Bugis is known for its cool, hipster cafes. And while those are definitely a must-visit for gatherings with your friends and loved ones, some days all you might wanna do is kick back, relax and enjoy the lively vibes of bustling coffee shops, tasty homemade-tasting dishes, or just save money for your Bugis shopping spree, especially since some cafes might get a little pricey! If you're in the area and looking for somewhere to fill up without breaking the bank, this article is for you. Here are 10 affordable halal spots in Bugis for under $15 per pax.
Affordable Halal Food In Bugis
1. Kampong Glam Cafe
Credit: Lewis Baba Tay on Facebook
We don't think this cafe needs an introduction - but we're putting it in any way! While technically called a cafe, Kampong Glam Cafe (KGC) has a layout that resembles that of a coffee shop. Located in the heart of the Kampong Glam area, it's definitely deserving of its name. Serving up familiar Malay cuisines like Nasi Lemak, Lontong and Nasi Padang, KGC's food goes for an average of $5-$7 a plate, so you can have both a filling and affordable meal while you're in the area!
P.S. Check Out This New Modest Fashion Store In Bugis Doubles Up As A Halal Coffee & Ice Cream Spot!
Kampong Glam Cafe
Halal Status: Muslim-Owned
2 & 3. Dahlia Cafe & Sinaran Suria
Credit: Dahlia Cafe on Faceboook
Located on the second floor of Golden Landmark Shopping Centre, Dahlia Cafe and Sinaran Suria are popular with the lunch crowd working in Bugis. The two stalls might look unassuming but they serve up some hearty meals. Dahlia Cafe's nasi goreng with fried chicken and ayam penyet are a hit with customers. The nasi goreng also has a slightly spicy version. The crispy fried chicken is a treat to your taste buds, with just the right amount of flavour. Just beside it is Sinaran Suria which serves local 'kampung' style dishes like Mee Soto, Nasi Rawon, and Mee Kuah. Their sweet Jemput-Jemput (fried banana dough balls) is perfect as a snack?
The best part? These are incredibly affordable options for those looking for meals that won't break the bank! Their Ayam Penyet goes for just $6. ?
Dahlia Cafe & Sinaran Suria
Halal status: Both Muslim-owned
4, 5 & 6. Zam Zam, Victory & Al-Tasneem
Located opposite the back of Masjid Sultan are 3 popular Indian Muslim eateries that are famous for one thing - murtabak! Zam Zam Restaurant, Victory Restaurant and Al-Tasneem each have their own loyal fans who swear that their respective favourite’s murtabak is the best. But murtabak isn’t the only thing on the menu at these 3 eateries. Next time, savour other dishes like biryani, mee goreng, and roti prata too! You can get a full meal including a drink at any of these restaurants for less than $15, so it’s also a good way to stick to your budget while exploring the area.
P.S. Check out the battle of the murtabaks from these 3 famous restaurants here!
Zam Zam Restaurant , Victory Restaurant & Al-Tasneem
Halal status: All 3 restaurants are Muslim-owned
7. Kohnangkam
Located in a street off North Bridge Rd is a halal Southern Thai restaurant that's another hidden gem in the area. Koh Nangkam's Pahd Si'yu, Tom Yum Soup and more will leave you surprised at just how authentic and delicious they taste. Dishes are priced at about $9-$15 on average, and they come in various serving sizes, which makes them perfect for splitting a meal with friends! (Hurray for saving money!) We would also recommend their Pandan-wrapped Chicken which is an office favourite ? It can get very crowded here even during weekdays, so we recommend booking a table ahead of time if you're planning to visit in a big group.
P.S. Check Out This Muslim Traveller's Guide To Bugis: What To See, Do And Eat
Koh Nangkam
Halal Status: Muslim-Owned
8. Rumah Makan Minang
Credit: Rumah Makan Minang on Facebook
This restaurant specialises exclusively in Indonesian Minangkabau cuisine. They serve a wide range of traditional Indonesian dishes from the ever-popular Tahu Bakar and Rendang, as well as other delicacies like Botok-Botok (fish marinated in a medley of ground spices and then steamed in banana leaf wrap). With a setup similar to Nasi Padang, you can pick and choose the dishes you want to have before finding a seat and enjoying your meal. We recommend visiting with your friends or family just so you can try a little bit of everything as it's all too good to pass up!?
Plsu, dishes go for an average of $5-$8, making this the perfect place to enjoy an affordable meal!
Rumah Makan Minang
Halal Status: Halal-certified
9. Hjh Maimunah Restaurant
Credit: weeteck on Instagram
If you're craving some familiar comfort food amongst all these hipster offerings, head over to this eatery in Jln Pisang that serves up a huge menu of local kampung (traditional village) favourites throughout the day – and many of the dishes are inspired by Indonesian cuisine too! Hjh Maimunah’s is often touted as one of the best Malay food in the country, and we can definitely understand why. Their signature Siput Sedut Lemak (needle snails in coconut gravy) and Beef Rendang will keep you wanting more – and their assortment of traditional kuih and desserts will be the perfect end to the meal!
Best known for being a Nasi Padang Store, you can pick and choose what dishes you'd like added to your plate! That way, you can control how much you spend and save money. ? A plate of rice and assorted side dishes can cost $12 or less here, so happy eating!
P.S. Check Out These 18 Halal Cafes For The Perfect Brunch In Singapore
Hjh Maimunah Restaurant
Halal Status: Muslim-owned
10. Hajjah Mariam
Credit: xxnrhyteats on Instagram
Another famous Nasi Padang store, Hajjah Mariam is also known for its Nasi Ambeng and can be found just down the road from Hjh Maimunah, opposite Masjid Sultan. From delicious Nasi Sambal Goreng ($8.30) to local side dishes like Gado-Gado ($6.80) and Pulut Kuning ($6.80), eating here will leave you incredibly satisfied ? If you're going in a group, order their Nasi Ambeng Duet Premium for just $25.50. With enough for 2 pax, you won't have to break the bank while you dine in here!
Hajjah Mariam Cafe
Halal Status: Muslim-Owned
So if you're in the area and looking for something delicious and affordable, remember to check out these 10 mouth-watering places. They are definitely worth dropping by!