Singapore’s town area—spanning Orchard Road, Somerset, and Dhoby Ghaut—is known for premium shopping and dining, but hidden among the glitzy malls are genuine budget-friendly gems. After exploring these 10 establishments, I’ve compiled this comprehensive review to help you navigate the best affordable eats without compromising on quality or satisfaction.
1. M Seven Cafe (PoMo Mall)
Price Range: $10-$10.50
Cuisine: Western/Casual Cafe
Halal Status: Not specified
The Experience
Located in the relatively quieter PoMo Mall, M Seven Cafe offers a respite from the bustling Orchard crowds. The cafe serves all-day breakfast and pasta, but their standout offering is the German Rosti series.
What to Order
The German Rosti with Cheesy Chicken Sausage ($10) is their signature dish. The rosti—a Swiss-style potato pancake—arrives crispy on the outside with a satisfying crunch that gives way to soft, well-seasoned potato inside. The cheesy chicken sausages are generous in portion, and the runny sunny-side-up egg ties everything together beautifully. For pescatarians, the Pan-fried Salmon option ($10.50) is only marginally more expensive.
Value Assessment
At $10, this is excellent value for a filling Western-style meal in the Orchard area. The portion size is substantial enough to satisfy after a day of shopping.
Rating: 8/10
2. Gu Thai Noodle Cafe (PoMo Mall)
Price Range: $1.90-$7.90
Cuisine: Thai
Halal Status: Not specified
The Experience
Also located in PoMo Mall, Gu Thai Noodle Cafe specializes in authentic Thai boat noodles. The late operating hours (until 5am daily) make it perfect for both lunch and late-night cravings.
What to Order
The Beef Boat Noodles come in two sizes: mini bowls ($1.90) or regular boat-shaped bowls ($7.90). The broth is intensely flavorful—savoury with a spicy kick—and the beef slices are tender. One important note: the rice noodles absorb the broth quickly, so eat fast or add extra soup. The Tom Yum River Prawn Noodles ($7.80) offer a different flavour profile with sour and spicy notes.
Value Assessment
The mini bowls at $1.90 are an incredible deal, though you’ll likely need 3-4 to feel satisfied. The regular bowl at $7.90 offers better value for a complete meal. Customizable spice levels are a thoughtful touch.
Rating: 8.5/10
3. Encik Tan (313@Somerset)
Price Range: $4.30-$6
Cuisine: Asian/Local
Halal Status: Halal-certified
The Experience
This halal-certified chain has mastered the art of value-for-money sets. Located in the basement of 313@Somerset, it’s conveniently accessible and consistently busy during meal times.
What to Order
The Wanton Noodle Set ($6) is exceptional value. You receive a generous bowl of wanton noodles with char siew chicken slices, a separate plate of fried wanton, AND a bowl of wanton soup. The quality doesn’t suffer despite the low price—the noodles have good texture and the char siew is flavourful. The Chicken Cutlet Curry Rice ($4.30) is even more budget-friendly, featuring a complete meal with protein, egg, vegetables, and thick curry gravy.
Value Assessment
Perhaps the best value-for-money option on this entire list. The set meals are designed thoughtfully, providing variety and satisfaction at prices that seem almost too good to be true.
Rating: 9/10
4. Just Acia (Dhoby Xchange)
Price Range: $9.90-$13.90+
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Halal Status: Not specified
The Experience
Hidden in Dhoby Ghaut MRT’s Dhoby Xchange, Just Acia offers something unique: free-flow drinks and ice cream with all sets. The location is slightly tucked away, which means it’s less crowded than other spots despite being consistently popular.
What to Order
The Deep Fried Chicken Set ($9.90+) includes crispy chicken, steamed Japanese rice, miso soup, and kimchi—a well-rounded Japanese-Korean fusion meal. However, the real star is the Creamy Salted Egg Yolk Spaghetti with Crispy Chicken Set ($13.90+). The salted egg yolk sauce is rich and indulgent, coating the spaghetti perfectly, while the crispy chicken adds textural contrast.
