Whenever I think of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, a few things come to mind — tourists, rich locals, fancy branded stores and of course, a bevy of expensive, high class restaurants and cafes with exorbitant prices. Being one of Singapore’s most high-end malls, perusing MBS may make you feel like a fish out of water, especially for those of us with a limited disposable income.
However, as a self-proclaimed cheapskate who loves parading the walkways of MBS while pretending to be a wealthy tai tai, I believe that The Shoppes still does offer plenty of dining options that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Having a limited budget does not mean you can’t enjoy upper echelon estates like the Marina Bay area. Here are 15 places to have an affordable meal under S$30++ the next time you’re looking for a cheaper spot to enjoy a nice meal at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.
1. Rasapura Masters (#B2-49A/50-53)
You’re probably rolling your eyes at the inclusion of Rasapura Masters in this listicle because, uh, duh, of course a food court would be the most affordable option to dine at in any mall. However, I believe that Rasapura Masters should not be looked down on, for its huge range of stalls and dishes, though pricier than food courts and hawker centres elsewhere, are pretty commendable.
Rasapura Masters can be easily found in Basement 2 of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands next to the Digital Light Canvas. You’ll be spoilt for choice as you peruse the various stalls there, with cuisines including local, Western, Japanese, Chinese, Indonesian and more.
For instance, HK Nanyang is a stall serving dishes with butterfly pea flower rice, such as the Chicken Rendang + Otah Meal (S$12.80). If you’re craving Western, Ali’s Grill Signature has pizzas, pasta, chicken, fish and steak dishes from just S$9.90.
Of course, being a food court in MBS means that some offerings at Rasapura Masters are bound to be a little more bougie. At the Singapore Fried Noodles stall, you can enjoy Singapore Fried Hokkien Mee with slipper lobster, squid, prawns and shell scallops from S$25.
I got a set meal from Dingtele, a Chinese stall serving noodles and dumplings. Set A came with Spicy Meat Noodles and Signature Pan-fried Crispy Pork & Soup Bun for S$15.80. The noodles were springy and well-coated in sauce, while the soup buns were crisp and generously packed with pork meat.
Daily: 10am – 11pm
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2. IPPUDO (#B2-54/55)
IPPUDO is an award-winning Japanese restaurant specialising in ramen. This well-known, authentic restaurant is one of the more affordable spots to dine at in Marina Bay Sands, with their mains starting from S$11++.
The Fried Rice, a Japanese-style fried rice with spring onions, chashu, egg and Japanese fishcakes, is the cheapest main you can get, at S$12++. The Mini Karaage Rice (S$11++) is another affordable option topped with boneless chicken chunks.
Go for IPPUDO’s signature Shiromaru Special (S$25.50++), made with creamy tonkotsu broth served with noodles, 4 pieces of pork belly chashu, whole marinated half boiled egg, black fungus, spring onions and seaweed. If you’re feeling a bit thriftier, the Shiromaru Basic (S$18++) offers the same dish, just with 2 less pieces of chashu, no egg and no seaweed.
I opted to try the Akamaru Basic (S$19++), containing creamy tonkotsu broth, 2 pieces of pork belly chashu, miso paste and garlic oil. The noodles were soft and springy while the delicious, umami broth was worth all the praise.
+65 6688 7064
Daily: 11am – 11pm
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3. Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer (#01-80)
Compared to other burger joints, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Bar is a little pricier, but still relatively reasonably priced for the portion sizes. This American restaurant is known for its huge burgers and milkshakes, with prices for their mains starting from S$21++.
The Wagyu Steakhouse Burger (S$29++) is one of Black Tap’s most popular dishes, being the 2021 Judge’s Choice Award Winner at NYC Wine & Food Festival’s “Burger Bash”. This huge burger contains a Wagyu patty, A1 steak sauce, pepper jack cheese, bacon, crispy onions and roasted garlic aioli.
Cheaper alternatives are The Falafel Burger (S$21++), containing a falafel patty, tahini, pickled onions, greek feta and hummus, and The Pizza Burger (S$24++).
