Cheap cafes in Singapore
There’s a reason why many of us are willing to bring our passports and cross the border just to visit the cafes in Johor Bahru: prices are so much cheaper there. But with our guide to the best cheap cafes in Singapore with mains under $20, you no longer need to travel abroad just to experience the joys of cafe-hopping without feeling too guilty about your spending.
Table of Contents
1. Go Rogue
Previously known as 46Mittsu, my go-to sando store, this cafe has since rebranded to Go Rogue. You can find them in Clarke Quay with a brand-new simple and industrial look, though they still specialise in sandwiches.
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You can’t go wrong with Rouge’s Supreme ($17), comprising cold cuts with creamy burrata, confit tomato, egg white, and romaine lettuce. Those who missed 46Mittsu’s classic BEC ($14) can still get the popular sandwich, starring the must-haves of bacon, eggs, and cheese here! For a balanced meal, we recommend pairing your sandos with the Backyard Greens ($13), packed with a vibrant mix of baby spinach, quail egg, slices of orange and more.Â
Read our Go Rogue review.
Address: 20 North Canal Road, #01-01, Singapore 048832
Opening hours: Mon-Wed, 9am to 3pm, Mon-Sat 9am to 3pm, 6:30pm to 10pmÂ
Website
Go Rogue is not a halal-certified eatery.
Go Rogue Review: New Sando Cafe By 46 Mittsu Owners In Clarke Quay
2. Daily Mujo
Daily Mujo is a cosy under-HDB cafe in Bedok, where you can indulge in affordable mains while enjoying the Japandi vibes here. Plus, everything on the menu is nett!
Their Laksa Hokkien Mee ($11) caught our attention as it’s a lesser-seen option at cafes. A plate comes with thick bee hoon and tau kwa mixed with laksa sauce, then generously topped with three tiger prawns. Pair your main with their Kopi Latte ($4) or Mango Matcha Latte ($7); the former features a creamy milk foam atop kopi bing, while the latter gives you a lovely balance of bittersweet flavours thanks to the combination of mango puree and matcha.
Read our Daily Mujo review.Â
Address: 84 Bedok North Street 4, #01-27, Singapore 460084
Opening hours: Daily 8:30am to 9pm
Website
Daily Mujo is not a halal-certified eatery.
This Under-HDB Cafe In Bedok Has Japandi Vibes And Mains Under $20
3. Swee Lee Clarke Quay
If we had to pick one vibey cafe in Singapore that brings food and music together, we’d choose Swee Lee Clarke Quay in a heartbeat. Here’s a tip: the cafe has Wi-Fi and power points, which makes for an ideal space for work-from-home days.
For something different yet familiar, we recommend the Kaya French Toast & Dippy Eggs ($17). This comes with a thick brioche French toast with two soft-boiled eggs, and a side of pandan kaya custard to drizzle over. Else, their Spinach + Cheese Toastie ($15) is the way to go—you get a neatly halved, toasted sourdough sandwich packed with melted cheese and spinach, alongside a house-made marinara sauce. They have pasta mains such as Seafood Aglio Olio ($18) and Carbonara ($16) too! Since you’re already there, get their Kopiccino ($10), a specialty drink comprising double espresso, crunchy chocolate balls, oat milk, and a bit of Baileys.
Read our Swee Lee Clarke Quay review.
Address: Blk 3B River Valley Road, #01-06, Clarke Quay, Singapore 179021
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9pm
Website
Swee Lee Clarke Quay is not a halal-certified eatery.
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4. Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe
When Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe opened their first outlet in Tanjong Pagar, there was a snaking long queue in front of the old-school eatery even during off-peak hours. Now that they have found a second home at 111 Somerset, getting a seat is no longer a hassle.
