25 Best Cheap Lunch in Singapore CBD (Under $15) — 2026 Guide
If you spend your weekdays working in the heart of the city, you know that hunting for a Cheap Lunch in Singapore CBD can often feel like an impossible mission. Between high-end bistros and $20 salads, finding a truly cheap lunch in Singapore CBD requires a bit of local “insider” knowledge.
The good news is there are plenty of cbd lunch under $15 options if you know where to look. From Raffles Place to Telok Ayer and Tanjong Pagar, you can find hearty meals that actually fill you up. Think sizzling noodles with wok hei, rice bowls packed with flavour, or fresh sandwiches at quick-service cafes.
This guide is all about Affordable Food in CBD and budget lunch Singapore options that save your wallet. We’ve rounded up 25 spots with fast service, tasty portions, and even lunch sets CBD workers swear by. Grab your wallet, loosen your tie, and let’s eat smart today.
Table of Contents
Quick Picks for Cheap Lunch in Singapore CBD
Best Overall: Big portion, tasty, worth the short wait.
Best Under $8: Cheap and filling, won’t leave you hungry.
Best Halal: Flavorful, fully certified, easy to find near MRT.
Fastest Lunch: Quick service, ready in minutes, good for tight schedules.
Best for Sitting & Chill: Spacious, air-conditioned, can linger without feeling rushed.
How We Chose These Places
We didn’t just Google “cheap food” and pick randomly. Every spot here had to pass a few real-world tests for budget lunch Singapore.
Under $15: Every main dish clocks in under $15. We focused on nett prices, and flagged spots where GST or service charge applies so your bill won’t shock you.
Within CBD / Near MRT: Only places you can reach in 10–15 minutes from Raffles Place, Tanjong Pagar, or Telok Ayer made it. Some extend slightly to Marina Bay or Chinatown, but no ulu locations.
Good Reviews & Menu Checks: We checked recent 2025–2026 reviews and menus to make sure portions, taste, and value still hold up. Some spots are average, and we’ll say it.
Halal & Veg Options: Lunch groups are mixed, so we verified Halal-certified or Muslim-owned stalls, plus solid vegetarian choices. Everyone should be able to grab a meal without compromise.
Quick CBD Area Guide for Lunch
Raffles Place
MRT: Raffles Place (NS26/EW14)
Food Type: Basement kiosks, premium salad bars, small hawker stalls.
Lunch Crowd Note: Packed and fast-moving. From 12:15 PM to 1:30 PM, expect long queues for elevators and limited seating.
Tanjong Pagar
MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW15)
Food Type: Korean stalls, grain bowls, trendy hawkers at Amoy Street.
Lunch Crowd Note: Slightly calmer than Raffles Place. You’ll see gym-goers grabbing protein bowls and office workers queuing for good hawker food.
Telok Ayer
MRT: Telok Ayer (DT18)
Food Type: Shophouse cafes, upscale noodles, local heritage dishes.
Lunch Crowd Note: Hip and busy. Street-level dining can be hot, so dress light if eating outdoors.
Marina Bay
MRT: Downtown (DT17) / Marina Bay (NS27)
Food Type: Air-conditioned food courts, polished takeaways, higher-end lunch sets.
Lunch Crowd Note: Concentrated underground, fast service, but watch prices—they can creep up.
Chinatown Fringe
MRT: Chinatown (NE4/DT19)
Food Type: Traditional hawker stalls, cheap Michelin eats, old-school desserts.
Lunch Crowd Note: Noisy, chaotic, fun. A 10-minute walk can get you a bargain if you don’t mind the crowd.
This short guide helps you spot affordable food in CBD without wandering too far from the MRT.
Since this area is right at the edge of the city, you can find even more variety in our Ultimate Chinatown Food Guide which features 20+ hidden gems nearby.
25 Best Affordable Lunch Spots in Singapore CBD (Under $15)
Han Kee Fish Soup

The queue at Amoy Street Food Centre snakes around like it’s part of the building, but the soup makes it worth every sweaty minute.
Sliced Fish Soup ($6/$8/$10)
If you’re hunting for a cheap lunch in Singapore CBD, this is classic comfort. Thick-cut batang barely visible under the clear, sweet broth. It’s protein-packed, clean-tasting, and filling without being jelak.
Address: #02-129, Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Rd, Singapore 069111
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (3 mins walk)
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 11am – 3pm
Not Halal. Seafood-focused. Takeaway popular—bring your own container to save $0.20.
Quick tip: Arrive by 11:15 am. After 12:30 pm, expect 40-minute waits.
Meatsmith, Telok Ayer

