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 lower 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
What are the best cheap cafes in Singapore?
Whether you prefer local dishes or are more skewed towards Western cuisine, you can trust that these cafes in Singapore will provide cheap and good food. Here’s where to visit on your next brunch sesh.Â
1. Rogue
Image credit: @flatwhitecollar
Previously known as 46Mittsu, my go-to sando store, this cafe has since rebranded to Rogue. You can find them in Clarke Quay with a brand-new, simple and industrial look, though they still specialise in sandwiches.
You can’t go wrong with the Smoked Brisket ($21), featuring smoked beef brisket with tangy slaw, gherkins, and a sunny-side-up egg. 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 sando with the Tamagozilla ($14), packed with a vibrant mix of egg salad, tamago, and smoked scarmoza.
Address: 18 North Canal Road, Singapore 048830
Opening hours: Â Tue-Sun 9am to 5pm
Website
Rogue is not halal-certified.
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 ($12) 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 Matcha Latte ($7); the former features a creamy milk foam atop kopi bing, while the latter is made with Matchaya powder.Â
BTW, you can use your CDC Vouchers here!
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 halal-certified.
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, affordable 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.
Their Spinach + Cheese Toastie ($17) 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 ($21) and Carbonara ($18.50) too! Since you’re already there, get their ice cream too, available at $5.50 for a single scoop, and $10 for two.
Read our Swee Lee Clarke Quay review.
Address: Blk 3B River Valley Road, #01-06, Clarke Quay, Singapore 179021
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12pm to 9pm, Sat-Sun 10:30am to 10pm
Website
Swee Lee Clarke Quay is not halal-certified.
This Work-Friendly Cafe In Clarke Quay Has Brunch Under $20 And Free Vinyl Listening Stations
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 8:30pm
Somerset outlet
Address: 111 Somerset Rd, #01-09, Singapore 238164
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 8:30pm
Website
Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe is not halal-certified.
5. Alani
Tucked away on the rooftop of KADA at Maxwell, Alani is run by Greek-Cypriot chef-owner Alberto Simillides—the same person behind private dining concept Proud Potato Peeler next door. The menu is built around bread-centric dishes with strong Greek and Levantine influences, all made using a 14-year-old Greek sourdough starter.
Standout items include the San Marzano Tomato & Burrata ($18++), a hefty open-fired sourdough bake with a rich tomato puree and generous burrata centre, and the Greek Yoghurt Banana Cake ($12++), which is moist, well-spiced, and dangerously easy to finish. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Read our Alani feature.
Address: 5 Kadayanallur Street, Level 4, KADA, Singapore 069183
Opening hours: Wed-Fri 10:30am to 3pm, Sat 9am to 4pm, Sun 9am to 3:30pm
Website
Alani is not halal-certified.
We Tried This Popular Rooftop Bakery Cafe In Maxwell By A Greek-Cypriot Chef
6. Cafe Gui
Image credit: SB Lee via Google Maps
Not all cheap brunch cafes in Singapore 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 Signature Dosirak Ricebox ($17+) 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 ($11+) 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. FYI: You can enjoy free filtered water here!
Read our Cafe Gui review.
Address: 278 South Bridge Road, #01-01, Singapore 058827
Opening hours: Mon, Wed-Sat 11am to 9:30pm, Sun 11am to 6pm
Website
Cafe Gui is not halal-certified.
Cafe Gui Opens In Chinatown With Hanok-Inspired Decor And Japanese-Korean Mains Under $20
7. Hello Arigato
Hello Arigato has become one of Singapore’s most recognisable sando cafes, with six outlets now spread across the island, including Joo Chiat, Upper Thomson, and Everton Park. The menu centres around shokupan-based sandwiches and brunch plates, with highlights such as the Tamago Sando ($14++), featuring a thick, creamy egg salad between pillowy milk bread.
There’s also the Chicken Katsu Sando ($16++), which sees a thicc chicken katsu layered with house-made Tonkatsu sauce, pickled apples, and slaw. For drinks, we recommend the Coco Matcha Cloud ($5.50) for a refreshing and earthy treat.
Read our Hello Arigato review.
Website | Full list of locations
Hello Arigato is not halal-certified.
Hello Arigato Everton Park Review: $13+ Tamago Sando, Matcha Cloud And More
8. Pancakes and Friends
Tucked away at Far East Plaza is Pancakes and Friends, an affordable cafe in Singapore 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 10:30am to 9:30pm
Website
Pancakes and Friends is not halal-certified.
This Hidden Cafe At Far East Plaza Has Affordable Bagels And Souffle Pancakes
9. Tolido’s Espresso Nook
A Melbourne-inspired brunch cafe that’s been around since 2013, Tolido’s Espresso Nook in Lavender has built a loyal following for its hearty breakfast fare and solid coffee. The menu is compact but well-rounded, spanning all-day brunch, sandwiches, rosti, pasta, and sides.
