Finding affordable yet authentic Korean food in Singapore can be challenging, especially when looking for halal options. This comprehensive review examines the best budget-friendly halal Korean eateries across the island, helping you satisfy your K-food cravings without breaking the bank.
Top Budget Picks Under $10
Ha-Jun Korean Food
Price Range: Most dishes under $10
Locations: Aperia Mall, Seletar Mall, and more
Halal Status: Halal-certified
Ha-Jun Korean stands out as a hidden gem for incredibly affordable Korean fare. Their pricing strategy makes Korean food accessible for quick lunch or dinner breaks without compromising on authenticity.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Dolgot Bibimbap ($7.80++): Served sizzling hot in a traditional stone pot, this dish delivers the authentic Korean experience with crispy rice at the bottom
- Kimchi Fried Rice ($6++): A hearty option topped with a fried egg, perfect for solo diners on a budget
- Kimchi Soup Steamboat: At $29.90 for two people or $49.90 for three to four diners, this represents excellent value for group dining
Verdict: Ha-Jun offers the most wallet-friendly Korean dining experience in Singapore. The sub-$10 pricing for most mains makes it ideal for students, budget-conscious diners, or anyone seeking frequent Korean food fixes without financial guilt.
OMOOMO
Price Range: $9.50-$10.50 for rice bowls
Location: Kallang Wave Mall
Halal Status: Halal-certified
OMOOMO brings Korean fusion to the table with customizable options that cater to modern dining preferences. Their DIY approach sets them apart from traditional Korean eateries.
Highlights:
- Beef Bibimbap ($9.50): Straightforward and satisfying
- Ji-Ji Dupbab ($10.50): A protein lover’s dream featuring spicy chicken, teriyaki chicken, and soy garlic wings in one bowl
- DIY Rice Bowls: Build your own meal to match your taste preferences and dietary needs
- Vegan Options: Rare in Korean eateries, making this inclusive for plant-based diners
Verdict: OMOOMO excels at providing value through generous portions and customization. The DIY concept appeals to picky eaters and those who want control over their meal composition. At under $11 for filling rice bowls, it’s a reliable choice for casual dining.
Best Value Korean Fried Chicken
Cravy Chicken
Price Range: From $9.50 for sets
Location: Expo
Halal Status: Halal-certified
For Korean fried chicken enthusiasts in the East, Cravy Chicken offers unbeatable value. Their street food approach keeps costs low while maintaining quality.
Popular Options:
- Individual Sets (from $9.50): Include chicken and a drink
- Cravy Chicken Set ($24.50): Feeds two people with 12 pieces of fried chicken, two fries, and two drinks—works out to just over $12 per person
- Rose Tteokbokki ($9.80): Trendy take on traditional rice cakes
Verdict: Cravy Chicken wins for group dining on a budget. The sharing sets offer exceptional value, with the $24.50 combo providing substantial food for two people. Location at Expo makes it convenient for East-siders looking for affordable Korean street food vibes.
Jinjja Chicken
Price Range: $8.90-$11.90
Locations: Multiple, including Jewel Changi Airport
Halal Status: Halal-certified
Jinjja Chicken’s fast-casual format delivers double-fried Korean chicken at accessible prices. Their compact menu focuses on doing chicken exceptionally well.
Menu Highlights:
- Six-piece Wings ($8.90): Entry-level pricing for Korean fried chicken
- Three-piece Drumsticks ($9.90): Meatier option for bigger appetites
- Flavors: Soy garlic, yangnyeom, and ultra-spicy Volcano
- Beef Ram-Don ($11.90): For those seeking variety beyond chicken
Verdict: Jinjja Chicken provides reliable, consistent Korean fried chicken at fair prices. The airport location adds convenience for travelers, though prices remain reasonable despite the premium setting. Best for quick, satisfying meals without extensive menu browsing.
Budget Korean Comfort Food
Seoul Garden HOTPOT
Price Range: $16-$17.90++
Locations: Multiple outlets
Halal Status: Halal-certified
As an established name in Singapore’s Korean food scene, Seoul Garden HOTPOT offers affordable mains with generous portions. Their systematic menu organization makes ordering straightforward.
Signature Dishes:
- Kimchi Beef Hotpot ($16++): Features beef short plate slices, mushrooms, rice cakes, and more in a personal hotpot
- Bulgogi Lamb ($17.90++): Australian-imported lamb shoulder stir-fried with vegetables in spicy sauce
What Makes It Budget-Friendly: Despite slightly higher individual prices compared to Ha-Jun or OMOOMO, Seoul Garden HOTPOT delivers exceptional value through quality ingredients and substantial portions. Reviewers consistently praise the food for exceeding expectations at this price point.