American smokehouse vibes with smoke wafting as you queue. The place is small, but the aroma is irresistible.
Cheeseburger ($10 on Tuesdays)
Normally $25+, the Tuesday takeaway promo is a steal. Thick smoky beef, molten cheddar, house pickles on a potato bun. Greasy, smoky, dangerously satisfying.
Address: 167-169 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068620
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (2 mins walk)
Opening Hours: Daily 11:30am – 11pm
Not Halal. Takeaway promo only.
Quick tip: Grab your burger and head to Telok Ayer Green park for a quick sit-down.
Super Simple

No-frills healthy spot for days when last night’s char kway teow still haunts you.
Custom Salad Bowl ($9.90)
Build a bowl under $10 with romaine or soba bases, protein toppings like sous-vide chicken or glazed tofu, and scratch-made dressings. A clean cheap lunch in Singapore CBD option that keeps you sharp for afternoon meetings.
Address: #01-04, International Plaza, 10 Anson Road, Singapore 079903
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (1 min walk)
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 11am – 8pm
Not Halal. Vegetarian options available. Primarily takeaway.
Quick tip: Pre-order if you can; the queue snakes quickly around the corridor.
Ah Lock & Co.

Hip take on heritage Hakka yong tau foo in a rice bowl. Modern vibes but comforting flavours.
Hakka Tofu Rice Bowl ($8.80)
Stuffed tofu and meatballs on fluffy Japanese rice with mani cai on the side. Add Thunder Tea soup for a herbal kick. A satisfying, filling affordable food in CBD choice.
Address: #B2-22/23/24, Guoco Tower, 7 Wallich St, Singapore 078884
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (Direct basement access)
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 10am – 8pm, Sat-Sun 10am – 6pm
Not Halal. Vegetarian-friendly options.
Quick tip: Add the Thunder Tea soup shot for $1 to balance the savory flavors.
Tangled Pasta

Fresh pasta made daily, served faster than you can boil instant noodles.
Truffle Mushroom or Aglio Olio ($8.90 – $9.90)
Fresh spinach, beetroot, or squid ink pasta, bouncy and flavorful. Grab a cheap lunch in Singapore CBD that actually feels premium for the price. Chinese takeout-style box keeps it warm.
Address: #B1-520, 9 Raffles Place, Republic Plaza, Singapore 048619
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (Direct basement access)
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 10:30am – 8:30pm
Not Halal. Vegetarian options available. Grab-and-go style.
Quick tip: Queue looks scary at 12:15 pm but moves fast; pasta cooks under 60 seconds.
Dumpling Darlings

Bright neon lights, energetic vibe, and noodles that bite back.
Braised Pork Noodles ($9)
Al dente noodles coated in savory sauce. Portion decent for the price. Dumplings ($8 for 5) are creative with fillings like smoked duck. A fun cheap lunch in Singapore CBD option that doesn’t hurt your wallet.
Address: 44 Amoy St, Singapore 069870
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (3 mins walk)
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 11am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 10pm
Not Halal. Vegetarian noodles available (Miso Mushroom).
Quick tip: Tiny space, so dabao if no seats. Eat at nearby park.
This spot is a favorite for a cheap lunch in Singapore CBD, and you can view their full Dumpling Darling Menu and Review in Singapore on our site for the latest 2026 prices.
Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe

A nostalgic trip back to 1950s Malaya with kopitiam classics.
Dry Mee Siam ($8.90)
Sometimes you just want old-school comfort in an air-conditioned setting. The Dry Mee Siam hits with a spicy, tangy punch that wakes you up instantly. Retro decor makes it perfect to bring a foreign colleague for a budget lunch Singapore experience. Toast sets are great if you want a lighter option.
Address: 5 Craig Rd, Singapore 089665
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (4 mins walk)
Opening Hours: Daily 7:30am – 8:30pm
Not Halal-certified (no pork/lard). Limited vegetarian items.
Quick tip: Their Kopi is thick and strong—a must-order to combat the post-lunch food coma.
A Noodle Story

