A wholesome lunch in the CBD doesn’t have to break the bank! Here are our picks for cheap food in Singapore – from Telok Ayer and Tanjong Pagar, to Amoy Street and Raffles Place.
Lunch is arguably one of our favourite times in the office. There’s nothing like stepping away from your laptop to get a piping hot meal that’ll fuel you through the day. There are days when we love to splurge a little extra. Other days, though? We look for affordable restaurants in the CBD to tide us through till payday. For those of us stretching a buck to make it to the end of the month, here are some cheap food options in Singapore for lunch.
Best cheap CBD food options in Singapore under $10
1. Ameising Memories
It’s amazing – pun completely intended – that we discovered this cheap food spot in Raffles Place. The menu is packed with familiar fare, so there’s something for everyone in your lunch entourage. Go modest by getting the toast set, which includes soft-boiled eggs and a hot cup of coffee or tea. Otherwise, you can opt for hearty mains like braised pork rice ($7.80) or prawn noodles ($8.80). The delicious curry noodles will set you back at $9.80, but if you’re all about living dangerously, we say go for it.
Ameising Memories, #01-19/20, CIMB Plaza, 30 Raffles Place, Singapore 048622
2. Uptown Nasi Lemak
Nasi lemak for lunch? Oh, don’t mind if we do! Sure, there are plenty of options, but you’ll always find us going back to Uptown Nasi Lemak. This halal-certified eatery serves the local fave with delish side dishes like beef rendang, sambal sotong, and crispy spiced chicken. A standard, no-frills plate costs $4.40, while anything else never goes beyond $10.
Uptown Nasi Lemak, #01-01, Telok Ayer Coffee Shop, 121 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068590
3. Ah Lock & Co
We’re told this is a beloved lunch spot in the CBD, all thanks to its cheap offerings. The eatery specialises in Hakka-style grain bowls; its signature dish, which comes with chicken tofu and meatballs, long beans, and seaweed, is just shy of $10. Swap the rice for bee hoon, accompanied by chicken yong tau foo and double-boiled soy bean soup. Delicious till the last drop. Don’t worry, vegetarian friends, you’re not left out – get the veg rice bowl for your lunch.
Ah Lock & Co, #B2-22/23/24, Guoco Tower, 7 Wallich Street, Singapore 078884
4. Dumpling Darlings
The Honeycombers team lives for the generous lunch set at Dumpling Darlings. A bowl of noodles, some dumplings, and a drink – what’s not to love? If we’re being honest, we struggled to finish everything. Fret not, because you can still dine in and have bowls of delicious noodles for just $8.50. Even after tax, you’ll be spending less than 10 bucks a pop! When you’re ready to splurge, come back for the dumpling platter so you can get a taste of everything.
Dumpling Darlings, multiple locations including Circular Road and Amoy Street
5. Little Ribbons Pasta Co.
If you’re looking to carb-load for lunch, we’ve got the perfect place for a pasta fix. Located in the middle of the basement at Funan is Little Ribbons Pasta Co.’s kiosk. The base prices for all the sauces are under $10, so it’s super wallet-friendly. Pick a sauce, the type of pasta you want, and add toppings! Just don’t go overboard because you can easily shoot past $10 if you get too trigger-happy with the add-ons. Oh, and beware of the food coma that’ll hit after.
Little Ribbons Pasta Co., #B2-K11, Funan, 107 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179105
6. Arcade Fish Soup
Nothing beats a steaming bowl of fish soup for lunch. It’s easy, it warms your soul, and it’s delicious with or without milk. Arcade Fish Soup is an icon in the CBD for good reason because it’s been whipping up fish soup goodness since 1988! Whether you’re getting sliced or fried fish (or both), a regular bowl of soup sets you back $8.50. Add rice or noodles and you’ll have the perfect meal.
Arcade Fish Soup, multiple locations including Marina One and Marina Bay Link Mall
7. Rokus
If you take a gander through Lau Pa Sat, you’ll find plenty of cheap food in Singapore’s CBD. Between the wide range of cuisines like Thai, Indian, and Chinese, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Got a hankering for a good burger? Rokus grills up fun Korean-inspired burgers. But when you’re on a budget, chow down on the classic cheeseburger for just $7.90. The juicy beef patty with melted cheese and signature sauce will fill you right up.
Rokus, Stall 22, Lau Pa Sat, 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
8. Sonny’s Pizza
Get a taste of New York at this little hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Singapore’s CBD. Sonny’s Pizza is unpretentious and straightforward. Everything is homemade, and there’s even a selection of craft beer for you to choose from. A single slice costs anywhere between $7 to $9. But if you have colleagues with the same cravings, go for a whole pie and split it amongst yourselves.
Sonny’s Pizza, 17 Circular Road, Singapore 049373
9. Bedok Bak Chor Mee
Don’t worry, this place is definitely in the CBD. A little stroll down Circular Road will get you there. Just look out for the yellow interior! Bowls of delicious umami minced meat noodles are yours for just $5. Pick between the dry or soup versions with thick or thin noodles and slurp away. You can even upsize to a large bowl of noodles and get sides to split with colleagues, and you’ll still be below the $10 mark.
Bedok Bak Chor Mee, 13 Circular Road, Singapore 049369
10. Jai Thai
Looking for a cheap lunch without leaving the comfort of your office? Try Jai Thai. There are plenty of authentic Thai classics to choose from, and most dishes are under $10. This includes seafood fried rice, phad Thai, and sides like omelettes and mango salad. A bowl of green curry chicken will only set you back $8.90. And there are plenty of vegetarian options to choose from. Once you split delivery fees amongst your colleagues, that’s your lunch under $10 sorted.
Jai Thai, #01-01, An Chuan Building, 27 Purvis Street, Singapore 188604
11. Fu Lin Bar & Kitchen
Bar by night and hipster Yong Tau Fu by day? Yep, Fu Lin’s definitely caught our attention. If you’re craving a good bowl of yong tau fu but want a slightly elevated experience without paying through your nose, Fu Lin is a great option. Despite the swish industrial bar decor, the lunch set with noodles or rice costs $6.50. Talk about a steal!
Fu Lin Bar & Kitchen, 127 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068596
12. Swissbake
Want something that’s not overly filling for your lunch break? Head to Swissbake for the Kraftwich menu. The cafe serves a hearty selection of sandwiches, salads, pastries and cakes. Despite its central CBD location, the food and beverages are reasonably priced. A turkey ham and cheese Kraftwich is priced at $9.20 while a cup of hot salted caramel latte costs $6.20. Our pick? We recommend the poached egg and turkey ham muffin ($6.90) – available during breakfast hours.
Swissbake, multiple locations including Clarke Quay and Harbourfront
With these cheap food places in Singapore, you’ll keep both your stomach and wallet full!
