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10 Best Cheap Meals in Singapore Under $3
Looking for the best cheap meals in Singapore? Here are 10 meals under $3 that are tasty, filling, and perfect for anyone on a budget in 2025.
When I first moved to Singapore for work, I didn’t know where to find good, affordable food.
Everything looked expensive at first.
But then I found the real gems — cheap food in Singapore that tastes amazing and fills your stomach.
I’ve been eating like this for years. These are 10 meals under $3 that I always go back to. If you’re new here, you should try them too.
📊 Quick Table: My Favourite Cheap Eats
| Meal Name | Price | Where to Find |
| Kaya Toast Set | $2.80 | Ya Kun, Toast Box, local kopitiams |
| Nasi Lemak | $2.50–$3 | Boon Lay, Adam Road, heartland stalls |
| Vegetarian Bee Hoon | $2.50 | Fortune Centre, most hawker centres |
| Economy Rice | $3 | Mixed rice stalls all over SG |
| Chicken Porridge | $2.80 | Maxwell, Chinatown |
| Fried Kway Teow | $3 | Old Airport Road, Bedok |
| Mee Rebus | $3 | Albert Centre, local Malay stalls |
| Soon Kueh/Yam Cake | $1.20–$1.50 each | Tiong Bahru, Toa Payoh |
| Roti Prata (2 pcs) | $2.50 | Springleaf, Indian Muslim stalls |
| Teh O Ice / Kopi O | $1.20 | Most kopitiams |
Can read more details below
1. Kaya Toast Set – $2.80
You get two slices of kaya toast, two soft-boiled eggs, and a hot drink.
This is my go-to breakfast before work.It’s cheap, tasty, and feels very local.
2. Nasi Lemak – $2.50 to $3
Fragrant rice, sambal, egg, and crunchy ikan bilis.Some stalls even add chicken for no extra cost.
Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak is my personal favourite.
3. Vegetarian Bee Hoon – $2.50
Simple, clean, and affordable.You’ll get bee hoon, tofu skin, veggies, and maybe a mock meat slice.
Great for light lunch or breakfast.
4. Economy Rice (2 Veg + 1 Meat) – $3
Pick 2 vegetables and 1 meat — this is very common in Singapore.
Tofu and cabbage are cheap, and curry chicken is tasty and affordable.
Just say “more rice, please” and they’ll usually give extra.
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5. Chicken Porridge – $2.80
Warm, soft, and comforting.
Perfect for rainy days or when you’re feeling tired.Most stalls serve it with spring onions and fried dough (youtiao).
6. Fried Kway Teow – $3
This one’s heavy and flavorful.
Flat noodles fried with egg, sausage, and sometimes cockles.
Try the version from Old Airport Road Food Centre — famous and still cheap.
7. Mee Rebus – $3
A bowl of yellow noodles in thick, sweet-spicy gravy.It comes with egg, tofu, and a squeeze of lime.This one fills you up fast.
8. Soon Kueh or Yam Cake – $1.20–$1.50 each
These are steamed Chinese snacks.
Get two pieces and you’re good.Tastes soft, chewy, and very comforting — especially yam cake.
9. Roti Prata (2 pieces) – $2.50
Flaky, hot, and crispy prata with curry dip.You can get 2 kosong (plain) for under $3.Add egg if you can spend a bit more.
10. Teh O Ice / Kopi O – $1.20
No meal is complete without a drink.
Teh O Ice is my daily favourite — cold and slightly sweet.
Gives you energy and keeps you cool in the Singapore heat.
Bonus Tips for Cheap Food in Singapore
- Heartland areas are cheaper – Eat in Yishun, Woodlands, Bedok, or Boon Lay.
- Bring your own container – Save 20–30 cents on takeaway.
- Go during non-peak hours – Before 12pm or after 2pm, less crowd and sometimes more food.
- Be friendly to hawkers – Some will give you more if you smile and talk nicely.
First Thing First
You don’t need a big budget to enjoy good food here.These 10 best cheap meals in Singapore under $3 are part of my daily life.
They’re affordable, filling, and make you feel like home.
If you’re new here, try them one by one.You’ll soon know which one becomes your go-to meal too.