Michelin Bib Gourmand ramen that fuses local wonton mee with Japanese techniques.
Singapore Style Ramen ($10.80)
Hawker dish at a premium price, but every component justifies it. Potato-wrapped prawn, sous-vide char siew, HK-style plump wontons, and a lava egg. Noodles tossed in umami-rich oil unique to this stall. Perfect for a cheap lunch in Singapore CBD splurge.
Address: #01-39, Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Rd, Singapore 069111
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (3 mins walk)
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 11am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Not Halal. No vegetarian options.
Quick tip: Sells out fast. Don’t arrive after 1:30 pm if you want a bowl.
Big Bowls Project

100% Muslim-owned stall serving Japanese donburi that looks and tastes expensive.
Mentaiko Salmon Bowl ($9.50)
Finding Halal Japanese food in a hawker centre is rare; finding it this good is a miracle. Torched salmon with creamy mentaiko mayo over tea-infused rice. Moist, flaky, healthy, and Instagram-worthy.
Address: #02-90, Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Rd, Singapore 069111
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (3 mins walk)
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am – 2pm
Halal-certified. Fish-based menu.
Quick tip: Try the “Homemade Recipe” bowl for around $8 to save extra.
Rayyan’s Waroeng Upnormal
Indonesian fusion that offers massive portions for pocket change.
Jumbo Penyet Classic ($6.50)
A huge piece of smashed fried chicken, crispy crumbs, tofu, and spicy sambal. Messy, greasy in the best way, and leaves you full. Fusion dishes like Balinese Gyudon add variety for affordable food in CBD lovers.
Address: #02-86, Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Rd, Singapore 069111
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (3 mins walk)
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am – 2:30pm
Halal-certified (Muslim-owned).
Quick tip: Ask for extra sambal if you can handle spice—it’s the soul of the dish.
Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice

The Anthony Bourdain-approved legend that lives up to the hype.
Chicken Rice ($5)
Yes, touristy. Yes, queue is long. But the rice is fragrant enough to eat alone, chicken smooth and gelatinous. Savory-sweet sauce ties it all together. Classic cbd lunch under $15 gem.
Address: #01-10/11, Maxwell Food Centre, 1 Kadayanallur St, Singapore 069184
Nearest MRT: Maxwell (1 min walk)
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 10am – 7:30pm
Not Halal. No vegetarian main.
Quick tip: Queue moves fast thanks to their assembly line system. Don’t be intimidated.
Liao Fan Hawker Chan

The cheapest Michelin meal in the world, now with air-conditioned comfort.
Soya Sauce Chicken Rice ($6.80)
Chicken skin caramelized and savory, noodles springy. $6.80 for Michelin recognition in the CBD is a steal. Char siew is also excellent if you want a dual meat plate.
Address: 78 Smith St, Singapore 058972
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (3 mins walk)
Opening Hours: Daily 10:30am – 8pm
Not Halal. Fast service, suitable for groups.
Quick tip: Char siew can be better than chicken—try a combo if you’re hungry.
It is impressive to find Michelin-tier food at this price point, making it a top contender in our list of the Best Hawker Food Singapore 2026.
Healthy Soba Iki

Authentic Japanese buckwheat noodles that are light on the stomach.
Cold Soba / Hot Soba ($10 – $12)
Why it’s worth it: Located in Raffles Place, this spot uses 100% organic buckwheat flour from Japan. It’s light and nutty, perfect if you want to avoid the post-lunch “carb coma.” The broth is rich in umami but not heavy, and the lunchtime queue moves quickly despite the CBD rush.
Address: #04-47, One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Place, Singapore 048616
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (Direct access)
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 11am – 9pm
Halal / Vegetarian / Takeaway note: Not Halal. Vegetarian broth options available.
Quick tip: Go for the Cold Soba with Lemon ($14) on hot days—it’s refreshing and light.
Wheat Baumkuchen

