Cheap Eats in Orchard

Orchard Road is the city's center and is the place for a shopping quick fix. Despite an entire stretch of malls from low-end to high, with Singapore's increasing standard of living, it is difficult to find cheap food.

Hawker centers (food courts) typically serve meals for less than $10 in Orchard but they are medicore. Here're my to-go for cheap AND GOOD food in Orchard.  

1) Wasabei Tei

Many on this list are found at Far East Plaza. It used to be a teenager's after-school location but in recent years, traffic have drastically dropped as teenagers take their shopping online. However, it remains my favourite place to shop as well as eat because of its affordable prices. 

Wasabei Tei's shahimi (raw fish) is air-flown in from Japan. It feels like you're in one of those authentic Japan stores when it's cramp and only counter seats are available. The owners' attitude have been known to be bad (as with all good food places because they can't give a damn) but have improved considerably since I first patronized it.

$2 is charged per seat regardless if you want a drink, an appetizer or a slice of watermelon. Every seat must place an order and the appetizer of warm seaweed and stewed chicken is worth the mandarory charge. No GST, quality Japanese food and a cosy ambience, Wasabi Tei is highly recommended. Try their sorbets too! They have seasonal flavours. They recently opened up space next door so there isn't quite a long queue as before. 

2) Hainanese Chicken Rice

A local favourite, this shop at the upper floor of Far East Plaza gives a rustic feeling with its bustling order calls. Not a place to idle after meal as strangers could be seated at your table. Not to worry, they don't share your food. Their menu stays focused and only offers rice, chicken and oyster sauce vegetables. They serve soups like Salted Duck Veg in old-fashioned tin containers at $3 to go along. 

3) Saveur

I never could make it into their other outlet at Purvis St but since they opened a new one next to KFC at Far East Plaza, i've been in it twice! If you want a seat, lunch is a better bet than dinner. Otherwise, aim for an early dinner at 5.30-6pm. The last time i ate was at 8.45pm and i had to wait 10 minutes for a table, and the restaurant was still bustling with diners. The last order is at 9.30pm. 

If you have always heard of foie gras but never tried it because you aren't sure if the price is worth paying for (what if you don't like it?) , Saveur is the place to take  your foie gras virginity. 

Bite sized foie gras grilled to perfection with a drizzle of cranberry sauce is only $6.90. The simple saveur pasta is delicious and priced at $4.90 as an appetizer, $6.90 as a main. The interior is nicely decorated, everyone i brought is throughly impressed with its deceiving interior but cheap prices for French fare. 

We could even afford to have 2 glasses of wine, and the total bill is $40!

3) Sakura Halal Thai

Serves affordable Thai fare. It has individual meals as well as tze char style. It is my go-to if i don't want to queue for a table as it occupies a rather large space (with an overflow room) at the top level of Far East Plaza. Don't let the sight of the lack of diners deter, my favourites are Tom Yum or salted fish fried rice, otherwise spicy mee goreng. They could do with lesser oil though. 

4) Nam Nam

When it first arrived in Singapore at Wheelock, i never had to queue. I liked the no-frills Vietnamese fast food vibe where i could sit at the bar counter, slurp my pho alone and let my eyes glaze, mesmerized by the red lanterns above. Since then, Nam Nam have expanded to many more outlets across the island, gaining quick popularity and extending their menu offering. If you would like to queue, it is quick, cheap and good pho in Orchard. The only gripe i have is they do not include a generous serving of beansprouts in their pho anymore, making it less value for money. 

5) Ayam Penyat Ria

There are a dozen of the same in Lucky Plaza, but i always go to this one where its chilli accompanying the Penyat is the deal breaker. 

Although certain elements of the dish look measly, when together, they make a good serving of chicken, kangkong, toufu and soy bean squares. 

This is a sinful indulgence because everything is fried, but it makes me feel better than KFC (some strands of vegetable makes the difference).

6) Sanpoutei Niigataa Ramen

Expecting queues to form soon enough at this new kid on the block, the latest ramen shop at the basement of Lido (next to Isetan) is made with a difference. Ikan bilis added to broiled chicken compared to the usual pork ramen broth. It tastes unique and instead of the usual char siew, each bowl is topped with two slices ot three-layered fatty pork. The decadent meat melted in my mouth, fat glistening on my lips. They also have atypical ramen ingredients, a generous serving of stir-fry cabbage.