A crowd favourite here is the Avo & Omega Rosti ($24+), a crispy potato rosti topped with sour cream, avocado, smoked salmon, and a runny fried egg. For something locally inspired, go for their 462 Prawn Laksa Pasta ($18+), which is another popular order. This number features spaghetti in a lemak, coconut-rich broth with a gentle kick of spice.
Read our Tolido’s Espresso Nook review.Â
Address:Â 462 Crawford Lane, #01-63, Singapore 190462
Opening hours: Mon-Tue, Thurs 8am to 4pm, Fri-Sun 8am to 5pm
Website
Tolido’s Espresso Nook is not halal-certified.Â
Tolido’s Espresso Nook Review: Melbourne-Inspired Cafe In Lavender With Long Queues
10. Korio
Image credit: Anthia Chng
ICYMI: Popular sandwich shop Korio has reopened its doors! The small and cosy cafe, located a three-minute walk from Downtown MRT Station, is known for their loaded sandwiches, all priced under $20. They also have a small dine-in cafe at Guoco Midtown in Bugis!Â
The Mushroom Melt ($16.50) is a must-try at this cheap cafe in Singapore; 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 Melt ($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 sides too, including the Potato Salad ($8) and Buttered Corn ($13).
Check out our Korio review!
Address: 2 Central Boulevard, #01-11, IOI Towers, Singapore 018916
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am to 4pm, Sat 8am to 2pm
Website
Korio is not halal-certified.
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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 ($13.50), 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 8:15am to 5pm, Sat-Sun 9am to 6pm
Tel: 8905 0253
Website
9Toast is not halal-certified.
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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 popular cafe chain, which has outlets in Bugis Junction, NEX Serangoon, and Westgate, offers the brand’s signature mains, including Oriental Hainanese Chicken Rice ($6.90++) and Penang Char Kuey Teow ($7.90++). Most items are priced under $10++.
You’ve got to try their famous Oriental Signature Nasi Lemak ($9.90++), 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.
Check out our Oriental Kopi review.
Address: 50 New Bugis Street, #02-50, Singapore 188021
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 10pm
Website
Oriental Kopi is not halal-certified but uses no pork or lard.
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13. Tipo Strada
Homegrown chain Tipo Strada recently opened another outlet at Wheelock Place in November. They currently boast a 4.7-star Google rating from over 1.7k reviews at the point of writing! 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 Muslim-owned.
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14. Abundance
Easties were elated when Abundance 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 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 halal-certified.
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15. Whiskdom
Another cafe to add to the list of East-side food gems is Whiskdom, located 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-Tue 11am to 7pm, Wed-Fri 11am to 9pm, Sat-Sun 10am to 9pm
Tel: 8907 8981
Website
Whiskdom is not halal-certified.
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16. Elijah Pies
If pies sound like your ideal weekend brunch, look no further than Elijah Pies. The popular homegrown pie shop has expanded to a dine-in cafe at Tanjong Pagar Plaza in the CBD!Â
We’re big fans of their savoury pies, which are all priced under $20. A must-try is the decadent Mac N’ Cheese Pie ($13.90++), an outlet-exclusive flavour starring a creamy, house-made mac and cheese filling that’s zhnged up with beef salami and chives, then topped with a generous mount of savoury onion crumble for an added oomph. The Seaweed Chicken Pot Pie ($14.90++) is equally delicious with its seaweed-studded crust, paired with a comforting combination of chicken, potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms. Other popular savoury flavours include Elijah’s Big Breakfast Pie ($14.90++), topped with a runny egg, and Scallop Chowder Pie ($15.90++).
BTW, Elijah Pies accepts CDC Vouchers!Â
Read our Elijah Pies review.
Address: 7 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, #01-102, Singapore 081007
Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 10am to 10pm, Fri-Sat 10am to 10:30pm
Tel: 9855 9480
Website
Elijah Pies is not halal-certified.
17. Cafe FuFu
Cafe FuFu is an under-HDB cafe in the sleepy Lengkok Bahru estate. You won’t find the usual brunch fare here; instead, the cafe specialises in wood-fired sourdough pizzas, available in a whopping 11 flavours. Â
The Pizza Salami ($18+/$28+) is a popular pick. This tomato-based pie is covered with thin salami slices and aromatic oregano-infused olive oil, then baked until crispy. If you want something simpler, get the Margherita ($14+/$20+), featuring Roma tomato, mozzarella, and basil. Cafe FuFu also offers a small range of pasta dishes, including a meat-free Woodfired Grilled Vegetable Pasta ($16+). For dessert, try their Six-Minute Tiramisu ($12+), served deconstructed with fresh-pulled espresso and cognac mixture. Alternatively, wash everything down with a coffee or matcha.
Read our Cafe FuFu review.