If you’re planning a visit to their Somerset cafe, make sure to get their outlet-exclusive items such as Claypot Mee Tai Mak ($9.90+), Curry Chicken Chee Cheong Fun ($9.90+), and Milo Toast ($4+). Out of the lot, we recommend the Claypot Mee Tai Mak for a hearty and delicious meal. This tastes best when you mix the raw egg with all the other ingredients: prawns, minced meat, and mushrooms drenched in a savoury black sauce. Also, don’t forget to give their Sai Ka Hor ($3+ for hot, $5+ for cold) a try. This indulgent drink blends tea and milo for a sweet and refreshing treat.Â
Read our Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe review.
Tanjong Pagar outlet
Address: 5 Craig Road, Singapore 089665
Opening hours: Daily 7:30am to 9:30pm
Somerset outlet
Address: 111 Somerset Rd, #01-09, Singapore 238164
Opening hours: Daily 7:30am to 8:30pm
Website
Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.Â
5. B For Bagel
B For Bagel, a popular Korean bagel brand, has come a long way since opening at Tanglin Mall in 2022. Currently, they have a total of three outlets, including one at Great World and another at Parkway Parade, though only their Tanglin Mall branch has a dine-in space.
Their display sees a huge range of bagels, and our top picks are the Bacon Cheese Omelette ($15.90) and Green Onion Cream Cheese ($7.90). These are not just great to have on the go but are also sure to fill you up! The former bagel is generously packed with an omelette, bacon, and cheddar cheese, and drizzled with dill yoghurt sauce and maple syrup as the finishing touches. Then, the latter is a lesser-seen flavour starring chewy sesame bagel loaded with cream cheese and chopped green onion.Â
Read our B For Bagel review.
Website | Full list of locations
B For Bagel is not a halal-certified eatery.
B For Bagel Review: Korean Bagel Shop In Tanglin Mall With Smoked Salmon And Peach Bagels
6. Cafe Gui
Image credit: @saltyaaron
Not all brunch spots are about Western fare and floor-to-ceiling windows with plenty of sunlight. Cafe Gui in Chinatown is a great example as you can dine at a traditional Korean house-inspired space with Japanese and Korean-themed mains.
Their Dosirak ($15.90+/$18.90+) sells like hotcakes here. This traditional Korean-inspired lunch box comes packed with rice topped with an egg, seaweed shreds, and sesame seeds, alongside vegan luncheon meat on the side and fresh kimchi on the other. If this alone isn’t substantial enough, get the Black Truffle Gyoza ($9.90+) for five pieces of fried dumplings served with truffle mayo on the side. Finally, wash everything down with a Dalgona Honeycomb Coffee ($9.90+). This drink is essentially an iced latte topped with crunchy honeycomb toffee.
Read our Cafe Gui review.
Address: 278 South Bridge Road, #01-01, Singapore 058827
Opening hours: Thurs-Sat 10:30am to 9:30pm, Sun 10:30am to 5pm, Mon-Tue 10:30am to 6:30pm
Website
Cafe Gui is not a halal-certified eatery.
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7. Jakarta Ropang Project
Bring your loved ones to Jakarta Ropang Project, an Indonesian cafe in Somerset, to indulge in hearty Balinese rice dishes and desserts this weekend. The minimalist cafe with Bali vibes provides a cosy, inviting space for quality time over lunch or dinner.
It’s a must to get their signature Nasi Bali ($12.90++); this traditional Balinese dish sees shredded chicken and eggplant as the main ingredients, alongside some veggies, hard-boiled egg, and crackers to go with the rice. If you prefer noods to rice, consider their Sop Bakso ($11.90++): a bowl of noodles and soup with Indonesian beef balls, which are known to be firmer and meatier. And finally, end your meal on a sweet note with the Keju Coklat Susu ($7.50++), which is essentially banana fritters drenched in condensed milk and topped with cheese and chocolate sprinkles.
Read our Jakarta Ropang Project review.
Address: 111 Somerset Road, #01-08, TripleOne Somerset, Singapore 238164
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am to 10pm
Website
Jakarta Ropang Project is not a halal-certified eatery.