Healthy, low-calorie bowls that don’t taste like rabbit food.
Grilled Salmon Soba ($10)
Why it’s worth it: One of the OG healthy bowl spots in the CBD. For $10, you get a good slab of grilled salmon, green soba noodles, and salad. It’s simple, filling, and makes you feel like you made a responsible choice without spending $18 on kale.
Address: #B1-32, One Raffles Place, Singapore 048616 (Check for other CBD outlets)
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (Direct access)
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 10:30am – 9pm
Halal / Vegetarian / Takeaway note: Not Halal-certified. Vegetarian options available.
Quick tip: The “Bull Run” Teriyaki Chicken is slightly cheaper at $8 and very popular.
Greendot

Vegetarian food even meat-eaters happily queue for.
Signature Bento Sets ($10 – $12)
Why it’s worth it: Greendot modernized vegetarian food in Singapore. The Lion’s Mane Mushroom Rendang tastes like real meat—tender and fibrous. Bento sets come with rice, a main, and two sides of vegetables, giving you a balanced, guilt-free lunch in the CBD.
Address: #03-23/24/25, One Raffles Place, Singapore 048616
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (Direct access)
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 11am – 8:30pm
Halal / Vegetarian / Takeaway note: Vegetarian/Vegan friendly.
Quick tip: The Laksa noodles are a solid alternative if you aren’t in the rice bento mood.
Daily Green

Cheap vegetarian hawker food that hits the spot.
Vegetarian Nasi Lemak ($4.50)
Why it’s worth it: $4.50 meals in the CBD are rare. Daily Green serves Nasi Lemak, Laksa, and Chicken Rice all vegetarian mock-meat. It’s tasty, fast, and filling. The sambal is punchy, and the “chicken” is crispy.
Address: #02-86 (nearby unit), Amoy Street Food Centre / Various CBD Food Courts
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 7am – 3pm
Halal / Vegetarian / Takeaway note: 100% Vegetarian.
Quick tip: Try the Vegetarian Mutton Curry—it’s rich and perfect for dipping bread or rice.
Standing Sushi Bar

High-quality Japanese bowls at hawker prices if you time it right.
Weeknight Donburi ($9.90 with drink purchase)
Why it’s worth it: Great for late lunches or early dinners. On Mon/Thu for sashimi or weeknights at Marina One for Donburi, you can get fresh salmon and generous portions at a fraction of the usual price. The place feels premium but promos make it affordable.
Address: #B2-47, Marina One, 5 Straits View, Singapore 018935
Nearest MRT: Downtown (2 mins walk)
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am – 9pm
Halal / Vegetarian / Takeaway note: Not Halal. Vegetarian sushi rolls available.
Quick tip: The “Salmon Madness” deal usually needs a drink purchase but it’s still very cheap for the quality.
Rolling Rice

Authentic Korean comfort food in Marina Bay underground.
Kimchi Stew ($11.90)
Why it’s worth it: In Marina Square/Marina One fringe, it serves bubbling Kimchi Stew and Gimbap ($8.90). Portions are hearty and spicy, like something an ajumma made at home.
Address: #02-105A, Marina Square (Fringe) / Check Marina One directory
Nearest MRT: Promenade / Downtown
Opening Hours: Daily 11:30am – 9pm
Halal / Vegetarian / Takeaway note: Not Halal. Vegetarian Gimbap available.
Quick tip: Order the Tteokbokki to share—the sauce is addictive.
Chuan Hung Noodles

Sichuan flavors that numb the tongue and warm the soul.
Signature Braised Beef Rice Noodle ($13.50)
Why it’s worth it: Tucked in Telok Ayer, this spot specializes in Mian Yang rice noodles. The broth is earthy, spicy, and aromatic with vine peppers. Beef is tender, noodles have a distinct texture, premium feel but budget-friendly.
Address: #01-01, 51 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 048441
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (1 min walk)
Opening Hours: Daily 11am – 9pm
Halal / Vegetarian / Takeaway note: Not Halal. Spicy!
Quick tip: Add Fried Crispy Pig Intestines ($5.50) if you’re feeling adventurous—they’re delightfully crunchy.
Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow

Smoky “wok hei” goodness right in the middle of Lau Pa Sat.
Fried Kway Teow ($7.50)
Why it’s worth it: Lau Pa Sat can be a tourist trap, but this stall is the real deal. It’s a Michelin Bib Gourmand holder from their Old Airport Rd heritage. The noodles are fried to order with a smoky char you can smell from meters away. Sweet, savory, and greasy perfection that makes the calories worth it.
Address: Stall 74-75, Lau Pa Sat, 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (5 mins walk)
Opening Hours: Daily 11am – 10pm
Halal / Vegetarian / Takeaway note: Not Halal. No vegetarian option (lard is key).
Quick tip: Expect a 15-20 minute wait during peak lunch. Ask for “more hum” (cockles) if you want the full experience.
Thunder Tea Rice

