We all know the feeling. You’ve had a great night out in the CBD, the food was good, the vibes were right, and then the bill arrives. Suddenly, your nervousness kicks in and you take a deep breath before daring to look at the total. Sounds familiar?
“You can't have the best of both words” as they say, but what if that narrative is altered? Enjoying a prime location, good food and a proper night out does not always have to come with a premium price tag. From hotpot and Italian comfort to Indian flavours by the river, you’ll be amazed at what’s hidden in plain sight, right at the heart of Singapore.
The only thing that should leave you speechless is the food, not the receipt.
Hotpot Without the Hot Bill
Craving hotpot but not quite ready for the bill that usually comes with it? 90 Minutes at Rendezvous Hotel might be your answer. The name is your giveaway; 90 minutes to enjoy a full Korean dining experience from start to finish.
Photo credit: 90 Minutes website
Kick things off with fishcake skewers, move on to tteokbokki and ramyeon bubbling away in the hotpot, then finish strong with fried rice made to round out the meal. The restaurant takes inspiration from the streets of Seoul, with a warm and cosy interior enhancing your dining experience.
Enjoy 1-for-1 Buffet Deals from 90 Minutes Here!
Andiamo! When in Doubt, Make It Italian
Photo Credit: @santis.sg on Instagram
Sometimes, nothing hits quite like a proper Italian meal made with amore. Santi’s Pizza and Produce is quietly tucked in Telok Ayer, a neighbourhood that has gone from Singapore’s old waterfront and landing point for early immigrants to one of the CBD’s liveliest pockets for food and nightlife.
Santi’s keeps things equally interesting with open flame cooking, quality produce and a dining concept inspired by Santiago, the founder’s son, and his sense of childlike creativity.
Fair warning, this next bit might get your stomach growling.
For pasta, try the Vodka Sugo & Italian Sausage, made with tomato sugo, chilli, sausage, pecorino and stracciatella tossed through pappardelle. If pizza is more your thing, the Not So Classic Marg puts a twist on the classic Margherita with stracciatella, fior di latte, basil oil and pecorino.
One thing for certain is that you’ll definitely come back for more!
Satisfy Your Cravings and Claim 1-for-1 Pizza & Pasta Deals at Santi’s Here!
Satisfy Your Cravings and Claim 1-for-1 Pizza & Pasta Deals at Santi’s Here!
Spice be the Riverside
Craving a taste of India without the plane ticket? Let your taste buds do the travelling at Manam, right by the Singapore River at Boat Quay.
Photo Credit: Manam website
Inspired by family recipes passed down through generations, Manam combines ingredients from all around India, including meals based on the culinary customs of regions such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Goa. Their goal is straightforward; to continue the legacy of serving authentic dishes while making you feel at home.
Set the mood right with their iconic Chicken Tikka, marinated with fresh herbs, spices and garlic before being grilled in the tandoor; a traditional cylindrical oven made of clay.
Photo Credit: @manam.sg on Instagram
Immerse into something richer with their Butter Chicken, an elegant dish of tender chicken simmered with tomatoes, cream, butter, cashew and spices. A Manam house staple, the butter chicken never fails to deliver that comforting, familiar flavour that pairs perfectly with a fresh naan.
Indulge in 1-for-1 Starters, Curries, Cocktails and Mocktails from Manam Here!
Save Room for Something Sweet
A proper night out deserves a sweet ending, and DOPA at Tanjong Pagar is an easy stop if dessert is still calling.
Photo Credit: DOPA website
Derived from the word ‘dopamine’, the hormone linked to happiness and excitement, fitting the cafe’s warm, feel good atmosphere. Inspired by Korean cafes, the space is decked out in maroon terracotta tiles, giving it a cosy and distinctive look.
Photo credit: DOPA Instagram
One standout is the Pistachio Kunafa, DOPA’s rendition on the Dubai Chocolate craze, with the pistachio gelato topped with crispy handmade kunafa chocolate.
No matter how full you think you are, dessert somehow always finds a little extra room.
The Night Is Still Young
Have room to squeeze in just a bit more? Head down to No. 5 Emerald Hill, which is located inside a beautifully restored two-storey Peranakan terrace home just off Orchard Road, if the night still has some vitality.
Photo credit:@no5emeraldhill on Instagram
Step inside and have yourself welcomed by plenty of old school charm, from timber floors and intricate carved woodwork to red Chinese lanterns, Persian rugs and plush cushions tucked around the space. It feels more like drinking inside a heritage home than your typical city bar.
Photo credit: @no5emeraldhill on Instagram
The real wallet pleaser comes later in the evening with 1 for 1 martinis from 9pm to 1am daily, making it an easy final stop when you want the night to continue without ending it on an expensive note.
A good night out in the city does not have to end with a painful bill. With the right spots, you can enjoy good food, dessert and drinks in prime locations without spending like every meal is a special location.
To simplify things… CBD vibes secured. Wallet still intact.
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