7) Shaw Center Food Court

If you hate queues with a vengeance like i do, this newly opened food court at Lido is my latest secret. I always find a seat here. Sergeant Chicken serves fragrant rice that is not too oily and tender moist chicken. Like Bimbimbap but want it customized? Pick and choose at the Korean "tze char style" stall. Further in, you'll find Teppanyaki that is value-for-money. A slightly more posh experience in a food court, you sit at the countertop for a interactive cooking experience. Your orders come with an attempt at food presentation too.

A video posted by Christine Ng (@chrispytine) on Jun 6, 2014 at 10:51pm PDT

Cheap Date Ideas in Singapore

In Asia, it’s unusual for the man not to pay. That can be tough for students or NS men or serial daters.
Here I share my list of cheap date ideas, from $0 to $150. And why not, for a change, girls take men out on a date!

And because there is a pill for everything except conversation starters, these ideas are great for first dates to avoid awkward silence. Thease ideas, by the way are not restricted to heterosexual couples or a duo for that matter.

1) Social Painting

has been in trend lately. Despite its name, social painting is actually rather anti-social. It’s a fantastic date idea when words are few!  If you aren’t too creative, do a bit of a research before the big date. You can pre-empt your date what you’ll be doing so she/he can prepare. Alternatively, prepare an image you two can paint together! That counters the fact that it is anti-social. A slight bump here and there, it’s very intimate painting in such close proximity without turning her off on a first date by intruding personal space!

You can paint him a picture and he can paint you a picture, otherwise paint individually and there’ll be plenty to discuss after over a cuppa!

I go to Arteatisque at Mandarin Gallery. Monday nights are Romantic Nights, so 2 for 1. $60 for a 3-hour session (at 3 fixed timings), with free yummy drinks each. Call to enquire: 6235 8705

2) Jurong Water Slide Public Pool

is still around, I hope. A knock-off defunct Fantasy Island and pricey Wild Wild Wet, this is a public pool with good enough water slides, a wave pool and even a lazy river in Jurong East (near Chinese Garden MRT). Just 80 cents for entry and $3 for the float, this is value-for-fun. Besides, you get to see each other's hot bods?

3) Ice Skating

is a group activity i often do in disguise of getting up close with my crush during school days. When i was young and shy, where boys should woo girls, i didn't let my crush know of my feelings. Ice-skating was a fantastic way to break the ice, pardon the pun.

My crush at 14 happened to be a better skater than i am, so he took my hand and spun me round and round. Thankfully, gloves were a must, otherwise he would have detected my sweaty palms with that pounding heart! Last year, prices have increased to $17 for 2 hours including skate rental. Bring socks and gloves on your own.

4) Cooking Steamboat

is a dining suggestion. Often, a date includes some chow. In Singapore, it's almost inevitably a movie and dinner. That's 2 hours of silence and 1 hour of conversation. If you think your date is likely to be a good conversationalist, lengthen the chow time! Even if there won't be interesting conversations, your hands will be kept busy with peeling prawns and watching food cook, there'll be no awkward silence.

Home-made steamboat.

My favourite steamboat place is The Magic of ChongQing Hot Pot ($40 per person). Much more affordable by J Pot with a wider choice of variety. It is after all a first date, so take your date to a fancier one than the ones along the street of Bugis.


Cooking steamboat together is a good gauge of seeing her domestic or submissive side (wife material). It is also a chance to see him care for the lady, making sure she is well-fed.

5) Lawrys 
is also another pricer dining suggestion but it's well worth the price for its ambience and food. It is also the only experiential restaurant that i know of in Singapore. My favourite place to celebrate birthdays, you get 50% off the 2nd main, and 1 free if you dine in 3. You also get a strawberry shortcake with candle as well as 1 instant print Polaroid. Main courses start at $69.


Located in Mandarin Gallery, the ambience is cosy and a hot spot to reserve is by the windows where you look down at the street lights of Orchard.

Only 1 Polaroid is free. Pay $5 to get more.

It is an experiential restaurant because the ladies are dressed in 1950s English maid uniforms (mild role play?haha.), your meats come in a solid steel carving cart by your table and your salad comes in a spinning bowl with a mini dance. Take the beef (not steaks), that's what Lawry's famous for. A California cut is more than enough for an Asian stomach. Order the cream spinach too!

