Ah Loy Thai
For Reliably Good Thai Zi Char
Can’t make the queue at forever-packed Nakhon Kitchen? Hit up this lesser known alternative Thai zi char spot that’s just as good! The Fried Glass Noodle ($8.40) and Pad Thai ($7.90) are yummy dishes for one, but we recommend coming in a group to share the Thai Garlic Pork ($9.40) and Fried Butter Calamari ($9.40) — you’ll still end up paying only $10 on average.
Eat 3 Bowls
For Simple but Tasty Taiwanese Eats
The popular Taiwanese hawker stall has moved into new, cosier digs along Crawford Lane, featuring a cute classroom theme and a revamped menu. The Braised Pork Rice ($4.50) is just as satisfying as before, but you can now ramp it up with the set option ($8) that comes with delicious braised cabbage and egg.
Three Meals A Day
For Authentic Korean Cooking
This Korean family-run restaurant serves authentic comfort food at pocket-friendly prices, such as a super satisfying Sundubu Jjigae (spicy tofu stew, $10), alongside free-flow banchan (side dishes). Given the value, you’d want to have your three meals a day here. P.S. Price quoted is before GST and service charge, so bring change.
Gonpachi Ramen
For Light Chicken Broth Ramen
When you’re budget-strapped but still want a bowl of ramen, look to Gonpachi. The chicken broth-based ramen is on the lighter side, but it’s plenty tasty enough to satisfy ramen cravings. Popular is the Seven Wonder Ramen, which comes with seven different ingredients and a spoonful of fiery Thai green chilli sauce.
KEK Keng Eng Kee
For Spot-On Moonlight Hor Fun
For a cheap and ultra comforting meal, KEK’s Moonlight Horfun ($6)’s wok hei-laden flat rice noodles crowned with a wobbly egg yolk and lots of pork lard is heaven. Bring a dinner buddy to share the medium portion ($9) as well as the crowd-favourite Chinese Spinach With Fried Ikan Bilis ($8).
Kra Pow
For Irresistibly Good Thai Street Fare
If you have yet to discover this hidden gem, make the trek down to Far East Plaza for Kra Pow. The Thai street food joint doles out a simple but incredibly addictive Drunkard Noodle Pork ($7.90), named for how it works wonders in nursing hangovers. It’s super flavourful, but also comes with serious heat. If you’re in the mood to splurge a little, wash it down with the refreshing Red Ruby Green Emerald ($5.90)!
Two Men Bagel House (Novena)
For Excellent Bagel Sandwiches
Swing by Two Men Bagel House for their legendary bagelwiches, with ample options priced at a comfortable $10! The Hawaiian ($10) can do no wrong, featuring thick slabs of spam, fried egg, greens and cheese with Sriracha aioli. Otherwise, go for the sweet-savoury Elvis Presley ($8) with bacon, peanut butter and banana spread.
Chen’s Mapo Tofu
For Punchy Mapo Tofu Meals
From the chef behind two Michelin-starred restaurant Shisen Hanten comes Chen’s Mapo Tofu, the go-to for affordable, punchy Sichuan fare. The namesake Mapo Don ($9.50) is a fiery must-try, and so is the springy Dan Dan Mien ($9.50). If you’ve got a bit more cash to spare, bat for both with the Signature Combo ($11.50)!
iSTEAKS Diner
For Hearty Western Plates
With outlets at Serangoon and Holland Village, iSTEAKS Diner cooks up yummy Western fare that won’t put a dent in your pocket. Try the yummy Barbecue Chicken ($10) or Lemon & Dill Fish ($10) for a hearty, no-frills meal. Steak lovers can splurge on the NZ Ribeye (from $19.50) — still plenty affordable!
The Salted Plum
For Modern Taiwanese and Free Flow Rice
This Boat Quay joint ranks high on our list for their Taiwanese-inspired fare at great prices — dishes go for $5, $10, $15 and so on. Their lunch-only Lu Rou Fan ($10) served with a thick, tender slab of braised pork belly, kailan and onsen egg is stellar, but consider our pro tip: order the Lu Rou ($10) for twice as much pork, and ask for the free-flow plain Japanese rice at no cost. You’ll leave feeling stuffed and penny-smart.
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