From high-class restaurants to expensive eateries, Singapore also offers inexpensive street foods that are utterly mouthwatering. To business travelers who just want a great night out, with a no-hole-in-the-pocket guarantee, good news abounds in this city because it contains so many budget restaurants and bars. Be it a foodie, a connoisseur of craft beer, or a lover of relaxed evenings with friends, these places guarantee great value for money spent and stunning experiences one will have.
Here, we uncover 15 budget-friendly restaurants and bars in Singapore, allowing you to have an enjoyable time on a wallet-friendly note while still satisfying your palates for more.
The Importance of Finding Affordable Places to Eat and Drink
Eating and drinking out is a way of life in society and many people in Singapore enjoy going out to food facilities. However, due to the increasing cost of almost everything, there is a growing need to find economically friendly places.
With more affordable restaurants and bars, students, young professionals, families, and tourists will never have to overspend on food and nightlife in Singapore. These hangout spots hit a perfect balance between quality and affordability, proving a great night out needn’t have to be overly expensive.
Overview of the Selection Criteria for Budget-Friendly Spots
When curating this list, we considered several factors to ensure that these restaurants and bars offer excellent value for money:
- Affordability: Each location has been selected according to its budget-friendly affordability, with the price of the meal or beverage offered averaging a lot less than comparable locations.
- Quality: Just because the prices are cheap does not mean the quality isn’t compromised. Each location serves delicious satisfying food or drinks.
- Atmosphere: Everything from humble hawker centers to relaxed bars is perfect for chilling without the hefty price tag.
- Local Favorites: Many of these restaurants and bars are beloved by locals, offering a true taste of Singapore’s food and drink culture.
Best Budget-Friendly Restaurants for a Casual Night Out
Singapore offers an eclectic dining experience on virtually every budget. Be it local delicacies, Indian cuisine, or fusion dishes, there’s a place for one and all. Following are some of the best affordable eateries to go for on any casual night out where good food does not have to be expensive:
1. Saveur
At the top of the list is Saveur, a cozy French restaurant that offers gourmet French dishes at affordable prices. This spot has become known for its delicate yet hearty meals like Duck Confit and its signature Angel Hair Pasta. With mains starting at just SGD 15, this is one of the best places in Singapore to enjoy French cuisine on a budget.
- Best for: Affordable French dining
- Must-try: Duck Confit
- Average cost: SGD 12-20 per main
- Vibe: Casual, cozy, yet chic
- Location: 5 Purvis Street, Singapore 188584
At the same time, Saveur offers a rich French cooking experience that one could hardly find in a luxurious eatery and this is good enough for everyone with a French food craving but little money to spend. For a full meal menu including appetizers, main course, and dessert, guests could spend less than SGD 30 per person.
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2. Two Men Bagel House
Two Men Bagel House started attracting customers once it began its operation and all the more deserves so. This is a great place if you are craving bagels as they offer quite a diverse range of gourmet bagel sandwiches. Prepare for generously sized, juicy, and filled bagels with all sorts of options, ranging from salmon to brisket, all for less than 15 SGD.
- Best for: Hearty and affordable gourmet bagels
- Must-try: Lox Bagel with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers
- Average cost: SGD 12-15 per bagel sandwich
- Vibe: Hip, relaxed, and trendy
- Locations:
- 103 Irrawaddy Road, #01-04, Singapore 329566
- 16 Enggor St #01-12 Icon Village Altez 079717, Singapore
- 17D Lor Liput 27773, Singapore
- 465 Joo Chiat Rd 427677, Singapore
Two Men Bagel House is not only for the kind of fillings but also for the bagels – crispy outside and chewy and soft inside. It might be fun as a night before or some clubs or perhaps ideal for a night that does not involve clubbing.
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3. Little Saigon
Clarke Quay is all about nightlife, but it does have quite a good quality eatery in Little Saigon. Featuring Vietnamese cuisine and tropical beverages, Little Saigon gives patrons an ocean-side dining experience at Main Street prices. They have some of the best offers during their happy hour thus people love to use them for after-work or weekend business.
