Orchard Road, our city’s shopping belt, often has the reputation of being expensive to dine at. But there are so many hidden gems loved by foodies, especially if you know where to look. Not to mention, there are a few places that have extra perks for SAFRA members – so you’ll be able to have a meal without spending a bomb.
Whether you need to take a break from shopping during the Great Singapore Sale or just want a central location to catch up with your friends, these are the best affordable places to eat around Orchard Road. Don’t forget to bookmark this page, you’ll thank us later.
Jinjo
You don’t have to travel to Tokyo for your Japanese food cravings. Jinjo is a modern sumiyaki restaurant with a menu consisting of food that has been charcoal grilled to perfection. Helmed by the famous Les Amis group, the restaurant is located on the second floor of Shaw Centre.
There are three different sets to choose from: the Tori Set ($29), the Unagi Set ($39), and the Gyu Set ($45), which are all served with salad, pickles, and soup. The Tori Set – which comes with grilled chicken, chicken meatballs, onsen egg, and Japanese rice – is an affordable option for a leisurely lunch.
For special occasions, we’d recommend treating yourself to the Gyu Set, served with generous portions of Kagoshima Yakiniku beef, onsen egg, and Japanese rice. Otherwise, there are also ala carte bites, charcoal grilled meats, vegetables, and kushiyaki on the menu.
SAFRA members get 50% off the second lunch set for dine-in, so you’ll be able to savour the Tori Set for around $14.50. For more information, visit safra.sg/promotions/jinjo
1 Scotts Rd, #02-19/20, Singapore 228208
Nassim Hill Bakery Bistro Bar
Located in a quaint corner off Tanglin Road, Nassim Hill Bakery Bistro Bar is the perfect place to get away from Orchard’s hustle and bustle. It’s also open from 8am till late, so you can head there for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
For a hearty brunch, order up the Coddled Eggs with Truffle Mash ($18), which comes with poached eggs, truffle mashed potatoes, bacon crisps, chives, and toast. If you’re craving something with more carbs, the Carbonara ($19) or Chilli Crab Pasta ($20) are both equally terrific choices. Wash your meal down with coffee (from $5.50) or some cold-pressed juices ($8).
For tipples, Nassim Hill Bakery Bistro Bar has Happy Hour daily from 9am to 9pm, with options of beer (from $10), spirits (from $8), and even wine (from $12). Who says you need to blow all your money on alcoholic beverages if you want to drink at Orchard?
SAFRA Members enjoy 10% off regular-priced food and drink items daily while 11B holders get 10% off regular-priced food and drinks items from Mondays to Fridays. Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/NassimHillBakery
56 Tanglin Rd, #01-03, Singapore 247964
Tarte by Cheryl Koh
Sweet tooths will love Tarte by Cheryl Koh. With artisanal tarts and other confectioneries baked from scratch every morning, this homegrown brand is the go-to place for pastries. Prices start from $8.80 for a small tart.
The Baked Cheese Tart, made out of baked mascarpone and cream cheese is a fan favourite, as well as the Dark Chocolate Tart, made out of cacao barry 66% dark chocolate. Plus, the medium (for 4-6 persons) and large (for 8-10 persons) tarts make unique birthday cake substitutes.
Here’s a promotion for SAFRA members: With the purchase of 2 tarts or cakes, get 1 free. The promotion is valid both for dine-in and takeaway. For more information, visit safra.sg/promotions/tarte-by-cheryl-koh
1 Scotts Road, #02-05, Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208
Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut
Mention “halal food in Orchard”, and Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut is a name that’ll come up frequently. This casual Indonesian eatery has become the go-to place for those craving Bebek Goreng, or crispy fried duck. Prices are affordable too, starting at $8.90 for rice dishes. You can’t go wrong with the Original Smash Fried Chicken + Rice, which has been marinated in a savoury blend of secret spices and served with tofu, tempeh, side salad, and sambal belacan.
Complement the rice with a Chicken Soup ($7.90) or Oxtail Soup ($9.90), with the latter being one of the most popular dishes in Indonesia. Of course, we’d complete the meal with a Soda Gembira ($2.80) or Ice Grass Jelly ($3.20).
304 Orchard Rd, #01-42 Lucky Plaza, Singapore 238863
Seoul Bunsik
For an affordable eatery right in the middle of Orchard Road, look no further than Seoul Bunsik at Far East Plaza. Just a 5-minute walk from Orchard MRT station, this Korean-run eatery offers a wide range of authentic Korean street food, from DIY ramyeon to tteokbokki and gimbap.
As soon as you step into Seoul Bunsik, you’ll be greeted by a vibrant lineup of Korean ramyeon (instant noodles), similar to what you’d find in the shops of Korea. The DIY ramyeon experience is a highlight here. For $7.80, you can choose from an impressive selection of ramyeon flavours and cook your noodles using automated induction cookers, a common fixture in Korea’s convenience stores. It just takes five minutes for you to prepare a piping, comforting hot bowl of ramyeon.
Pair your ramyeon with the iconic Tteokbokki ($13.80), featuring soft yet chewy rice cakes in a flavorful sauce. But if a quick snack is all you need, the Cheese Corndog ($5.80) will satisfy your cravings.
14 Scotts Road, #01-01 Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213
Paris Van Java
It seems like Lucky Plaza is the hot spot for Indonesian food. Recently opened in January this year is Paris Van Java, which is a more modern take on the old-school stalls in the shopping mall. The interior is more similar to a minimalistic cafe rather than an Indonesian restaurant.
Food-wise, the menu isn’t as extensive as Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut – but that only makes decision-making easier. The Baso Yamien Manis ($13.80) is a savoury soup-based dish with beef balls. The kecap manis sauce adds a tinge of sweetness to the dish, similar to what’s commonly found at the street stalls in Indonesia. Alternatively, you might want to dig into the Nasi Goreng Kampung Fried Rice instead ($13.80).
304 Orchard Rd, #01-45 Lucky Plaza, Singapore 238863
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