals, hawker centers still dominate
The Reality Check: Is Budget Dining Dead?
The Short Answer: It’s not dead, but it’s evolved.
The days of finding quality restaurant meals for $5–$10 are largely over unless you’re willing to:
- Dine during off-peak promotional hours
- Stick to specific budget-focused chains (Saizeriya, dim sum shops)
- Leverage student/senior citizen discounts
- Accept hawker center quality at hawker center venues
The Good News: Singapore still offers better value than many major cities. A $15 meal here would cost $25–$30 in Sydney, London, or New York. The hawker center culture also provides an excellent safety net for truly budget-conscious diners.
Final Recommendations
Best Overall Value
Swee Choon Dim Sum – Authentic, delicious, and genuinely affordable
Best for Students
Eighteen Chefs – Student discounts and social mission make this a winner
Best for Quick, Cheap Meals
Saizeriya – Nothing beats their sub-$10 pasta and free-flow drinks
Best for Special Occasions on a Budget
Astons Specialities (promotional hours) – $7.90 deals make decent Western food accessible
Best for Groups
Swee Choon or any dim sum restaurant – Share multiple dishes and split the bill
Conclusion
Budget dining in Singapore requires more strategy in 2025 than it did in 2014. Prices have risen significantly, and the $15 ceiling is increasingly aspirational rather than realistic. However, savvy diners can still eat well without breaking the bank by:
- Choosing the right restaurants (Saizeriya, Swee Choon)
- Timing visits strategically (promotional hours)
- Taking advantage of discounts (student, senior citizen)
- Being flexible with cuisine choices
The good news? Singapore’s food scene remains diverse enough that budget options exist for those willing to hunt for them. While you might need to adjust your expectations or visit during specific hours, quality affordable meals are still within reach—you just need to know where to look.
Last Updated: October 2025