Value Assessment
The free-flow drinks and ice cream significantly boost the value proposition. While the creamy spaghetti is at the higher end of “budget,” it’s still reasonable for what you get, especially with unlimited beverages.
Rating: 8/10
5. Fish & Chicks (Cathay Cineleisure Orchard)
Price Range: $6.90
Cuisine: Western
Halal Status: Not specified
The Experience
Located in the Koufu food court at Cathay Cineleisure, Fish & Chicks proves that Western food doesn’t have to break the bank. The casual food court setting keeps overheads low, and these savings are passed to customers.
What to Order
The Fish and Chips ($6.90) is a classic done well—golden, crispy fish fillet with two sides of your choice. The fish is substantial and not greasy. The Black Pepper Chicken ($6.90) is grilled with nice char marks and drenched in peppery sauce. Both dishes come with generous portions of sides.
Value Assessment
At $6.90 for a complete Western meal in Orchard, this is outstanding value. The quality is consistent, and the variety of menu options (including lobster dishes at higher price points) means there’s something for different budgets.
Rating: 8.5/10
6. JTown Cafe (Midpoint Orchard)
Price Range: $6.20-$6.50
Cuisine: Indonesian
Halal Status: Muslim-owned
The Experience
JTown Cafe brings authentic Indonesian street food to Orchard Road. The Muslim-owned establishment has a homey atmosphere and specializes in dishes you’d typically find on Jakarta’s streets.
What to Order
The Bakmie Ayam ($6.50) features handmade yellow noodles—a rarity that makes a noticeable difference in texture and taste. The deep-fried diced chicken is crispy, and the sweet soya sauce balances the dish perfectly. For dessert, the Martabak ($6.20) is a must-try: a pan-fried pancake loaded with ground peanuts, chocolate rice, and condensed milk. However, it sells out early, so call ahead or arrive early.
Value Assessment
Excellent value for authentic Indonesian flavours. The handmade noodles justify the price, and the Martabak is a unique dessert experience you won’t easily find elsewhere in the area.
Rating: 8/10
7. Kra Pow (Far East Plaza)
Price Range: $6.90-$7.90
Cuisine: Thai
Halal Status: Not specified
The Experience
Kra Pow has built a loyal following in Far East Plaza with their bold, authentic Thai flavours. The restaurant captures the essence of Thai street food with proper heat and aromatic herbs.
What to Order
The Drunken Noodles ($7.90) are aptly named—not for alcohol content, but for the intoxicating combination of spicy, herby, and umami flavours. The noodles have excellent wok hei (breath of the wok). The Crispy Thai Wings ($6.90) are addictive with their crispy exterior giving way to juicy meat, seasoned with Thai aromatics.
Value Assessment
Fair pricing for quality Thai food. The portions are satisfying, and the authenticity of flavours rivals more expensive Thai restaurants. The combination of noodles and wings makes for a complete and satisfying meal under $15.
Rating: 8.5/10
8. Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut (Lucky Plaza)
Price Range: $9.90
Cuisine: Indonesian
Halal Status: Halal-certified
The Experience
This halal-certified eatery offers something different from the typical ayam penyet: crispy duck dishes. The presentation is impressive with generous portions served on large plates.
What to Order
Both duck options are excellent. The Original Crispy Duck Rice ($9.90) features deep-fried duck with abundant kriuk (flour crumbs) and fiery house-made sambal. The Grilled Duck Rice ($9.90) offers tender, flavourful meat with sambal manis. The duck meat is notably more tender than chicken, and the house-made sambals are the perfect accompaniment.
Value Assessment
At $9.90, duck is significantly more expensive to prepare than chicken, making this excellent value. The quality and tenderness of the duck, combined with the generous portions and flavorful sambal, justify the price point.
Rating: 9/10
9. Roost (The Centrepoint)
Price Range: $4.90-$8.90++
Cuisine: Singaporean
Halal Status: Not specified
The Experience
Roost brings a modern twist to Singapore’s beloved chicken rice. Located in The Centrepoint’s basement, it’s spacious and comfortable for dining.