The ultimate health bowl for when you’ve eaten too much oily food.
Thunder Tea Rice ($6.20)
Why it’s worth it: Located in Lau Pa Sat and Amoy, this is a bowl of rice topped with chopped vegetables, peanuts, tofu, and anchovies, served with a green herbal tea soup. It’s an acquired taste for some, but for fans, it’s the ultimate detox lunch. Cheap, filling, and makes you feel virtuous after eating it.
Address: Stall 25, Lau Pa Sat / Amoy Street Food Centre
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place / Tanjong Pagar
Opening Hours: Daily 10am – 9pm
Halal / Vegetarian / Takeaway note: Not Halal. Vegetarian if you ask to remove anchovies (ikan bilis).
Quick tip: Mix the soup into the rice for a porridge-like consistency, or drink it separately if you prefer the crunch.
Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang

Michelin-recognized Nasi Lemak with a spicy Indonesian twist.
Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang ($8.50)
Why it’s worth it: Standard Nasi Lemak is great, but this version comes with a grilled chicken leg coated in a spicy Lombok-style sauce (Taliwang). The rice is fragrant with coconut, the egg is perfectly fried, and the chili kicks hard. It’s a level up from your standard food court fare.
Address: Stall 71, Lau Pa Sat, 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (5 mins walk)
Opening Hours: Daily 9am – 10pm
Halal / Vegetarian / Takeaway note: Halal-certified.
Quick tip: The grilled chicken takes a bit longer to prepare than fried chicken, so factor in an extra 5 minutes.
Good Day
Wok hei masterclass for a five-dollar note.
Beef Hor Fun ($5)
Why it’s worth it: Another Amoy Street gem. The “Wok Hei” (breath of the wok) here is strong. The flat rice noodles are seared perfectly, and the beef is surprisingly tender for the price point. Wet, gravy-laden mess of deliciousness that puts restaurant hor fun to shame.
Address: #01-25, Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Rd, Singapore 069111
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (3 mins walk)
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 10:30am – 7pm
Halal / Vegetarian / Takeaway note: Not Halal. No vegetarian option.
Quick tip: It’s tucked in a corner on the first floor; look for the bright yellow signboard.
Korio

New York-style sandwiches that are messy, cheesy, and glorious.
Breakfast Sammie ($12)
Why it’s worth it: Recently reopened at IOI Central Boulevard Towers, Korio is cult-famous for a reason. Their sandwiches are stacked with quality ingredients—spam, egg mayo, cheddar—on perfectly toasted brioche or sourdough. It’s indulgent, but fits the budget if you stick to breakfast or grilled cheese options.
Address: #01-02, IOI Central Boulevard Towers, 2 Central Blvd, Singapore 018916
Nearest MRT: Downtown / Marina Bay (2 mins walk)
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 8am – 4pm (or until sold out)
Halal / Vegetarian / Takeaway note: Not Halal. Vegetarian Grilled Cheese available. Strictly takeaway.
Quick tip: Pre-order via their website if possible, or arrive by 11:30 am. They sell out of doughnuts and popular sandos fast.
Katsu-an

