PUBLISHED December 30th, 2015 10:00 pm | UPDATED June 2nd, 2020 08:30 pm
Fact: Singaporeans love Thai cuisine – and the spicier, the better! Thankfully, it’s not at all difficult to get cheap thai food in Singapore. While these seven Thai restaurants serve mostly generic Thai food – think phad thai and tom yum – they do give you awesome bang for your buck:
Nakhon Kitchen
Aka the ‘cheap Thai restaurant with the perpetual long queue’, Nakhon Kitchen is loved by Singaporeans for its heartland locations and teeming selection of seafood dishes – their signature Tom Yum soup comes in three versions: clear, thick, or coconut base. It’s a great place for the uninitiated to try out a variety of Thai dishes without burning a hole in their pockets. Do go for the Mango Salad here for its sweet sauce and not-too-sour fresh fruit.
Nakhon Kitchen is located at #01-341, 212 Housing Street 21, Singapore 530212; 136 Bedok North Avenue 3 #01-166, Singapore 460136; and 27A Lorong Liput Holland Village, Singapore 277738. Open 12pm – 2.45pm, 5.30pm – 9.45pm daily. For enquiries, please call 6286 8785.
Jai Thai
If you’re in the Bugis or Beach Road area, Jai Thai along Purvis Street is a readily accessible spot for affordable and satisfying Thai set meals for less than $10 – a popular option is their tasty Tom Yum Soup with white rice and Thai Milk Tea. Jai Thai is also available at three other locations, with the latest outlet being set up at Dhoby Ghaut Exchange.
Jai Thai is located at 27 Purvis Street, Singapore 188604; 7 Clover Way, Singapore 579080; 205 East Coast Road, Singapore 428904; and Dhoby X’Change, #B1-12 Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station, Singapore 238826. Opening hours are Mon to Sun: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm. For enquiries please call 6336 6908.
Ah Loy Thai
Opened by an old couple (the wife is Thai) almost a decade ago, Ah Loy is a stalwart when it comes to Thai food in Singapore. Highlights here include the Butter Calamari ($8.50), fried to a lovely crunch and dipped in butter and chili, and generously-ladled bowls of Seafood Tom Yam ($7.50). The only downside here is the closing time of 8pm; way too early for a leisurely meal after work.
Ah Loy Thai is located at #01-39/40 Shaw Tower, 100 Beach Road, Singapore 189702. Open Mon-Fri 12pm – 8pm, Sat 1pm – 7.30pm. For enquiries, please call 6509 9825.
Korat Thai
Contrary to popular opinion, Thai discos and pubs are not the only things in Orchard Towers. Situated on the third floor, Korat Thai serves the best value-for-money Thai cuisine in the Orchard area. While we wouldn’t recommend the place for a first date, it’s ideal for after-party meals and supper. Phad Thai, omelettes, soups, and meats – they have it all.
Korat Thai is located at 400 Orchard Towers #03-28, Orchard Road, Singapore 238875. Open Sun-Thu 7pm – 3am, Fri-Sat 7pm – 4am. For enquiries, please call 67362282.
Thai Gold Food
A homey and simple eatery without the least bit of pretentiousness, Sunshine Plaza’s Thai Gold Food is great for vegetarians; simply request for the kitchen to make dishes like Claypot Green Curry or Basil Fried Rice meatless. While the the portions are not large by any means, the quality and taste of food is comparable to the midrange places out there. It’s also open till late and there’s no service charge here.
Thai Gold Food is located at #01-14/22, 91 Bencoolen Street, Sunshine Plaza, Singapore 189652. Open Sun-Thu 12pm – 1am, Fri to Sat 12pm – 3am. For enquiries, please call 6883 1575.
Diandin Leluk
Known as Singapore’s Little Thailand, Golden Mile Complex is not as shady as rumoured to be. Running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Diandin Leluk is great for the Thai craving that hits you in the wee hours. Specialising in Bangkok and Northern Thailand-style food, the restaurant has a very comprehensive menu that you’ll be spoilt for choice. The prices here are pocket-friendly, with sweet and crunchy Phad Thai at $5 and an immaculate Green Curry Chicken for $10.
Diandin Leluk Thai Restaurant is located at #01-67 Golden Mile Complex, 5001 Beach Road, Singapore 199599. Opening hours are 24 hours. For enquiries, please call 6293 5101.
Beer Thai House
Standing next to its slightly more illustrious neighbour, Golden Mile Tower has, at least, the homely Beer Thai House to speak of. Simply walk around the back of the first floor to find this hidden gem. Try the Cucumber Salad instead of the usual papaya or mango salads; crowd favourites like Pineapple Fried Rice and Deep Fried Fish with Spicy Sauce are affordable and very well-executed, making them hits in the local Thai community. Not surprising, given that the chef hails from Thailand.
Beer Thai is located at 6001 Beach Road, #01-50/51 Golden Mile Tower, Singapore 199589. Open 11am – 11pm daily. For enquiries, please call 6297 7644.
Top Image Credit: Jai Thai Restaurant