What to Order
The Yin Yang Chicken Rice ($8.90++) is the star, offering both poached and soya sauce chicken in one set—perfect for indecisive diners. The chicken is prepared well, moist and flavorful. The innovative sides are worth trying: Chicken Sushi ($4.90++) and Crispy Chicken Rice Balls ($4.90++). However, arrive early as the rice balls often sell out before dinner.
Value Assessment
With the ++ pricing, the actual cost comes to around $10.70 for the Yin Yang set, which is at the higher end of budget dining. However, the quality and novelty of the preparations, plus the unique sides, make it worthwhile for chicken rice enthusiasts.
Rating: 7.5/10
10. My Favourite Cafe (Lucky Plaza)
Price Range: $0.60 per piece
Cuisine: Chinese/Local
Halal Status: Not specified
The Experience
This under-the-radar spot in Lucky Plaza serves what regulars claim is some of the best Yong Tau Foo in town. The no-frills setting keeps prices low, but expect crowds during peak hours.
What to Order
Yong Tau Foo ($0.60 per piece, minimum 8 pieces) lets you customize your bowl. The standout item is the deep-fried meatballs, which loyal customers return specifically for. At 8 pieces minimum, you’re looking at $4.80 for a bowl, which you can add noodles or rice to.
Value Assessment
Exceptional value at $0.60 per piece. The quality of the deep-fried items is notably better than typical food court offerings. The minimum order of 8 pieces keeps things affordable while ensuring a satisfying portion.
Rating: 8/10
Overall Rankings by Category
Best Overall Value
- Encik Tan – Wanton Noodle Set ($6)
- My Favourite Cafe – Yong Tau Foo ($4.80+)
- Fish & Chicks – Fish and Chips ($6.90)
Best for Quality vs. Price
- Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut – Duck Rice ($9.90)
- Gu Thai Noodle Cafe – Beef Boat Noodles ($7.90)
- Kra Pow – Drunken Noodles ($7.90)
Best for Halal Options
- Encik Tan
- Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut
- JTown Cafe (Muslim-owned)
Best for Variety
- Just Acia (with free-flow drinks & ice cream)
- Fish & Chicks (multiple protein options)
- Roost (innovative sides)
Best Hidden Gems
- My Favourite Cafe
- JTown Cafe
- Just Acia
Practical Tips for Budget Dining in Town
Timing Matters
- Arrive before 12pm or after 2pm to avoid peak lunch crowds
- Popular items (like Martabak at JTown Cafe and rice balls at Roost) sell out early
- Late-night options: Gu Thai Noodle Cafe (until 5am)
Location Strategy
- PoMo Mall houses two excellent budget options in a less crowded area
- Food courts (Koufu at Cathay Cineleisure) offer lower prices than standalone restaurants
- Lucky Plaza’s upper floors hide affordable gems
Money-Saving Hacks
- Look for set meals—they almost always offer better value than ordering à la carte
- Free-flow items (Just Acia) maximize value
- Share sides and order smaller mains if dining with friends
- Choose lunch over dinner when possible (some places have lunch specials)
What to Avoid
- Peak hours at popular spots like My Favourite Cafe and Encik Tan
- ++ pricing that inflates final bills (factor in 17% extra)
- Ordering too little—many of these dishes are substantial, so one meal is often enough
Final Verdict
The Town area proves that budget dining doesn’t mean compromising on quality or variety. From authentic Indonesian duck to inventive chicken rice, these 10 establishments offer genuine value.
Top 3 Must-Tries:
- Encik Tan – Best overall value with generous set portions
- Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut – Premium protein at budget prices
- Gu Thai Noodle Cafe – Authentic flavours with flexible pricing
Whether you’re a student watching your budget, a shopper looking for a post-retail therapy meal, or simply someone who appreciates good food at fair prices, these spots deliver. The diversity of cuisines—Western, Thai, Indonesian, local favorites—ensures there’s something for every palate and preference.
Total Budget for Trying All 10: Approximately $75-80 (one dish per establishment)
The town area’s reputation for expensive dining is challenged by these hidden and not-so-hidden gems. With meals ranging from $4.80 to $13.90, eating well on a budget is not only possible but enjoyable. The key is knowing where to look—and now you do.