Address: 63 Lengkok Bahru, #01-362, Singapore 152063
Opening hours: Tue-Thurs 11am to 9pm, Fri 11am to 10pm, Sat 9am to 10pm, Sun 9am to 4pm
Website
Cafe Fufu is not halal-certified.
This Under-HDB Cafe In Redhill Has Wood-Fired Pizza And Tiramisu
18. Bibik Violet
Image credit: Bibik Violet
Bibik Violet, a new cafe by Violet Oon, is the latest addition to Orchard Road. pizzas, available in a whopping 11 flavours. It recently launched at Temasek Shophouse, with a throwback theme featuring rattan accents, vintage furniture, and original Peranakan tiles salvaged from heritage shophouses.Â
Image credit: Bibik Violet
If you’re here for breakfast, treat yourself to their Kaya Toast Set ($7.20++), or go for their Mee Siam ($7.50++) for something heartier. Nanyang-style mains are also available for lunch and dinner, ranging from Nasi Lemak with Ayam Berempah ($14.90++) to Nyonya Prawn Mee ($15.50++). There’s also the option to order small plates for sharing, with highlights including Babi Pongteh ($14.50++) and Beef Rendang ($19.90++).
Read our Bibik Violet feature.
Address: 28 Orchard Road, #01 05, Singapore 238832
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am to 9.30pm, Sat-Sun 10am to 9:30pm
Website
Bibik Violet is not halal-certified.
Violet Oon To Open New Peranakan Cafe At Temasek Shophouse In Orchard
19. Alice Boulangerie
Popular CBD cafe Alice Boulangerie has a new cafe concept at Raffles City, featuring fresh buns in a wide range of flavours. Named Fine Crumbs Bakery, this cosy spot offers a small selection of buns that are baked in-house, all priced between $3.40++ to $7.70++. Do note that the bakery closes at 5:30pm daily.
There were seven flavours, a good mix of savoury and sweet, when we visited the cafe recently. If you’re here for brunch, consider getting a few buns to fill yourself up. We recommend the Egg Mania ($3.80++), zhnged up with caramelised onions for deep sweetness. Otherwise, seafood fans will enjoy the Mentaiko Prawn Bun ($5.20++), featuring fresh tiger prawns and crisp cabbage mixed with creamy mentaiko mayo. For something more substantial, consider getting the Vongole Squid Ink Spaghetti ($27++): white clams, garlic, white wine, fennel, and chilli.
Check out our Alice Boulangerie review.
Address: 252 North Bridge Road, #01-22A, Raffles City Shopping Centre, Singapore 179103
Opening hours: Daily 9:30am to 10:30pm
Website
Alice Boulangerie is not halal-certified.
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20. Cafe & Meal Muji
Also located at Raffles City, Cafe & Meal Muji, AKA Muji Cafe, is another great cafe recommendation for a quick and fuss-free meal that doesn’t break the bank.Â
Fill up with affordable and hearty mains under $20, including the Pork Katsu Donburi ($17.80), featuring Muji Cafe’s signature 16 Grain Rice topped with a slab of deep-fried pork cutlet drizzled with mayo, served with an onsen egg and a side salad. They also offer deli set meals priced from $16.80, where you get to pick your toppings. Complete your meal with a caffeinated pick-me-up, such as the Iced Milk Tea ($6.50) or Hot Black Coffee ($5.50).
Address: 252 North Bridge Road #02-20/22 Raffles City Shopping Centre, Singapore 179103
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 8:30pm
Website
Cafe & Meal Muji is not halal-certified.
21. Micro Bakery & Kitchen
A cult favourite in the Bukit Timah neighbourhood, Micro Bakery & Kitchen has grown from a humble hole-in-the-wall bakery into one of the most well-loved cafes in the area. Nearly everything here is house-made, from the artisanal sourdough loaves to the pastry fillings, with bakers coming in as early as 6am to get everything ready.
The menu spans savoury tartines, hearty sandwiches, and sweet bakes, with standout dishes such as the Tomato Tartine ($16++), featuring house-made ricotta on thick sourdough, and the Grilled 4 Cheese Sandwich ($18++), packed with raclette, smoked ricotta, mozzarella, and cheddar on house-made sourdough with a tangy tomato jam. For something sweet, the Lemon Chia Yogurt Cake ($6++) is a generous slice at a reasonable price.
Read our Micro Bakery & Kitchen review.
Address: 10 Jalan Serene, Serene Centre, #01-03, Singapore 258748
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 4pm
Tel: 8339 4133
Website
Micro Bakery & Kitchen is not halal-certified.
We Revisited Micro Bakery & Kitchen 7 Years Later—Is It Still One Of Bukit Timah’s Best Cafes?
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, read all about the best cheap restaurants in Singapore or find out the best food places to use your CDC Vouchers!Â
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