Contrary to popular belief, Orchard Road isn’t just lined with expensive restaurants which will burn a hole in your pocket. In fact, some very delicious yet wallet-friendly eats are all scattered around the shopping district. Below, we list some of the best casual eateries in town, great for when you’re on a budget too.
Dapur Penyet @ Centrepoint
Fast food joints aren’t the only places boasting juicy, deep-fried chicken. At Dapur Penyet, patrons will be able to enjoy authentic Indonesian cuisine best paired with the restaurant’s signature sambal, like the best-selling Smashed Fried Chicken aka Ayam Penyet. The dish also comes in numerous varieties, including the Ayam Sambal Bawang that sees the smashed fried chicken served with garlic chilli sauce as well as the Ayam Bakar Saus Madu that’s topped with a honey chilli sauce.
Fried beef, noodles and other classic Indonesian eats are also on the menu, so head to the outlet at The Centrepoint for a fuss-free meal in the heart of town.
Da Shi Jia Big Prawn Mee
Just a stone’s throw away from Orchard Central, Da Shi Jia Big Prawn Mee will satiate your cravings for a warm, hearty bowl of slurp-worthy noodles. And what you’re paying for is truly value, since the signature prawn noodles boast large, hefty prawns you won’t typically find elsewhere. Solid side dishes include winglets, prawn rolls and braised pork belly too.
Hawkers’ Street
It is now possible to enjoy famous yet inexpensive hawker eats all the way in town, and that’s all thanks to the relatively new Hawkers’ Street, located at Ion Orchard’s basement four. Here, taste the iconic Eunos Bak Chor Mee, Nam Sing Hokkien Mee or even order up a plate of DTF-style fried rice at the King of Fried Rice stall.
I Want My Noodle
Chances are, you’re already shelling out $13.50 to catch a movie at Shaw Theatres Lido and aren’t looking to spend that much more on a dinner in town. So head to I Want My Noodle that’s tucked neatly within the same mall to enjoy modern Indonesian-style bak mee at budget-friendly prices. Entirely made from scratch without the use of MSG, the springy egg noodles are featured in dishes such as the must-try My Noodles with Double Roast which highlights mouth-watering roasted meats, as well as the popular My Truffle Oil Noodles. The latter is a bowl of handcrafted noodles tossed in truffle oil and served with a soft boiled egg, mushrooms and spring onions.
Now you’ll have more cash to spend on popcorn and lemonade.
Kim Dae Mun Korean Food
Considered one of the best Korean restaurants in Singapore, Kim Dae Mun is a go-to spot for many locals to enjoy simple Korean fare. Lunch and dinner sets include Fried Saba Fish, Bibimbap, Kimchi Soup and Beef Bulgogi. These options even include two side dishes of your choice, so you’re truly getting a bang for your buck.
Thai Tantric Authentic Thai Cuisine
Those willing to brave the crowds—and the dodgy neighbourhood of Orchard Towers—should head to Thai Tantric for hearty, spicy nosh reminiscent of the Land of Smiles. All your favourite Thai dishes are guaranteed to be on the menu, and they include the deep fried sea bass with Thai chilli sauce, stir-fried morning glory, grilled squid and basil minced pork. More recently, Thai Tantric has expanded their dessert menu to include the traditional Mango Sticky Rice as well.
