Eating Out? Make Healthier And Cheaper Choices In Just 5 Ways

With the influx and the variety of the restaurants, cafes, and other eateries island-wide, it is always a good time to dine out at the Red Dot. But…this does not mean that you can freely eat unhealthily or splurge a lot.

Here are 5 ways to work around it:

1. MAKE IT A HABIT TO SEARCH IN ADVANCE

Before dining in the restaurant, make it a habit to check their menu online. Websites such as sg.openrice.com, yelp.com.sg, or hungrygowhere.com can help you locate a restaurant, identify its menu, and give you an estimate of the average spending. This will help you make tastier, healthier, and cheaper decisions.

2. CONSIDER ORDERING A MEAL

Imagine being in an affordable buffet with all the calorie-rich food available at your arm’s length. It sounds tempting doesn’t it? Yet your health may be at cost. Instead of always opting for a buffet, consider ordering a single meal that is packed with nutrients!

3. DISTANCE YOURSELF FROM THE APPETIZERS

Even if the restaurant appetizers are free, do your best to skip it as some of it are packed with calories. Appetizers are also made to fool your brain unto consuming more food that you intend.

Image Credits: wEnDy via Flickr

Image Credits: wEnDy via Flickr

4. CHEW SLOWLY

Indulge and savour the taste of your food. Eating slowly will help you realize that you are actually satiated. Thus, you will eat and purchase just enough or even less.

5. CHOOSE YOUR DESSERTS AND SALADS WISELY

I know I am not the only one who shares a deep fondness for desserts. A delectably sweet cake drizzled with tasty toppings can make you hungry for more. Although it is tempting, it is important to watch your sugar intake. Opt for lighter dessert choices such as sorbets or fruits. As for the salads, be mindful of the creamy toppings and the dressings.

Image Credits: Ralph Daily via Flickr

Image Credits: Ralph Daily via Flickr

With these simple ways, your tummy and your wallet will definitely be happy!

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How to keep your food budget below $600

Continuing from the article on “How to maximise your life with a $3,000 paycheck”, this article will be focusing on the ways to stretch a $600 monthly food budget. This is the first in a five-part series on how to optimise the use of funds allocated to each of the budgets.

Image credit: theonlinecitizen.com

Image credit: theonlinecitizen.com

1. Indulge in hawker fare

The most economical way to tempt your tastebuds would be to indulge in hawker fare. The average price for a meal complete with a drink is approximately $5. Given 23 working days in a month and 3 meals a day, the total expenditure for this category would thus round up to $345. While Singapore’s climate may be unforgiving to hawker fans, we should not be quick to dismiss the perks of having affordable yet scrummy delights at our convenience while being loud and comfortable with our friends sharing plates of delectable food.

Image credit: 123rf.com

Image credit: 123rf.com

2. Hunt for food deals & be a fan of credit cards

Nowadays, hunting for the latest food deals is an easy feat. Websites like deals.com.sg and moneydigest.sg have sprouted up to help consumers stretch their every dollar. At the same time, credit card companies are collaborating with food retailers to bring greater value to the table. Do not ever belittle the bang for the buck you can actually accumulate from these massively discounted meals.

For an income earner of $3,000, while it is unrealistic to dine in lavish cafes and restaurants every single day, it does not hurt to spoil yourself on weekends with the various credit card dining promotions. Imagine the euphoria from treating yourself to half-priced cakes or main courses on a budget of $240 for the 4 weekends?

While the sum of $30 to be spent on meals on a relaxing Saturday/Sunday may seem inadequate, it is actually double the weekday budget, meaning you have the discretion to spend more. Also, don’t forget that you have the privilege of waking up late on a lazy weekend and skipping your breakfast. Go for brunch instead!

Alternatively, you can spend your weekend budget customising your home-cooked meals with your loved ones. The truth is, if everyone in the family were to pool their weekend budgets together, the spending power would increase tremendously. This would translate to a wide variety of mouth-watering foods presenting a tantalising spectrum of flavours, sights and smells for feasting.

 

 

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Delicious and Affordable Places For Vietnamese Food In Singapore

Being a food hub of diverse Asian cuisines, Singaporeans enjoy Vietnamese food. Each Vietnamese dish embraces the distinctive flavors of one or more key ingredients such as fish sauce, shrimp paste, soy sauce, and fresh herbs.

Not only is Vietnamese food appetizing, but it also healthy. Serving meals that are mostly low in fat, gluten-free, MSG-free, and rich in vitamins and minerals. So, it will not hurt your health to indulge in these Delicious and Affordable Vietnamese Food Places

4. THE ORANGE LANTERN RESTAURANT

The Orange Lantern, located in Harbourfront Centre and Killiney Road, offers a wide array of popular and authentic Vietnamese dishes such as Vietnamese Rice Paper Roll and BBQ Beef Wrapped in Betel Nut Leaves. As the name suggests, the place graces in orange and white colors filled with orange lanterns. It is a calming and appetizing atmosphere. Aside from the place, what draws consumers in are the Halal Certified ingredients, award-winning Imperial Rolls, and the yummy Avocado Shake (Sinh Tố Bơ). The price range of the dishes is S$11-20.

