Save this for super hungry days. Order any main (try the Chicken Katsu, $14.99) to unlock access to Hifumi's famed all-you-can-eat appetiser bar, laden with a staggering selection of sides that puts Korean banchan to shame. The spread changes monthly (check their Facebook page for updates) — March's selection includes chicken and spicy leek in Japanese sauce, chips with dry curry dip, and sugar tofu donuts. Bring your appetite.
If you're on a budget but craving some finger-licking good crabs, head over to this unassuming coffeeshop stall in Hougang. Apart from regular zi char fare, they also serve Sri Lankan crabs ($25 for three smaller crabs, $30 for two medium, $40 for two large), cooked in a variety of styles including salted egg yolk (additional $3), black pepper and chilli. The pricing system can get confusing but fret not — in our opinion, two medium crabs is just enough for two hungry tummies. Be sure to order the Mantou ($2 for six) to mop up the juices and gravy!
Come for an early lunch with your colleagues in tow and have Truly Test Kitchen's signature Hainanese Curry Rice (average $4, depending on the dishes you pick — you must get the deep-fried pork cutlet), along with other budget friendly dishes like the Sambal Spaghetti ($3.50) and homemade Yam or Pumpkin Cake ($2). Portion sizes are very generous and excellent value considering the prices, which explains the crazy lunch crowds.
Picture this: A giant platter of curried Italian arborio rice, topped with six chargrilled king prawns. The rice is creamy, the spices add amazing warmth and the prawns are juicy. It's no wonder this CBD cafe's Curry Prawn Risotto ($23) is a long-time favourite. The giant portion feeds two, and the icing on the cake? Prices are nett. This is definitely worth battling the dreaded post-lunch slump for.
Affordable lunch sets are hard to come by, even more so in the CBD. Thankfully, there's always Katanashi's Lunch Set ($12) to fall back on — this Boat Quay joint is just a short stroll from Raffles Place MRT Station. There are 10 rice bowls to choose from, and each comes with a side salad and miso soup. Go for the Unatama Don, grilled eel coated in a sweet soy sauce glaze, or the Chicken Teritama Don, deep-fried chicken drizzled with teriyaki sauce and mayonnaise, served with an onsen egg.
Located in Takashimaya's Gourmet Dining area, this place is always packed with people — with good reason! The seafood is fresh and portions are big, making it extremely value for money. Cod lovers should go for the Gindara Teriyaki Set ($14.50). Besides a generous slab of perfectly grilled fish, you get sides like salad, tofu, rice and miso soup, making it a meal that is guaranteed to leave you feeling full, satisfied and ready for round two of shopping!
Craving for something light, creamy and sweet after a meal? Head to Châteraisé for dainty treats that won't break the bank. You won't go wrong with the Double Fantasy Cream Puff ($1.90) — equal parts of light Hokkaido cream and velvety smooth custard packed in a chewy choux pastry. Each puff is individually packed, so it's easy enough to eat. Pro tip: Not a Westsider? Châteraisé has an outlet at Isetan Scotts supermarket — perfect for midday office snacking or to take (secretly) with you to the movies.
After a long day at work, nothing quite comforts like digging into a bubbling hot claypot! Bring a friend to this stall, located within Wang Jiao coffeeshop in Serangoon, to share the Nonya Chap Chye ($4.50) and Sesame Oil Chicken (from $4.80), boneless chicken with an umami soy gravy to drench your rice in. Feeling tired? Give yourself a boost with a bowl of Ginseng Herbal Fish Soup ($5.30). Expect generous chunks of fish in clear, flavourful broth with a hint of ginseng!
This no-frills restaurant next to Merely Ice Cream serves pocket-friendly Thai food, making it a hit amongst the students in the vicinity. Come with friends and order the Basil Pork Rice ($6), topped with a sunny side up egg, and a Tom Yum Goong ($10) to share. If it's available, have the Mango Sticky Rice ($5) before washing it all down with a cup of Thai Milk Tea ($1.50).
Fuel up on long shopping days at this Wisma Atria foodcourt stall. Prices start from $4.80 for a plate of original curry rice (fried toppings from additional $1.20) but if you're dining in a small group, go right for their famed Japanese Ultimate Original Curry Rice ($19.80) — it easily feeds three. Expect a heaping portion of white rice, pork cutlet, chicken cutlet, fried shrimp, hashbrown and a soft-boiled egg, slathered in their tasty curry sauce. As Burpple Tastemaker Julius Lim says: "It's go big or go home".
If you're hungry and in the Duxton area, head straight for this messy, brimming plate of Big Prawn Hor Fun ($16, good for 3-4). The rich gravy is full of umami, super prawn-y, and just a tiny bit spicy. The prawns are, well, big and so very succulent — well worth the price and the wait and you'll want to bring anyone you know here.
In the Dhoby Ghaut/Bras Basah area and in the mood for quality steak without breaking the bank? Look no further than The BetterField! You get to enjoy 200g of exquisite Black Angus steak for just $21.
Monstrously massive slab of beer battered fish in the heart of Orchard Road for only $8.90? Shiver me timbers, all aboard!
This Mexican grocer may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of tacos, but if you’re in the area, you should absolutely pop by! Priced at $10 for three pork or chicken tacos ($12 for bistec), these babies come fully loaded with rice, refried beans and lotsa pulled meat doused in lip-smacking sauce — so flavourful it’ll be like a Cinco de Mayo party in your mouth!
If that punny stall name isn’t enough to entice you, how about a succulent, meatilicious patty between fluffy buns with arugula and tomato jam for only $8? This kopitiam stall dishes out a decent fullblood Wagyu Steak Frites at $12.50 (with truffle salt!) too, and a gargantuan Fish Taco ($5.50) with two slabs of battered fish and spicy mayo. Pretty darn legit!
You shouldn't have to make the agonising decision between a red bean or peanut pancake if you love them both. At just 90 cents, you can get a mix of both red bean and peanut for the ultimate pancake here! There is almost always a queue for these soft, pillowy parcels, but you can pre-order a box for a mid-day treat for you and your colleagues.
Deconstructed desserts are usually associated with fine(r)-dining, but Lola's now offers a small variety of plated desserts. Ranging from just $7 to $10, these lovely treats taste as good as they look! Go for the beautifully caramelised French Toast ($9) or the Odd Fellow ($7), a refreshing combination of zippy passion fruit curd and basil ice cream.
It's always a challenge finding a waffle within Pasir Panjang, so why not settle for one from On The Table which is easy on the pocket. At $12 for a waffle with three scoops of ice cream, this is pretty much the sort of happiness that one can buy with money.
This joint allows you to enjoy a tasty, balanced meal of a Roasted Quarter Chicken with Hot Chips or Vegetables or Salad for just $12.50! Go for the cheesy, oozy baked cauliflower as one of your sides. Not in town? Check out their other outlets at Rochester Mall or China Square for a wholesome brunch, lunch or dinner.