Where to Eat in Singapore (For the Smart Spender)

Loy Kee Best Chicken Rice (Balestier)

In Singapore, Hainanese chicken rice isn’t just a dish - it’s a national obsession. You’ll find it everywhere from hawker stalls to hotel buffets, and everyone has their favourite. Considered by many locals as a comfort food, this humble dish of poached chicken served with fragrant rice, chilli, and ginger sauce is often the first thing Singaporeans recommend to visiting friends. In fact, chicken rice is so beloved here that it's often called Singapore’s unofficial national dish.

If you want a taste of heritage and quality without breaking the bank, Loy Kee Best Chicken Rice is a must. Established in the 1950s, this spot is one of Singapore’s oldest chicken rice institutions - and it shows. The chicken is consistently tender and juicy, the rice aromatic with just the right amount of chicken fat, and the accompanying sauces are bold and balanced. Even the setting feels nostalgic, with an old-school, retro diner vibe that adds to the experience.

A full meal costs only around $6 to $8, making it incredible value for such an iconic dish with decades of history behind it.

Top tip: Visit during off-peak hours (mid-morning or late afternoon) to skip the queue and fully soak in the charming, retro atmosphere.

Ice Cold Beer (Emerald Hill)

Tucked away in a beautifully preserved Peranakan shophouse along the heritage-rich Emerald Hill Road, Ice Cold Beer has earned its reputation as a laid-back institution among locals and savvy travellers alike. With its dim lights, unpretentious vibe, and nostalgic charm, it strikes the perfect balance between casual and cool - offering a welcome escape from the pricier bars of nearby Orchard Road.

As the name suggests, the beers here are served ice-cold and satisfying, with prices starting around $10, making it a smart choice for affordable drinks in central Singapore. Their beer list includes familiar international labels as well as a few craft options, and you can often catch live sports on screen or challenge friends to a game of pool or darts inside.

What keeps people coming back, though, isn’t just the drinks - it’s the food. Their crispy chicken wings are the stuff of local legend: golden, juicy, and perfect with a cold pint. Other bar bites like pizza and nachos are generous and fairly priced too, making it easy to share a satisfying meal without burning a hole in your wallet.

Top tip: Head there during happy hour or early in the evening for the best seats by the windows - and don’t leave without trying the wings.

Newton Food Centre

Yes, it’s a bit touristy - but Newton Food Centre still holds its own as one of Singapore’s most iconic hawker destinations. Known for its lively open-air setting and incredible variety, Newton is where locals and visitors alike gather for a casual, flavour-packed meal under the stars.

Located just minutes from Orchard Road, Newton offers an easy and atmospheric introduction to Singapore’s famous hawker culture. The sheer variety here is impressive: you’ll find BBQ stingray slathered in sambal, smoky satay skewers with peanut sauce, oyster omelettes, Hokkien mee, and the always-refreshing sugarcane or lime juice. Dishes are priced from $5 onwards, so you can try a bit of everything without spending more than $15-$20 per person.

Newton also gained international fame after being featured in the hit movie Crazy Rich Asians, and while prices here are slightly higher than in neighbourhood hawker centres, the energy and experience make up for it. The centre truly comes alive in the evening, with sizzling grills, the aroma of smoky seafood, and the buzz of happy diners under the night sky.

Top tip: Go with a group, order a mix of dishes to share, and embrace the open-air vibe. Don’t forget to end your meal with a refreshing local dessert like chendol or ice kachang.