Image Credits: The Orange Lantern Photos via hungrygowhere.com

Image Credits: The Orange Lantern photos via hungrygowhere.com

Online Rating: 64% Upvotes at HungryGoWhere

Locations:

#01-98, Harbourfront Centre, 1 Maritime Square, Singapore 099253

73 Killiney Road, Singapore 239528

3. WRAP & ROLL

The first to serve freshly made steamed rice paper rolls; Wrap & Roll offers casual yet genuine Vietnamese dining experience. You shall expect tasty dishes at the affordable price range of S$7-20.

What’s more? Wrap & Roll is treating your moms on Mother’s Day – for free! Mothers will enjoy a complimentary main course along with two items purchased from Roll-It-Yourself or Rice & Noodles section. Call 6694 4111 for reservations and enquiries.

Image Credits: www.facebook.com/wrap.roll.sg

Image Credits: facebook.com/wrap.roll.sg

 

Online Rating: 75% Upvotes at HungryGoWhere

Locations: 4 outlets islandwide, visit here: wrap-roll.com.sg/location

2. NAMNAM NOODLE BAR

Established in 2011 under Les Amis Group, NamNam Noodle bar boasts its classic Vietnamese street food dishes such as Pho and Banh Mi. The owner named Nam Quoc Nguyen preserved the spirit of the traditional Vietnamese cuisine while infusing his own modern spin. Even the ambience of the NamNam Noodle Bar resembles the roadside of Vietnam with its wooden furniture, hard flooring, and vivid lanterns.

The recommended dishes include the “Fresh Southern Rolls” consisting of prawn, fresh herbs, and peanut sauce (S$5.20) and the “Banh Mi B4” consisting of toasted baguettes stuffed with 5-spice pulled beef and chicken floss (S$6.90). The inexpensive prices of the food range from S$3.90-17.90.

Image Credits:  namnamnoodlebar.com.sg

Image Credits: namnamnoodlebar.com.sg

Online Rating: 80% Upvotes at HungryGoWhere

Locations: 6 outlets islandwide, visit here: namnamnoodlebar.com.sg

1. LITTLE VIETNAM RESTAURANT & CAFE

Little Vietnam Restaurant & Cafe, one of the raved about Vietnamese restaurants in Singapore, is a place where you can find budget-friendly yet authentic Vietnamese food. Your wallet and your belly will thank you after the meal, as the average tasty plate price per person is only S$12. They have an extensive menu of the classic Pho, noodles, and rice dishes. It costs about S$7 for a bowl of Beef Pho. They also serve the awesome coconut jelly that is perfect for the summer season!

Online Rating: 80% Upvotes at HungryGoWhere

Location: 511 Guillemard Road, #01-25/29 Grandlink Square, Singapore 399849

Image Credits: chubbybotakkoala.com

Image Credits: chubbybotakkoala.com

Source: Wikipedia

Enjoy your meal! 🙂

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The Hippest Food Places In Singapore, Serving Under S$30

Hipster, a sub-culture in today’s society, exhibits appreciation for freedom, creativity, and wit. Thus, hipster places exude a youthful vibe that opposes the status quo. A modern spin on things results to the cultural experimentation of dishes. Where exactly are these hip food places located? Well, they are all over Singapore. In hawker centers, inside the malls, and more. With these myriad of choices, here are the best ones that serve dishes under S$30…

1. PERCOLATE

Located in the Bedok area, is a humble cafe opened by a few friends. The place is simple, cozy, and beautifully decorated that is why it brings a relaxing ambiance to its customers. Prices are budget-friendly with an average price of S$10. A 5-oz of white will only cost you S$4.50 while a yummy Smoked Salmon with Wasabi Cream Sandwich will cost you S$9. Good prices offering delectable dishes…who am I to complain?

Location: 136 Bedok North Avenue 3, #01-152B Singapore 460136

2. IMMANUEL FRENCH KITCHEN

Have you ever eaten fine French cuisine in a “Kopitiam” setting? If not then, you have not taste the media acclaimed: Immanuel French Kitchen. A brainchild of Chef Immanuel Tee, this food stall serves restaurant quality dishes using only the finest dining techniques such as espumas and braising. At a an affordable price, Immanuel French Kitchen dishes are priced at S$18 on the average. People have only good things to say with their Duck Confit. While a hip Miso Foi Gras (S$16.50) was made with fusing Japanese cuisine elements.