This New Indonesian Cafe In Somerset Has Chio Interiors And Mains Under $15
8. Pancakes and Friends
Tucked away at Far East Plaza is Pancakes and Friends, a cafe serving up wallet-friendly pancakes, bagels, and rosti at nett prices.
Most of their bagels are priced under $10, such as the savoury Smoked Salmon Cheese ($8), which comes loaded with smoked salmon and fresh arugula. For something sweet, get the Hokkaido Milk Pancake ($12) instead—a huge plate of souffle pancakes topped with house-made milk cream and muesli, alongside a scoop of Hokkaido milk gelato on the side.
Read our Pancakes and Friends review.
Address: 14 Scotts Road, #01-34, Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 9:30pm
Website
Pancakes and Friends is not a halal-certified eatery.
This Hidden Cafe At Far East Plaza Has Affordable Bagels And Souffle Pancakes
9. Jack Marzoni’s
Jack Marzoni’s is a fairly new kid on the Bugis block. This Muslim-friendly cafe has loaded sandwiches in a range of 10 different flavours, all under $18, and is a nine-minute walk from Bugis or Jalan Besar MRT Station.
If you can’t decide what to get, go for their Cheeky Tongue ($16.90). This hearty sandwich is packed with braised beef tongue and cheek with kombu butter, mozzarella, seared tomatoes, pickled salad, fried shallots, and kerisik cream cheese. For the uninitiated, kerisik is grated coconut that’s fried and pounded to achieve a paste-like consistency! Then there’s Burrrrr ($14.90), which sees burrata, smashed hashbrowns, sauteed bell peppers and peach for a sweet-savoury finish.
Read our Jack Marzoni’s review.Â
Address: 7 Jalan Pisang, Singapore 199074
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am to 9pm
Website
Jack Marzoni’s is not a halal-certified eatery.
Jack Marzoni’s Review: New Muslim-Owned Sandwich Cafe With Nett Prices In Bugis
10. Korio
Image credit: Anthia Chng
ICYMI: Popular sandwich shop Korio has reopened its doors in the CBD! The small and cosy cafe, located a three-minute walk from Downtown MRT Station, is known for their loaded sandwiches, all priced under $20.
Image credit:Â @koriosg
The Mushroom Melt ($16.50) is a must-try; this savoury sandwich comprises roasted mushrooms with gooey provolone cheese, basil mayo, egg, and arugula, stacked between two sourdough slices. If you want something richer, we recommend their Mortadella & Pickles ($15.50), which stars grilled mortadella ham, provolone cheese, mustard mayo, and house pickles, all held together by a sweet potato roll. While you’re here, don’t miss out on their fluffy brioche doughnuts too, in flavours such as Honey Sea Salt ($5.50) and Cinnamon Sugar with Whipped Maple Butter ($5.50).
Check out our Korio review!
Address: 2 Central Boulevard, #01-11, IOI Towers, Singapore 018916
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm, Sat 8am to 2pm
Website
Korio is not a halal-certified eatery.
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11. 9Toast
If you’re looking for a light and quick bite near Dhoby Ghaut, you’ll find it here at 9Toast. Fairly new to the cafe scene, this spot has been gaining traction online for their pretty taro latte and affordable sando!
On the food front, you can fill up on their Creamy Tamago Sando ($12.50), which comes loaded with egg salad sandwiched between two thick slices of shokupan bread. Alternatively, the Chicken Katsu Sando ($15.50) is an excellent pick if you want something heartier. This sandwich comes with a deep-fried chicken patty and lettuce to cut through the grease. Don’t leave without trying their signature Purple Haze Latte ($7.90), featuring house-made orh nee, purple sweet potato, and milk.
Read our 9Toast feature!
Address: 190 Clemenceau Avenue, #01-18, Singapore Shopping Centre, Singapore 239924
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10:30am to 6pm, Sat-Sun 10am to 7pm
Tel:Â 8905 0253
Website
9Toast is not a halal-certified eatery.
