Wallet-Friendly Brews: Best Affordable Cafes in Singapore
Singapore isn’t a cheap destination—not by a long shot. But that doesn’t mean you’ll starve here or have yucky food because you’re on a budget.
Cheap but good meals aren’t confined to hawker stalls (though those are worth visiting) either. As this guide will show, there are still delectable brews and bites without breaking the bank thanks to the best affordable cafes in Singapore.
Good Bites
Address: 5 Bishan St 14, #03-01, Singapore 579783 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6569700233
Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 5 AM
Price: $$
Good Bites is a halal-certified cafe offering delicious meals and hearty suppers. It specialises in Asian-Western fusion cuisine with many weekday items priced under S$10.
We like its signature tom yum seafood pasta priced at S$13.90. For its price, it’s quite filling and features a nice sour tanginess, complemented by prawns, mussels, and squid.
Pro-tip: There’s a bit of a climb to reach Good Bites, but you can refresh yourself with affordable cool drinks.
The Tree Cafe
Address: 6 Raffles Blvd, #02-100A/100B Marina Square, Singapore 039594 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6588271139
Hours: Daily, noon – 10 PM
Price: $
The Tree Cafe caters to budget-conscious diners with a variety of affordable meals, most priced under S$10. Its extensive menu includes all-day breakfasts, Western mains, rice bowls, pasta, and baked rice dishes.
A pleasant surprise came in the form of its rock honey chicken (S$9.50). This dish stood out with its generous portion of succulent, well-marinated chicken thigh complemented by a warm sweet touch of rock honey sauce.
Pro-tip: The truffle fries are a recommended snack for cheese lovers, as they practically bathe in shredded cheese!
Bread Yard
Address: 1 Fusionopolis Pl, #01 – 23 / 24 Galaxis, Singapore 138522 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6597735318
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM; Saturday to Sunday, 8 AM – 3 PM
Price: $
Bread Yard remains a weekend favourite with bicycle parking available outside. Its menu offers more than just bread, featuring a variety of pastries including cruffins and almond croissants.
A rave-worthy item is its candied bacon and grilled cheese pancakes (S$12). It has fluffy pancakes, fried egg, and a spicy-sweet bacon topping with the crispy grilled cheese adding a tart flavour.
Pro-tip: There are vegan and vegetarian options here too (salads, veggie platters, and pasta).
Swee Heng Bakery
Address: 11 Bedok North Street 1, #01-21 Heartbeat@Bedok, Singapore 469662 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6562080300
Hours: Daily, 7 AM – 9.30 PM
Price: $$
Swee Heng, a time-honoured and renowned halal bakery, offers a variety of cakes and breads at affordable rates. If you want a taste of Singapore by way of soft carbs, go here.
Its mak lemak (nasi lemak-inspired bread) stands out, featuring a coconut-flavoured bun topped with crispy fried chicken, eggs, anchovies, peanuts, otah, and sambal.
Swee Heng’s waffles also consistently impress with perfectly chewy, dense batter and deliciously sweet and salty peanut butter.
Pro-tip: Watch out for yummy seasonal baked goodies like the CNY cookies.
Kōhī Roastery & Coffee Bar
Address: 283 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427535 (Google Maps)
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 6 PM
Price: $$
Kohi, a Bangkok-based speciality coffee chain, debuted in Singapore at Joo Chiat. Its coffee selection features options like black, white, and mocha (all for under S$7).
The classic Kohi pour starts at S$3.50, appealing to many Singaporean palates with its dark, chocolatey roast. We’re happy to note that there are also speciality filter coffees including single-origin beans from Papua New Guinea to Colombia.
Pro-tip: Also on the menu are quick bites like ham and cheese croissants, including sea salt brownies, blueberry muffins, vanilla cranberry scones, and savoury pies.
The Living Room
Media from jacinthawee
Address: 4 Bishan St. 13, Singapore 579792 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6567157899
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 11 AM – 5 PM; Saturdays, 9 AM – 4 PM
Price: $$
The Living Room Café offers personable service and budget-friendly menu featuring local favourites like nasi lemak (S$3), mee Siam (vermicelli noodles at S$3.50), prawn noodles (from S$4) and bak kut teh (pork rib broth at S$6.50).