Verdict: Seoul Garden HOTPOT sits at the higher end of “budget” dining but justifies the cost with quality and reliability. The relaxed atmosphere and impeccable service add value beyond just the food. Best for those willing to spend a few extra dollars for a more complete dining experience.
Muk-Bang Korean Restaurant
Price Range: Most dishes under $20
Location: Bedok (750 Chai Chee Road)
Halal Status: Muslim-owned
Muk-Bang brings homely Korean cooking to the East, offering traditional dishes that comfort and satisfy. The family-run atmosphere creates an authentic experience.
Recommended Orders:
- Kimchijeon ($11.90++): Crispy kimchi pancake, perfect for sharing
- Yangnyeom Chicken ($12.90++): Sweet and spicy Korean fried chicken
- Galbi Tang ($15.90++): Warming beef short ribs soup
- Samgyetang ($14.90++): Ginseng chicken soup, ideal for rainy days
Verdict: Muk-Bang excels at traditional Korean soups and stews. While slightly pricier than Ha-Jun, the hearty soup dishes provide excellent value, especially the nourishing Samgyetang. Best for those seeking authentic, home-style Korean cooking in the East.
Budget Buffet Option
Captain Kim Korean BBQ & Hotpot
Price Range: $18.90++ (weekday lunch) to $28.90++ (dinner/weekend lunch)
Locations: Multiple outlets including Tampines Junction
Halal Status: Halal-certified
For all-you-can-eat Korean food, Captain Kim delivers impressive value. The 90-minute buffet format appeals to groups and hearty eaters.
What’s Included:
- Unlimited grilling ingredients
- Army stew hotpot
- Cooked items: tteokbokki, pajeon pancakes, ramyun
- Ginseng chicken soup
- Minimum two diners required
Standout Features: Reviewers consistently highlight the quality of meats, particularly the Honey Chicken with its fruity aftertaste and the well-marinated Bulgogi Beef balancing sweet and sour flavors.
Verdict: Captain Kim represents the best value for big appetites. At $18.90++ for weekday lunch, it’s remarkably affordable for unlimited Korean BBQ and hotpot. The variety ensures everyone in your group finds something they enjoy. However, the time limit requires efficient eating to maximize value.
Muslim-Owned Authentic Experience
Meokja by JUNGGA
Price Range: $9-$14+
Location: GR.ID Mall, Dhoby Ghaut
Halal Status: Muslim-owned
Run by Korean-Muslim convert Chef JungSangWoo and his wife Afrah, Meokja offers authenticity with a personal story. The central location makes it accessible for lunch breaks or casual dinners.
Signature Dishes:
- JjaJangMyeon ($12+): Thick, springy noodles with rich black bean sauce, smoky minced beef, and caramelized onions
- Bibimbap (from $9.90+): Classic mixed rice bowl
- Tteokbokki ($9+): Spicy rice cakes
- Tangsuyuk ($14+): Korean-Chinese fried chicken with sweet-sour sauce
What Sets It Apart: The chef’s Korean heritage ensures authentic techniques and flavors, while the Muslim ownership adds cultural understanding. Reviewers particularly rave about the jjajangmyeon and tangsuyuk.
Verdict: Meokja offers exceptional authenticity at reasonable prices. The hearty portions and central location add to its appeal. While not the absolute cheapest option, the quality-to-price ratio is excellent, especially for the jjajangmyeon. Best for those seeking genuine Korean-Chinese fusion dishes.
Vegetarian Budget Option
Saute Saranghae
Price Range: $7.90-$18.90++ for sides; $32++ (two diners) for hotpot
Location: Tampines Central
Halal Status: Halal-certified
Singapore’s rare halal vegetarian Korean restaurant fills an important niche. The meat-free menu doesn’t sacrifice flavor or variety.
Menu Highlights:
- Cheese Tteokbokki ($7.90++): Comfort food at its finest
- Truffle Gimbap ($11.90++): Elevated take on Korean rice rolls
- Kimchi Pizza ($18.90++): Fusion innovation
- Kimchi Jeongol with Ramyeon: $32++ for two, $60++ for four
- Kimchi Jjigae ($12.90++): Budget-friendly stew option
Verdict: Saute Saranghae proves vegetarian Korean food can be both affordable and delicious. The cheese tteokbokki at under $8 is a steal, while the hotpot options provide good value for groups. Essential for vegetarian diners and interesting for anyone wanting to try meat-free Korean cuisine.