Aside from burgers, you can also delight yourself in Black Tap’s Wings (S$15++ for 8 pieces), with flavours like Korean BBQ, White Miso BBQ, Carolina BBQ and Mexican Hot Sauce. For a more waistline-friendly alternative, the Craft Burger Salads cost between S$21++ to S$27++, with a vegan option being the Warm Spring Salad (S$21++).
+65 6688 9957
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 11pm
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4. So Pho (#01-03/04)
Looking for some Vietnamese fare? So Pho, located on the first floor of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, offers a wide range of Vietnamese dishes, ranging from spring rolls to Vietnamese fried noodles. Here, you can grab a main dish starting from just S$7.50++.
Try out some of So Pho’s Bánh Mì, with the variations of Vegetarian (S$7.80++), Meatballs (S$8.80++) and Beef / Chicken (S$8.80). Of course, the restaurant has a number of pho dishes, from the S$12.80++ Phở Gà Với Gà Viên (pho chicken noodle soup with chicken meat balls) to the S$19.50++ Phở Dặc Biệt, containing premium marbled sirloin beef with beef balls.
The dish options at So Pho are vast, with affordable mains like Cà Ry Gà (Vietnamese Lemongrass Curry Chicken w Bread / Rice) (S$12.80++), Nướng Sả (Grilled Lemongrass Beef / Chicken w Rice) (S$13.80++) and Mì Xào Tôm Sú (Crispy Vermicelli & Fresh King Prawns w Superior Stock Gravy) (S$17.80++).
Here, it is most certainly possible to enjoy a main, appetiser and drink for under S$30++, as long as you choose the right dishes.
+65 6688 7044
Daily: 11am – 10pm
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5. Canton Paradise (#01-02)
If you love dim sum, Canton Paradise is a restaurant for you to check out while in Marina Bay Sands. This Cantonese restaurant offers an assortment of dim sum dishes from S$4.30++, while their mains start from S$6.80++.
Opt for some steamed dim sum dishes like Steamed BBQ Honey Pork Bun (3 pieces) (S$7.90++), Steamed Prawn Dumpling ‘Ha Kao‘ (3 pieces) (S$8.90++) or the Steamed Glutinous Rice with Chicken Wrapped in Lotus Leaf (1 piece) (S$7.80++). I personally love the crisp texture you get from fried dim sum, with Canton Paradise offering dishes such as Pan-fried Radish Cake (3 pieces) (S$7.50++) and Baked Mini Egg Tart (3 pieces) (S$7.80++).
You can also delight yourself in dishes like the Charred BBQ Pork Noodle (Soup / Dry) (S$16.50++) and their Signature Canton Congee (S$20.80++).
+65 6688 7052
Mon to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri: 11am – 11pm
Sat: 10.30am – 11pm
Sun: 10.30am – 10pm
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6. Da Paolo Gastronomia (#01-87)
Da Paolo Gastronomia is a one-stop gourmet boutique offering freshly made food, imported boutique products and Italian drinks. Their extensive menu includes dishes like freshly baked pizzas, pastas and Italian artisanal gelato.
Dig into their range of Pizzas, which cost S$10.90++ each, in flavours like Baked Ham, Grilled Chicken and Salami. Their Smoked Salmon Pizza (S$11.90++) is another option, for seafood lovers.
Their pastas, on the other hand, all cost under S$30++ each. How about some Carbonara (S$24++) or Pesto al Basilico (S$23++), if you’re into creamy pastas? Other flavours to try are the Yuzu Pesto & Miso Chicken (S$26++) and the classic Bolognese (S$24++).
For a healthier alternative, opt for Da Paolo Gastronomia’s Greens & Grains Bowls, where you can mix and match your own grains, proteins, vegetables and sauces from just S$15.90++.
+65 6235 6708
Daily: 8am – 10pm
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7. Tim Ho Wan PEAK (#B2-02/03/04)
If you can’t get enough of dim sum, Tim Ho Wan PEAK is a place to check out while at Marina Bay Sands. This outlet is a slightly fancier version of the regular Tim Ho Wan restaurants, and though this famous restaurant chain has many accolades to its name, its dishes are still relatively affordable, with plenty of dishes costing under S$10++!