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12. Oriental Kopi
Oriental Kopi fans no longer have to cross the border for their nasi lemak fix, as the Malaysian cafe has opened in Singapore! The new Bugis Junction cafe offers the brand’s signature mains, including Oriental Signature Nasi Lemak ($9.50++) and Penang Char Kuey Teow ($7.50++). Most items are priced under $10++.
You’ve got to try their famous Oriental Signature Nasi Lemak, which comes with all the must-haves in a nasi lemak: crispy fried chicken leg, an egg, fragrant steamed rice, a dollop of sambal sauce, ikan bilis, fried peanuts, and sliced cucumbers. On our recent visit, the chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside with tender and flavourful meat. The pandan-scented rice was equally delicious, with its fluffy texture and lemak flavour.
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Website
Oriental Kopi is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
Check out our Oriental Kopi review.
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13. Tipo Strada
Homegrown chain Tipo Strada recently opened another outlet at Wheelock Place, following their successful launch in Bendemeer. You get to choose from the brand’s handmade pastas, all priced under $20++—a steal in this economy.
The dishes are split into four sections—Red, White, Pink, and Favourites—and you get to choose from three types of pastas that are made in-house. You won’t go wrong with the Creamy Crab ($19.90++), paired with Malfadine pasta; this main is packed with tender crab chunks and al dente pasta, drenched in a spicy garlic cream sauce. We’re also fans of the Black Prawn ($19.90++), packed with umami from the squid ink sauce and tiger prawns.
Check out our Tipo Strada review.
Address: 501 Orchard Road, #02-17/17A, Wheelock Place, Singapore 238880
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Website
Tipo Strada is a Muslim-owned eatery
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14. Abundance
Those living in the East have another reason to rejoice: Abundance recently opened their third outlet at Century Square in Tampines! The popular cafe serves a great lineup of Taiwanese-inspired mains and snacks, from buns to noodles.
The Century Egg Noodles ($13.90++) is a new item on the menu, featuring thick-cut noodles with stir-fried minced pork and a piquant century egg sauce. We found the noodles springy with a good bite, clinging on well to the sauce mix. Here’s a pro tip: add a spoonful of Abundance’s house-made chilli sauce to cut through the richness of everything. If you’re not a fan of century egg, you can order the brand’s signature Niu Yolk Fried Rice ($19++), where pearl fried rice is topped with 24-hour slow-cooked beef short ribs and a runny onsen egg.
Read our Abundance coverage!
Address: 2 Tampines Central 5, #01-35, Century Square, Singapore 529509
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Website
Abundance is not a halal-certified eatery.
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15. Whiskdom
Another cafe to add to the list of East-side food gems is Whiskdom, which has just opened in the quiet residential estate of Jalan Pari Burong in Bedok. The new cafe offers affordable bagels and mains, mostly priced under $20+.
Order the Double Tropicana ($17+), a hearty bagel sandwich starring two fried chicken cutlets with juicy pineapple, romaine lettuce, and sweet barbecue sauce. Other must-try bagel flavours include the popular Eggsplode ($14)—creamy egg mayo joined by cheddar and mozzarella—and K-Baegal ($17+), a Korean-inspired sandwich with kimchi, gochujang aioli, and baked chicken thigh. You can also fill up on carby mains such as Beef Ragu Bolognese ($19+) and Chicken Alfredo ($19+) here.
Check out our Whiskdom review!
Address: 30 Jalan Pari Burong, Singapore 488696
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 11am to 9pm, Fri 11am to 10pm, Sat 10am to 10pm, Sun 10am to 9pm
Tel: 8907 8981
Website
Whiskdom is not a halal-certified eatery.
Whiskdom Opens Cafe In Bedok With Loaded Bagels, Waffles And More
Best cheap cafes in Singapore
With this handy list of cheap cafes in Singapore, the 9% GST will be less of a problem for your wallet. If you’re on a tighter budget, worry not—check out our guide to cheap Korean food places in Singapore. Otherwise, find out the best cheap restaurants in Singapore.
30 Must-Try Cheap Restaurants In Singapore, Including Those With Mains Under $10
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