Prices are akin to coffee shop rates, with the added comfort of air conditioning! Plus, the café provides wall plugs, making it a convenient spot for those looking to work.
Pro-tip: There are further discounts: 5% for students and 20% for seniors.
Professor Brawn Cafe
Address: 5 Raffles Institution Ln, Singapore 575955 (Google Maps)
Contact: +65 8129 4029
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 9 PM
Price: $
Professor Brawn Café, a social enterprise by the Autism Resource Centre (ARC), offers job and social integration opportunities for people with special needs and the disadvantaged.
The café has partnered with Gong Cha, offering a selection of drinks from the popular bubble tea brand’s menu (priced from S$3 to S$3.50 with an additional $0.50 for toppings).
Meat mains start at just S$13, including bangers and mash with a choice of chicken preparation.
Pro-tip: There’s also a S$10 kids’ menu.
Kampong Glam Cafe
— Media from zerlypasanea
Address: 17 Bussorah St, Singapore 199438 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6562941697
Hours: Tuesdays, 7.30 AM – 11.30 PM; Wednesday to Sunday, 7.30 AM – 2 AM
Price: $
Kampong Glam Cafe is a family-run eatery offering authentic Malay cuisine at affordable prices. The cosy yet modern decor features colourful artwork with indoor and outdoor seating available.
The nasi pattaya (fried rice in a thin omelette at S$8.50) with chicken boasts an exceptional texture. The fried rice itself bursts with savoury flavours enhanced by spices like curry powder and turmeric.
Pro-tip: Authentic teh tarik (milk tea) is just S$2 here!
Sun Ray Cafe
Address: 79 Brighton Cres, Singapore 559218 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6589098458
Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 9.30 PM
Price: $$
Sun Ray Cafe surprises with its affordable menu, starting from $6 for breakfast and $9 for pasta. Budget-friendly breakfast options range from eggs Benedict (S$7) to French toast (S$6).
It’s also worth checking out for its coffee selection. We liked the fruitiness of its shop-roasted Fair Lady along with the S$3 iced espresso with just the right amount of sweetness.
Pro-tip: It’s another pet-friendly cafe, so bring your furbabies along.
Ai Cafe
Address: 74 Horne Rd, Singapore 209076 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6590905172
Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 11 PM
Price: $$
The owners initially envisioned Ai as a fully automated café with a futuristic experience (but it didn’t happen). Still, Ai Cafe’s bistro-like interior features Instagram-worthy blue walls that sort of make up for the absence of automation.
The service staff mentioned that all pastries are made in-house. We particularly enjoyed the Ai Bao de Litchi (S$8.80), which has lychee mousse with lychee jelly and raspberry cream atop a vanilla shortbread cookie.
Pro-tip: Try its espresso-based beverages such as the flat white for under S$5.
Little Part 1 Cafe
Address: 54 Blair Rd, #01-01, Singapore 089954 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6569098354
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11 AM – 10.30 PM; Sundays, 10 AM – 9 PM
Price: $$
At Little Part 1 Cafe, which housed in a charming heritage building, you’ll find furnishings and items from the 60s and 70s. Its cosy dining area exudes a relaxed, nostalgic vibe.
All-day brunch meals are available at decent prices, ranging from chicken karaage waffles to avocado toasts. The shepherd’s pie stands out with its extra delicious minced beef and perfect homemade mash, offering a well-balanced savoury combination
Pro-tip: There’s a great selection of craft beers here too!
Huggs Coffee
Address: 50 Jurong Gateway Rd, #01 – 47, Singapore 608549 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6562839288
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9 AM – 8 PM; Friday to Saturday, 9 AM – 10 PM
Price: $
Huggs, a local Singapore brand, is renowned for its speciality coffee available both in-store and bottled. The cafe also offers tea, pastries, muffins, wraps, and ice cream (average prices fall below S$10).
The café boasts an inviting atmosphere with a clean, minimalistic design and interesting seating arrangements resembling a mini amphitheatre.
Pro-tip: As the place doesn’t get crowded, it’s a good spot to just chill or do some work.