Value Chain Options
NeNe Chicken
Price Range: $8 (two pieces) to $30.90 (18-piece bundle)
Locations: Multiple outlets
Halal Status: Halal-certified
NeNe Chicken’s popularity stems from consistent quality across outlets. Their secret batter technique creates chicken that stays crispy even under sauce.
Pricing Structure:
- Individual portions: From $8 for two pieces
- Sharing bundles: Up to $30.90 for 18 pieces
- Flavor range: Soy (umami-packed, non-spicy) to Hot Bling (spiciest)
- Sides: Including Japchae ($6.90)
Verdict: NeNe Chicken represents the middle ground between street food and premium Korean fried chicken. While not the cheapest option, the consistent quality and crispy-even-when-sauced guarantee makes it reliable. The variety of spice levels accommodates different preferences, making it suitable for diverse groups.
Budget Dining Strategy Tips
Maximize Value:
- Visit Ha-Jun or OMOOMO for solo meals under $10
- Choose Captain Kim for group buffets at $18.90++ weekday lunch
- Pick Cravy Chicken for sharing with the $24.50 two-person set
- Order combination platters instead of individual portions
- Time your visit for weekday lunches when available
Best Budget Combinations:
- For Two: Captain Kim weekday lunch buffet ($18.90++ each) or Cravy Chicken sharing set ($24.50 total)
- Solo Lunch: Ha-Jun’s Kimchi Fried Rice ($6++) or OMOOMO’s Beef Bibimbap ($9.50)
- Korean Fried Chicken Fix: Jinjja Chicken wings ($8.90) or NeNe Chicken two-piece ($8)
- Authentic Experience: Meokja’s Bibimbap ($9.90+) or Seoul Garden HOTPOT’s Kimchi Beef Hotpot ($16++)
Final Recommendations
Best Overall Value: Ha-Jun Korean Food wins for consistently low prices across the menu with most items under $10. The quality remains solid despite the budget pricing.
Best for Groups: Captain Kim Korean BBQ & Hotpot at $18.90++ per person for weekday lunch buffet provides unbeatable all-you-can-eat value.
Best Korean Fried Chicken Deal: Cravy Chicken’s $24.50 two-person set offers 12 pieces plus sides and drinks—just over $12 per person for a filling meal.
Most Authentic Budget Experience: Meokja by JUNGGA combines reasonable prices ($9-14) with genuine Korean techniques from a Korean chef.
Best for Dietary Restrictions: Saute Saranghae excels at halal vegetarian Korean food, with the Cheese Tteokbokki at $7.90++ being particularly affordable.
Most Convenient: Jinjja Chicken with multiple locations including Jewel Changi Airport, maintaining budget-friendly prices despite premium locations.
Conclusion
Singapore’s halal Korean food scene has evolved to offer genuine budget options without compromising authenticity. Whether you’re craving Korean fried chicken, comforting stews, or sizzling bibimbap, these eateries prove you don’t need to spend big to enjoy quality Korean cuisine.
The key to budget Korean dining lies in knowing where to go for what. Ha-Jun and OMOOMO dominate the everyday affordable meal category, while Captain Kim provides exceptional value for all-you-can-eat experiences. Specialty items like Korean fried chicken find their sweet spot at Cravy Chicken and Jinjja Chicken, where pricing remains competitive without sacrificing the double-fried crunch that makes Korean chicken special.
For those seeking authenticity, Meokja by JUNGGA and Muk-Bang Korean Restaurant prove that traditional Korean cooking can remain accessible. Meanwhile, Seoul Garden HOTPOT demonstrates that established chains can compete on value while maintaining quality standards.
The diversity of options—from vegetarian at Saute Saranghae to Korean-Chinese fusion at Meokja—ensures every preference and dietary requirement finds its budget-friendly match. With strategic planning and smart ordering, satisfying your Korean food cravings in Singapore can be both affordable and delicious.
- Limited Information: Most establishments appear to be dine-in focused
- Takeaway Available: Several hawker stalls and coffee shops
- No Delivery Mentioned: For most locations
Tourist Accessibility:
- Highest Value: Maxwell Food Centre, Tong Ah Eating House, Original Katong Laksa, Atlas Bar
- Moderate Accessibility: Most hawker centres and established restaurants
- Advance Planning Required: The Ampang Kitchen, Burnt Ends reservations
Cultural Significance:
- Historical: Tong Ah (1939), Singapore Zam Zam (1908), Song Fa (1969)
- Heritage Preservation : Kim Choo Kueh Chang, Tan’s Tu Tu Coconut Cake
- Modern Innovation: Burnt Ends, Cloudstreet, % Arabica
Cooking Techniques Highlighted:
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