Japan’s massive katsu chain offering unbelievable prices.
Katsu Don ($5.90)
Why it’s worth it: Located at Suntec City (CBD fringe, walkable from Esplanade/Promenade), this place is a disruptor. A proper bowl of Japanese rice topped with a freshly fried pork cutlet and egg for under $6 is unheard of in 2026. Fast, tasty, and cheaper than a food court meal.
Address: #B1-149A, Suntec City Tower 2, 3 Temasek Blvd, Singapore 038983
Nearest MRT: Promenade (5 mins walk)
Opening Hours: Daily 10am – 10pm
Halal / Vegetarian / Takeaway note: Not Halal. No vegetarian main.
Quick tip: Ordering is done via iPad, making it very introvert-friendly and efficient.
Best Hawker Picks (Under $8)
Tian Tian Chicken Rice (Maxwell) – $5
Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow (Lau Pa Sat) – $7.50
Han Kee Fish Soup (Amoy Street) – $6
Rayyan’s Waroeng Upnormal (Amoy Street) – $6.50
Good Day Beef Hor Fun (Amoy Street) – $5
Best Lunch Sets (Under $15)
Pepper Lunch (Various) – Weekday lunch sets ~$11.90
Moi Lum (Maxwell) – Cantonese Set Lunch ~$8.90
Greendot (Raffles Place) – Bento Sets ~$10-$12
Healthy Soba Iki (Raffles Place) – Soba Sets ~$12
Standing Sushi Bar (Marina One) – Donburi Promo ~$9.90
Halal-Friendly Spots
Big Bowls Project (Amoy Street) – Salmon Don
Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang (Lau Pa Sat) – Spicy Chicken
Rayyan’s Waroeng Upnormal (Amoy Street) – Ayam Penyet
Uptown Nasi Lemak (Telok Ayer) – Nasi Lemak ($10-12)
Old Chang Kee (Various) – Curry Puff & Bee Hoon sets (~$5)
Grab-and-Go Lunch
Super Simple (International Plaza) – Salads
Korio (IOI Central Blvd) – Sandwiches
Tangled (Republic Plaza) – Pasta boxes
Samwitche (Various) – Beef Sandwiches
Omnivore (Various) – Salad/Protein bowls
Vegetarian Options
Daily Green (Amoy/CBD) – Local vegetarian fare ($4.50)
Greendot (One Raffles Place) – Modern meat-free bentos
Thunder Tea Rice (Lau Pa Sat) – Detox rice bowls
Warung Ijo (Beach Rd – Fringe) – Indonesian Veg
Yong Tau Foo (Various Hawkers) – Pick veggie items only (~$6)
Budget Lunch Tips in CBD
- Go before 11:30 AM to beat the lunch rush and secure a seat.
- Use apps like ShopBack, Burpple Beyond, or Eatigo for discounts.
- Keep loyalty cards for freebies at SaladStop!, Thehttps://www.thedailycut.sg/ Daily Cut, and coffee chains.
- Check seafood prices at Cai Fan/Nasi Padang—”market price” can be expensive.
- Ask for tap water—it’s free and safe.
If you are in a rush and need a cheap lunch in Singapore CBD even faster, check out our guide to Cheap Fast Food Singapore for many meals under 10 dollars.
Best Time to Visit
- Weekdays: 11:15–11:45 AM or after 1:30 PM. Avoid 12:15–1:15 PM.
- Fridays: Hawkers quieter, restaurants busier.
- Rainy Days: Use basements like Marina Bay Link Mall, Republic Plaza, Guoco Tower.
Practical Info
- Payment: QR codes accepted; carry $20 cash just in case.
- Seating: “Chope” tables with tissue, umbrella, or staff pass.
- Takeaway: $0.20–$0.50; BYO container saves money and can get extra ingredients.
- Tray Return: Mandatory; fines apply if ignored.
FAQ
Are these prices nett?
For hawker stalls like Maxwell, Amoy, and Lau Pa Sat, yes. For cafes and restaurants like Meatsmith or Standing Sushi Bar, expect 10% service charge and 9% GST unless it says “nett.”
Any meals under $5 in the CBD?
Yes. Daily Green has vegetarian meals at $4.50. Some Economy Rice stalls do 2 veggies + 1 meat for ~$4.50. Tian Tian Chicken Rice starts at $5.
Which hawker centre is best for tourists?
Lau Pa Sat is beautiful and tourist-friendly. Maxwell is famous for Tian Tian. Amoy Street is popular with office workers for variety.
Can I find healthy food under $10?
Definitely. Super Simple ($9.90), Thunder Tea Rice ($6.20), and Fish Soup stalls ($6) are light and affordable.
Are any of these halal?
Yes. Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang at Lau Pa Sat is halal. Rayyan’s Waroeng Upnormal is also halal-friendly.
Can I eat after 2pm?
Mostly yes, but some lunch sets end by 2pm. Hawker stalls usually stay open later, up to 3–4pm or longer.
Is it safe to leave belongings to ‘chope’ a seat?
Usually safe. Tissue packets or an umbrella are respected, but don’t leave valuables like laptops or phones unattended.







