Many travelers research Singapore food prices before landing, yet the numbers still impress them on arrival.
Hawker stalls let diners eat well for S$3–6 per plate, so daily budgets stay friendly despite the city’s fame.
Hawker Centres
Local cooks serve fragrant chicken rice, hearty laksa, and sweet kaya toast at prices that prove value matters.
Because Singapore food prices are the lowest here, residents flock to these open-air hubs for almost every meal.
| Food Item | Type | Location | Average Price (SGD) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Rice | Local Dish | Hawker Centre | S$3.50 – S$5.00 | Affordable and widely available |
| Laksa | Local Dish | Hawker/Food Court | S$4.00 – S$6.50 | Spicy noodle soup, very filling |
| Nasi Lemak | Local/Malaysian | Hawker Centre | S$3.00 – S$5.00 | Coconut rice with egg and sambal |
| Kaya Toast & Coffee Set | Breakfast Combo | Kopitiam/Café | S$3.50 – S$5.50 | Traditional morning favorite |
| Roti Prata (2 pcs) | Indian Dish | Hawker Centre | S$2.50 – S$4.00 | Often served with curry |
| McDonald’s Value Meal | Fast Food | Restaurant | S$7.00 – S$9.00 | Includes burger, fries, and drink |
| Fishball Noodles | Local Dish | Food Court | S$4.00 – S$6.00 | Common noodle-based hawker dish |
| Sushi Bento Box | Japanese | Supermarket/Food Ct. | S$8.00 – S$12.00 | Ready-to-eat lunch option |
| Western Set Meal | Casual Restaurant | Mall Restaurant | S$12.00 – S$18.00 | Includes meat, sides, and drink |
| Buffet (Lunch/Dinner) | International Cuisine | Hotel/High-End Spot | S$40.00 – S$100.00 | Varies by location and day |
This table helps show how Singapore food prices can vary based on type, location, and style of dining.
Food Courts
Modern malls feature a variety of stalls, air conditioning, and card payments, making quick lunches simple for office crowds.
Meals average S$6–10, yet familiar chains keep queues short, and the setting feels calmer than bustling street spaces.
Mid-Range Restaurants
Date nights land in casual bistros where a starter, main, and dessert cost S$25–40 per person without drinks.
Meanwhile, food prices climb with table service, but weekend splurges still fit many monthly plans.
Fine Dining
Celebrity chefs showcase artistry, tasting menus, and skyline views that push bills far above S$150 per diner.
Because exclusivity rules this tier, food prices reflect premium produce and meticulous hospitality.
Grocery Shopping
Supermarkets sell 500 g chicken breast at S$7 and a dozen eggs at S$4.90, easing costs for savvy cooks.
Families note that Singapore food prices drop sharply when dinners come from their stovetop instead of cafes.
| Meal type | Typical cost (SGD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hawker dish | S$3–6 | Single plate, no drinks |
| Food-court combo | S$6–10 | Drink often included |
| Café breakfast | S$8–14 | Coffee and pastry |
| Mid-range dinner | S$25–40 | Two courses |
| Fine-dining set | S$150+ | Multi-course experience |
Monthly Budgets
Newcomers learn that cooking every weekday and choosing hawker lunches keeps totals near S$500 per month.
Conversely, mixing cafes and weekend outings raises Singapore food prices to S$800–1,000 for the same timetable.
Factors Driving Today’s Menu Costs
Singapore imports over 90 percent of its food, so the island feels every global freight or currency swing.
Therefore, food prices respond quickly to oil shocks, exchange shifts, and regional harvest shortages.
Money-Saving Tips
Because smart habits matter, try these proven tricks:
- Visit hawker centres outside peak hours for shorter lines and fresher plates.
- Use lunch specials at restaurants where set menus beat à la carte costs.
- Share dishes family-style, letting everyone taste more while wasting nothing.
Each strategy keeps food prices manageable without cutting culinary joy from the itinerary.
Final Thoughts
Government vouchers, tech-enabled farming, and regional trade deals aim to soften inevitable cost rises ahead.
Even with modest inflation, Singapore food prices will still span humble street eats to lavish gastronomy, so choice endures.