Location: Blk 119, Bukit Merah Lane 1, Singapore 151119

3. TWO WINGS

The unique thing about Two Wings is that the owner Jeremy Loh used their original family recipe that have been passed down to each succeeding generations since 1970. Their amazing Crispy Wings that are imported from Brazil will cost you S$8.50 for 4 pieces and S$24 for 12. A true must-try considering the inexpensive prices and the glorious crunch of each wing. If you are a health-conscious individual, fear not. They offer Fresh Cut Salad for only S$3 and you can choose between balsamic vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing.

Location: 119 Bukit Merah Lane 1, Singapore 151119

4. FIX

Fix Cafe is a poolside cafe located at the Balestier area. Sounds like a cool place doesn’t it? You are correct! The place is youthful and appealing that even most of the customers are young. A notable modern take on their menu is their naans. Instead of using the traditional wrap, they used naan in making dishes like Chicken Tikka Naanwich (S$11) and Beef & Kimchi Naanwich (S$11). For dessert lovers, you must order the Butterscotch Arabica Choux (S$6) or the Strawberry Pistachio Rose Tart (S$6). Surely, Fix is a place for affordable and delicious pastries, grilled sandwiches, and artisan coffee.

Image Credits: www.facebook.com/FIXsg

Image Credits: www.facebook.com/FIXsg

Location: HomeTeam NS-JOM Clubhouse, 31 Ah Hood Road Singapore 329979

5. STEW KÜCHE

If you think that European dishes are only served in “Atas” restaurants then, you have got one thing wrong. Located in a busy kopitiam is a stall that fuses Swiss-German and Italian cuisine. With their scrumptious feasts prepared in a very experienced way, it is surprising that their prices are under S$30! It is recommeded that you try their special dishes such as the Paprika Beef Goulash (S$15.50) and the wide array of sausages (priced from S$6.90). They also sell a broad selection of craft beers for all the beer lovers out there.

Location: 119 Bukit Merah Lane 1, Singapore 151119

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Delicious And Affordable Places for Indian Food in Singapore

The taste of Indian cuisine consists of a myriad of regional dishes native to India. Each region of diverse culture, language, and climate bring their own popular dish to the mix. Nonetheless, aromatic spices are the essence of Indian food. In Singapore, you will find several restaurants and stalls that offer authentic Indian food, here are 4 good ones that are worth trying…

4. SARAVANNA BHAVAN

Saravanaa Bhavan is an Indian Vegetarian Restaurant Located at Syed Alwi Road. With more than 30 outlets across the world, its first Singapore outlet was established in 2001. They offer nothing but authentic Indian vegetarian food with online voters raving for the tongue licking goodness of Ghee Roast Masala Dosa, Mini Tiffin, and Mango Lassi. Affordable prices range from S$2.20-12.50. You can even order your Saravannaa Bhavan food online by visiting: saravanabhavan.com.sg/online-order.

Image Credits: Saravanaabhavan singapore via Facebook.com

Image Credits: Saravanaabhavan singapore via Facebook.com

Location: 84 Syed Alwi Rd, Singapore 207663

Online Rating: 64% up votes on HungryGoWhere

3. SAKUNTHALA’S FOOD PALACE

Sakunthala’s Food Palace’s modern decor sets the tone for its exquisite ambiance and home-style Indian cooking. They offer a mixture of South Indian, Northern Indian, Vegetarian, and Chinese fusion dishes. Their chefs handpick each ingredient from the freshest produce to ensure highest quality at an affordable price. Their inexpensive prices range from S$1.50-14 with an exemption of the Fish Head Curry that costs about S$30.

Locations:

66 Race Course Road, Singapore 218570

88, Syed Alwi Road Singapore 207667

No.8, Changi Park, Avenue 1 UE Biz Hub East, #01-53 Singapore 486018

151, Dunlop Street Singapore 209466

Online Rating: 67% up votes on HungryGoWhere

2. SING MING ROTI PRATA

Sin Ming Roti Prata, located in Jin Fa Kopitiam, is a gem for flavorful, fragrant, and texture rich pratas in Singapore. Several reviews online (1, 2) have enjoyed Sing Ming Roti Prata’s prata and considered it as one of the best. One HungryGoWhere online voter even said that it as the best prata he ever had. This is why it is recommended to try their plain prata. The average price of the food is only S$4.

Location: #01-51, Jin Fa Kopitiam, 24 Sin Ming Rd, Singapore 570024

Online Rating: 94% up votes on HungryGoWhere

1. TANDOORI CORNER

What is special about Tandoori Corner is that it serves affordable traditional Indian cuisine in a fine dining setting. In fact, food prices of S$2.50-20.90 gives you the value for your money. Offering good ambiance and good service, it is recommended for you to try their Butter Chicken for S$11.90.

Locations:

400 Balestier Road, #01-12 Balestier Plaza, 329802 #01-01

5 Boon Tat Street Singapore 069613

Online Rating: 100% up votes on HungryGoWhere

Enjoy your meal!

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