Some pocket-friendly dim sum dishes you can enjoy at Tim Ho Wan PEAK include the Spinach Dumplings w Shrimp (3 pieces) (S$8++), Baked BBQ Pork Buns (3 pieces) (S$10++) and Steamed Golden Lava Salted Egg Buns (3 pieces) (S$8++).
Some more filling dishes to try are the Hong Kong Style Shrimp Wonton Noodle Soup (S$12.80++), Cherry Valley Duck Fried Risoni Pasta (S$24++) and Yangzhou Fried Rice with BBQ Pork & Shrimp (S$18.80++).
+65 6688 7600
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
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8. Yardbird Southern Table & Bar (#B1-07)
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands houses Yardbird Southern Table & Bar’s only outlet in Singapore. While this famous American restaurant isn’t known for its affordability, its Brunch menu offers a number of filling meals under S$30++.
Try out some of Yardbird’s egg dishes, like the All American Breakfast (S$20++), served with two eggs in any style, crispy bacon, a biscuit and crispy fingerling potatoes, and Chicken & Egg Biscuit Sandwich (S$22++).
Yardbird’s pancakes are a must try, each costing S$22++. Select from either of Blueberry Pie and Buttermilk. How about having a delicious Salted Caramel Waffle (S$22++), topped with bruleed bananas and candied pecans?
+65 6688 9959
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 12am
Sat & Sun: 11am – 12am
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9. Din Tai Fung (#B1-01)
Are you DTF in MBS? Din Tai Fung is one of the most famous Chinese restaurant chains in the world, and for good reason. Their outlet in The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands frequently has long queues, with diners even having to scan a QR code to get a queue number for a table.
Din Tai Fung’s affordable prices make it such that you can easily get a main, a side and a drink or dessert all for under S$30++!
Definitely try their popular Fried Rice with Pork Chop & Eggs (S$17++), which is one of my top picks when I dine there. Their noodles are worth all the praise too, with options like the Special Braised Beef Noodle Soup with Beef (S$17.80++) and Noodle with Minced Pork in Bean Sauce (S$12.80++).
Who could forget their incredible xiao long baos, like the Steamed Chicken Xiao Long Bao (S$12.80 for 6 pieces, S$16.80++ for 10 pieces)? They even have sweet versions filled with Yam Paste (S$11.50++ for 6 pieces, S$14.50++ for 10 pieces) and Red Bean with Chocolate Lava (S$13.50++ for 6 pieces, S$16.50++ for 10 pieces).
+65 6634 9969
Sun to Thu: 11am – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 9.15pm
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10. Toast Box (#B1-01E)
Toast Box has outlets all over the country, even in the atas Marina Bay Sands. You can find classic local dishes here, and while the prices are marginally higher than what you would get from a hawker centre, their dishes are still some of the cheapest that you can get in The Shoppes.
Check out Toast Box’s set meals, which include a cup of Homemade Barley and a Teacake. Choose from sets like the Drumstick Braised Pork Rice (S$15.60), Laksa (S$11.20), Mee Rebus (S$10.70) and Homemade Nasi Lemak (S$11.60).
How about some Traditional Kaya Toast (S$7.40) or Peanut Thick Toast (S$7.60), if you prefer bread? Each toast set includes a medium Kopi or Teh and 2 half-boiled eggs.
+65 6636 7131
Daily: 7.30am – 9.30pm
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11. Ralph’s Coffee (#01-71)
Ralph’s Coffee is a fancy spot to drop by for a nice afternoon tea when you’re in need of a quick bite. This Ralph Lauren cafe offers a nice selection of baked goodies under S$15, plus an assortment of coffee, tea and other drinks for under S$10.
My personal all-time favourite is their Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookie (S$7), a thick, chunky cookie with a crisp exterior and aromatic flavours. Other flavours include Oatmeal Raisin and Red Velvet. For something a bit more savoury, go for the Turkey Ham & Cheese Croissant (S$12), Egg Mayo Croissant (S$9) or Mediterranean Vegetable Sandwich (S$13). Pair it with a drink like Ralph’s Coffee (S$6 for Hot, S$6.50 for Iced), Chocolate by Valrhona (S$8.50 for Hot, S$9 for Iced) or the Pineapple Shaken Tea (S$8.50).