- Best for: Vietnamese food and cheap cocktails
- Must-try: Pho Bo (Vietnamese beef noodle soup)
- Average cost: SGD 8-15 per dish, SGD 8-10 per cocktail
- Vibe: Laid-back with an outdoor riverside setting
- Location: 3E River Valley Road, #01-02, Clarke Quay, Singapore 179024
The Vietnamese spring rolls, fragrant beef pho, and signature cocktails like the Saigon Mojito will keep both your stomach and your wallet happy. You can enjoy a full meal here for under SGD 30, including drinks, which is a steal considering its prime location.
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4. Tanuki Raw
If you’re craving Japanese fusion and want a great oyster deal, Tanuki Raw must be on your list. You might know of their signature rice bowls and sushi, but Tanuki Raw also lays claim to one of the best happy hours in town. $2 oysters and half-priced cocktails make this a must-visit for those wanting to indulge in a diet.
- Best for: Affordable sushi and creative rice bowls
- Must-try: Truffle Yakiniku Don
- Average cost: SGD 15-20 per dish, SGD 10-12 per cocktail
- Vibe: Sleek, modern, and inviting
- Location: 181 Orchard Road, Central, #04-01 Orchard, Singapore 238896
From seafood and mouthwatering raw fish pieces such as sashimi to rice bowls such as donburi bowls, entrée Tanuki Raw provides a tropical twist to fusion dining which is pocket-friendly and the quantities served are satisfying. There is nothing like getting to the place for the happy hour to enjoy some of the best oyster promotions in the city.
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5. Wala Wala Café Bar
One of the most frequently visited restaurants by both locals and expats is Wala Wala Café Bar located at Holland Village. With great services including live and cool tunes and the cheapest beers around, Wala Wala promises to give its visitors a simple and fun night hang out. You need to sit more casually down and order bar food or relax upstairs to watch performances.
- Best for: Live music and affordable pints
- Must-try: Classic Margarita and Chicken Wings
- Average cost: SGD 8-12 per drink during happy hour
- Vibe: Fun, casual, and lively
- Location: 31 Lorong Mambong, Holland Village, Singapore 277689
Wala Wala’s happy hour deals on beers and spirits make it one of the best places in Singapore for a chilled-out night that won’t drain your wallet. With pints going for as low as SGD 10, it’s no wonder this spot is always packed.
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6. The Garden Slug
Located in the East Coast area, The Garden Slug provides a variety of Western-influenced comfort food at reasonable prices. It offers large portions and quality food servings, especially pasta, burgers, and salads, and the average price range is below 20 SGD. It’s perfect for those casual outings and is better suited for individuals who enjoy having a good time without much ruckus.
- Best for: Comfort food and cozy vibes
- Must-try: Ultimate Beefy Burgers
- Average cost: SGD 12-18 per main
- Vibe: Casual and cozy, family-friendly
- Location: 55 Lorong L Telok Kurau, #01-59/61, Singapore 425500
From giant burgers to pasta dishes and comforting salads, The Garden Slug offers home-cooking-type dishes to warm the cockles. Also, their dining arrangement for outside lovers of restaurants is favorable for those with more time on their hands.
7. Chupitos Shots Bar
If you need something a tad more risqué for the evening, Chupitos Shots Bar is one of the best places to visit. More than 130 kinds of cocktails are available for guests, starting with something fruity and ending with a very bitter one; such a bar may become the start of an unforgettable evening without heavy expenses.
- Best for: Fun shots and affordable drinks
- Must-try: The “Harry Potter” and “B52” shots
- Average cost: SGD 6-12 per shot
- Vibe: Fun, energetic, with a lively crowd
- Location: 3E River Valley Road #01-01, The Circuit, CQ@, Clarke Quay, Singapore 179024
Chupitos’ vibrant atmosphere and wide variety of creative shots make it a great stop on a bar-hopping night in Clarke Quay. The affordable prices mean you can experiment with different shots without worrying about the bill at the end of the night.