6) Farm Hopping
is a low cost date idea out of the norm but you'll need a car. Located in Lim Chu Kang, there are a host of farms to hop about. Milk goats at the goat farm, get tickled by fish at a fraction of what Kenko Fish spa charges at the fish farms and buy some organic vegetables for mum!

None that i know of charges an admission free, you just need to get a car and locate the farms yourself! Kranji Countryside Association may be of help. No car? Try car rentals! 

7) Museums & Science Center
are often neglected as a date idea. This would also be an opportunity to see if there are similar interests, or at least an open mind to explore one parties' interest.With 2 new museums in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World, that's new date ideas! With Singapore promoting education, museums admission prices are relatively cheap.

8) Suntec Fairs

is never thought as a date idea. There're IT fairs, travel fairs, food fairs, health fairs and the likes often held in Suntec or Expo. A favourite past time of the older crowd because admission is mostly free, with free sampling and freebies. This is the cheapest of the cheap date ideas. Choose the fairs wisely though, IT and travel fairs are the most crowded and i doubt there'll be free sampling and freebies. Nestle's Health & You was one where the crowds got to consume free coffee, cornflakes, milo. There were also plenty of activity booths for memorable photos!

 9) 3 Monkeys

an affordable show if you can't afford the Esplanade. Found in Holland Village, Kumar, my favourite local comedian do stand-up comedies every Friday and Saturday. For $25, you get a drink and a 90 minute show. A date should always have laughter. Be warned though, Kumar's humour is crass, crude and explicit. Do not bring prudes! Good to make reservations at 6469 1338.

Always plan dates (make reservations) but don’t let the other party know you planned (it sounds too eager)! I know it sounds contradictory; unfortunately that’s how the game goes! Besides, it’s nice when your date is truly sincere and shows thought without you knowing beforehand they planned.

From Zero to Hero, who says money is everything?

Deal Review: The Nail Pageant

The springing up of group buying websites, how will you know which is legit, which provides quality service?

I'm your quality hunter. I review the deals and tell you which to use.

A manicure and pedicure is a monthly routine for me. I spend up to $60 for a classic service, sometimes i bring that amount down to $40 each time if i pay upfront for a package.

These gams need maintenance! Standing long hours and in 3 inch heels creates blisters and callouses.

And there is a new kid on the block!

BECONNCECTED.SG today's deal is The Nail Pageant!

Conveniently located in Dhoby Xchange at Dhoby Ghaut MRT, pay $28 instead of $80. 64% off classic manicure and pedicure + a paraffin treatment.

That's the full works, cuticle maintenance, massage etc. The paraffin made my feet so soft i want to kiss them! Except i can't.

Buy it now! BECONNCECTED.SG

What a Steal!

It was my virgin hand in setting up shop at a flea market. Shopaholics like us ended up spending what we earned at the stall next door. The next time, we should put on eye patches like horses. So we don't get side tracked and only look forward (focus on making sales, not purchase).

Many people came attracted to this woven bag but too cheapskate to purchase it at $20!

Most customers were either young school girls who now can dress fashionable at 1% of the original price, or maids who can dress sexy when they go out on Sunday dates or Grandmas who can dress young again.

There was an old man who came and scrutinised our sunnies. Still in good condition, branded Mango and only at $2, he bought one after 15 minutes of inspection. We even gave him a sunglass cover. While transacting, i made small talk. I asked who he was buying for, and he replied, "my maid."

I felt a sudden rush of warmth in my heart and said, "Aww..that's so sweet." Thinking how Singaporeans treat maids worse than animals sometimes. The old man gave a sheepish smile. It then occurred to me "Could it be to thank her for her special service?" She wouldn't even know it was just $2  >_<

 My innovative dad took the liberty to dress the naked tree with my sale.

 A Philipino man came and bought many bags and heels. He expressed that he is going to give it away as presents. It then dawned upon me that we are so fortunate to be able to buy and wear new clothes. Clothes that we can afford to wear once and never again.

To survive your first flea stall:
1) wear a tube dress, not too short as there may be alot of bending down and over
2) leave the valuables at home and carrying a sling pouch for the necessities
3) water, water, water
4) fan and umbrella
5) pair up with a friend, it helps pass time so much faster

I did not manage to sell all, so check them out on my Buy Em New and Dress Like Me page.