+65 6688 7367
Daily: 10am – 10pm
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12. Dallas Cafe & Bar (#01-85)
For some hearty Western fare, drop by Dallas Cafe & Bar, which includes outdoor seats facing the waterfront. Quite a few of the mains here come in at under S$30++, making it a possible spot to enjoy some delicious food while still keeping check of your budget.
Almost all of the pizzas are under S$30++, including flavours like Margherita (S$24++), Pepperoni (S$26++) and Prosciutto Ham (S$28++). Alternatively, the Lamb Burger (S$28++) is a nice choice, containing a lamb patty with cucumber, cheese, mint yoghurt and aioli, served with Dallas fries and coleslaw.
The creamy Chicken Penne Pasta (S$24++) and Buttermilk Fried Chicken Burger (S$24++) are other hearty choices to fill yourself up with.
+65 6688 7153
Sun to Thu: 11.30am – 12am
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 1am
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13. PUTIEN (#01-05)
Craving some good ol’ Chinese food? PUTIEN has got you covered. You’ll find this famous Chinese restaurant on the first floor of Marina Bay Sands, with plenty of seats to accommodate big families too.
It is possible to dine for under S$30++ per pax here, as long as you pick your dishes wisely. For instance, some dishes like the PUTIEN Bian Rou Soup are sold in individual portions— this soup comes in at just S$4.80++ per pax.
The signature Fujian Red Mushroom Seafood Lor Mee (S$18.80++ for Regular) is an option that is popular among children, while the ‘100-Second’ Stewed Yellow Croaker (S$16++ per pax) is one of their most famous and recommended dishes. Other mains to consider include the PUTIEN Crispy Oysters (S$19.80++), Steamed Prawn with Minced Garlic (S$24.80++ for Regular) and PUTIEN Sweet & Sour Pork with Lychee (S$16.80 for Regular, S$25.20 for Medium).
+65 6688 7053
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
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14. PS.Cafe (#B2-119/120A)
PS. Cafe in Basement 2 of Marina Bay Sands is one of the newer additions to this atas mall’s already sprawling dining options. Most of their mains cost between S$25++ to S$45++, making it a pretty decent spot to grab good food within your budget.
Both of the Marina Bay Sands exclusive dishes cost S$27++. The Buttermilk Chicken Nasi Lemak comes with fragrant coconut rice, sambal king prawns, pickled vegetables and a fried sunny side-up egg, while the Smoked Salmon Sandwich is filled with avocado salsa, Spanish onion, Japanese cucumber and yoghurt tartare.
There’s a pretty decent selection of mains under S$30++, including the Duck Confit Curry with Crispy Roti (S$29++), Chicken Rossa Penne (S$27++) and Jypsy Chicken Katsu (S$26++). The various Western and Asian dishes make this a place for different taste palates to enjoy together.
+65 6708 9288
Sun to Thu: 10.30am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 10.30am – 11pm
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15. Bacha Coffee (#B2-13/14)
The gorgeous opulent decor of Bacha Coffee is enough to make anyone stop in their tracks. While their mains err on the pricier end, I find this beautiful cafe to be a nice spot for a quick dessert or tea.
Their assortment of fresh bakes start from just S$5 — indulge in a crisp Pistachio Croissant (2 for S$10) or Kaya Croissant (2 for S$10) for a sweet treat. You can also try their gourmet savoury range that includes Truffle Mushroom Croissant with Cherry Tomato and Roquette Salad (S$22) or Comte Cheese Croissant with Roquette Salad (S$22) instead.
Bacha Coffee has made some very enticing additions to its menu, and I was especially taken by their Housemade Pastries. The Mille-feuille, Out of Africa Coffee, Vanuatu Vanilla (S$14), pictured on the left above, is an indulgent adventure of contrasting textures brought together with a subtle sweetness.
However, my childhood love for ice cream endures (and dominates), and I loved the Mount Kenya Coffee, Cappuccino Sable (S$14) even more. Pictured on the right above, it consists of Mount Kenya Coffee Ice Cream sitting atop a bed of Mount Kenya Cappuccino Sable. It went down perfectly paired with my chocolate-y, nutty Blue Dawn coffee.
+65 6954 1910
Sun to Thu: 10am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 11pm
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