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8. Bar Bar Black Sheep
Bar Bar Black Sheep is a restaurant that is located in several areas of Singapore that serves Thai, Indian, and Western dishes in one setting. There are great Mongolic fermentative rice wines for only 10 SGD together with chilly Thai dishes or tomatoes Indian palatable Curry dishes under a relaxed open air.
- Best for: Casual dining with affordable drinks
- Must-try: Chicken Tikka and Thai Green Curry
- Average cost: SGD 10-15 per dish, SGD 10-12 per pint
- Vibe: Casual and laid-back, with an outdoor vibe
- Location: 86 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238245
It is a friendly social place where one can discuss things with friends, and enjoy a decent meal and some quality beer at an affordable price. It also shows that you must be able to find recipes for at least one person in a given household to satisfy their palate.
9. Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant
Swee Choon is a must-visit late-night feast. This no-frills dim sum restaurant has, for years, served locals and visitors alike without hikes in food prices. Most items range from SGD 2 to 5; thus, one can easily have a full meal without taking out too much cash from his or her wallet.
- Best for: Affordable dim sum
- Must-try: Xiao Long Bao and Liu Sha Bao (salted egg yolk buns)
- Average cost: SGD 2-5 per dish
- Vibe: Casual, bustling, and ideal for large groups
- Location: 183-191 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208882
They offer a good variety of fried and steamed dim sums to choose from to satisfy your palate. From fluffy char siew baos to crispy fried spring rolls, you can easily fill yourself up for well under SGD 20 ahead.
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10. LePak at Rayz
LePak at Rayz is a café that serves both Western and Asian halal food selections. Appreciated by students and young people, this café offers reasonable prices, tasty food, and large servings. Some of their food includes beef bowls and truffle fries which range below SGD 15, making it an ideal place to have dinner.
- Best for: Halal dining with fusion flavors
- Must-try: Beef Bulgogi Bowl and Truffle Fries
- Average cost: SGD 10-15 per dish
- Vibe: Chill, student-friendly, and casual
- Location: 62 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199448
If you’re craving something hearty without wanting to spend a fortune, LePak offers a great selection of comfort food that’s easy on the wallet. Plus, the location near Arab Street makes it a perfect stop during a day of exploring.
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11. Acid Bar
Acid Bar is the perfect place to hear live music and get inexpensive drinks. Its happy hour occurs daily, with beers and house pours going as low as SGD 10. The cozy ambiance entwined with acoustic performances makes it a good spot to unwind after a weary day.
- Best for: Acoustic music and affordable drinks
- Must-try: House pours and classic mojitos
- Average cost: SGD 10-12 per drink
- Vibe: Cozy, relaxed, and intimate
- Location: 180 Orchard Road, #01-01, Peranakan Place, Singapore 238846
The ambiance at Acid Bar is best suited for glamorous guests who like to listen to live music after shopping or after work. The cozy environment and welcoming personnel make this place equally popular among foreigners and locals.
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12. Habibi-San
For something unique, head over to Habibi-San in Haji Lane, where Middle Eastern and Japanese flavors collide in an eclectic fusion of dishes. From wagyu kebabs to shiso rice bowls, Habibi-San offers a delightful mix of flavors at very reasonable prices.
- Best for: Fusion cuisine on a budget
- Must-try: Wagyu Beef Kebab and Miso Hummus
- Average cost: SGD 15-20 per dish
- Vibe: Trendy, with an artsy and intimate setting
- Location: 55 Haji Ln, Singapore 189248
Haji Lane itself is a vibrant Shopping area with Street art and unique shops which makes it the perfect spot to grab a bite after a stroll at one of the coolest streets in Singapore.
13. Symmetry
Symmetry is a modern-looking café cum bar in the Kampong Glam area. A specialization in modern Australian food with a focus on the new product’s quality. Despite it still being a brunch cafe during the daytime, at night it becomes a lively bar with superb, reasonably-priced cocktails.
- Best for: Modern Australian cuisine and cocktails
- Must-try: Truffle Fries and Symmetry Burger
- Average cost: SGD 15-25 per dish
- Vibe: Trendy, with a relaxed, modern ambiance
- Location: 9 Jalan Kubor, #01-01, Singapore 199206
Their prices deserve commendation, especially for the people under the happy hour deals they offer to the masses. It is also decorated in an eclectic, cozy style that might be perfect for food and drink enthusiasts who want to photograph their meals on Instagram.
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14. Blu Jaz Café
If you’re looking for a night out with live music, a hip vibe, and affordable prices, Blu Jaz Café is just the place. In the hip heart of the Kampong Glam district, this iconic venue has become an attraction unto itself, bringing together a mixed crowd of locals and expats. Complete with its regular live shows and events, coupled with plenty of affordable food and drinks on offer, this café promises up an evening one will surely not soon forget-and at minimal cost.
- Best for: Live music and affordable cocktails
- Must-try: Margarita and Chili Crab Pasta
- Average cost: SGD 10-15 per drink, SGD 15-20 per main
- Vibe: Eclectic, vibrant, and artsy
- Location: 11 Bali Lane, Singapore 189848
Blu Jaz Café is the type of place where you can relax with a cold beer or a cocktail while enjoying the diverse music scene. The drinks are reasonably priced, and the food menu offers a great selection of fusion dishes that pair perfectly with the laid-back ambiance.
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15. No. 5 Emerald Hill Cocktail Bar
Hidden away along Orchard Road, No. 5 Emerald Hill offers a charming and cozy setting for enjoying affordable cocktails in a historic Peranakan-style building. Known for its two-for-one martini deals, this cocktail bar has long been a favorite for after-work drinks.
- Best for: Affordable martinis and cocktails
- Must-try: Lychee Martini
- Average cost: SGD 10-15 per cocktail
- Vibe: Cozy, vintage, and intimate
- Location: 5 Emerald Hill Road, Singapore 229289
The bar’s interior, with its vintage charm and Peranakan décor, creates a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere. Whether you’re here for a post-dinner drink or just to catch up with friends, No. 5 Emerald Hill offers a great experience without the premium prices.
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Tips for Dining and Drinking on a Budget
Singapore’s vibrant food scene and nightlife can be pricey, but with a bit of planning and smart choices, you can enjoy the city’s offerings without overspending. Here are some practical tips for dining and drinking on a budget in Singapore:
1. How to Make the Most of Happy Hour Deals
Dining and drinking on a budget already has a savior in happy hour, and this is taken to new heights when timed to perfection. Great food, great drinks, substantially lower prices. To really get the best bang for your buck, stick to items on the happy hour menu and order larger plates to share with friends. That way, everyone gets more variety without going overboard. It is an easy way to stretch your dollar without sacrificing fun.
2. Look Out for Set Menus and Combos
Many restaurants have relatively inexpensive set lunches or dinner combinations that will give you more for your money. These usually consist of a main course, beverage, and sometimes dessert for a uniform charge, whereby you get a full meal at a discount.
3. Share Larger Portions
If you go out to dine out with friends, you can share larger portions of food or even split platters of food. Many restaurants and cafes offer dishes that are proportioned to be shared. You get to sample more items and split the cost of the food with your friends. Sharing will not only save you money, but it will give you a chance to try more of the dishes from their menu.
4. Visit Cafes with No Service Charges
Some smaller, independent cafes and eateries don’t charge the additional 10% service charge or 7% GST, making your meal significantly cheaper. Keep an eye out for places that offer a nett price so you know exactly what you’re paying upfront.
5. Use Food Apps and Discounts
Food apps like Burpple and Eatigo offer discounts of up to 50% in some restaurants around Singapore. All you need to do is sign up with them for the deals and special offers, mostly during off-peak hours.
Conclusion
Finding affordable restaurants and bars in Singapore might be easier than you think. From Mexican street food to Japanese sushi, from craft beer to the perfect blend of a great meal with affordable drinks in a fun atmosphere, here are 15 places that make for a fun night that won’t hurt your wallet too badly. With happy hour discounts, affordable tapas, and other price-friendly deals, you can have one night out both funny and wallet-friendly. So gather some friends, check out one of these budget-friendly gems, and enjoy a night out on the town without breaking the bank.
