10 Cheap & Good Thai Restaurants in Singapore Under $20 Per Pax

Thai restaurants in Singapore are commonplace. I have a confession to make – I can’t stop eating Thai food. There is just something about the hot, sour, sweet, salty combo that keeps me coming back time and again. It’s a scratch I can never seem to itch and I am wholly addicted.

To manage this affliction I’ve been building up my little black book of authentic Thai eateries right here in Singapore.

I’m not that fussy, my only two requirements are that the food is authentic and that the bill won’t burn a hole in my pocket. Here’s the pick of my favourite affordable Thai restaurants in Singapore so far; Some of these are even open 24 hours a day, my Thai cravings need never go unfulfilled.

1. Diandin Leluk

The husband and wife team – Johnny Lim and Madame Dian – behind Diandin Leluk began this restaurant in humble settings, selling packed lunches to Thai construction workers from the back of a rented lorry. Several decades later, whilst the recipes have remained the same, Diandin Leluk is now a sprawling restaurant within Golden Mile Complex in Beach road.

The food here is good, really good. Madame Dian still makes all of the chilli and curry pastes herself, whilst fresh herbs are flown in from Thailand thrice weekly. The menu is extensive, authentic and good value. Check out their famous Tom Yam soup ($12) and Papaya Salad ($6)– delicious. We also checked out their green curry rice, it’s a meal in itself and captures the fragrancy of this all time classic in a delicious way.

Diandin Leluk: #01-67/68/69, Golden Mile Complex, 5001 Beach Rd, Singapore 199588 | Tel: 6293 5101 | Website

Opening Hours: All day, every day

2. Nana Thai

Nana Thai is yet another gem within Golden Mile. Always reassuringly busy, this is a great spot for a quick lunch or more leisurely dinner. Whilst the decor is simple and basic, for authentic and tasty Thai food at a very reasonable price you can’t go wrong with Nana Thai.

I watched the chef from our table as she prepared my mango salad, and it didn’t disappoint when it reached the table. The balance of sweet and spicy was dead on for me, I could eat this all day. We also enjoyed a huge bowl of Tom Kha Gai that was served in a silver bowl atop a gas flame. It was packed with a generous serving of chicken and mushrooms, easily enough for 2-3 people and justifying the $12 price tag. Empty plates all round guaranteed.

Nana Thai: #01-51/52/66C, Golden Mile Complex, 5001 Beach Road, 199588 | Tel: 6297 8498

Opening Hours: 11.00am – 10.00pm daily

3. Nakhon Kitchen

With several outlets of Nakhon Kitchen dotted around, we checked out the Holland village branch and were not disappointed. The snaking queue that seems to be a permanent fixture here is well justified, the food is always worth the wait. Rest assured service is snappy so you’ll never be standing around for too long before getting a table.

We recommend the pineapple rice and stir fried beef/pork with hot basil leaves. Not for the faint hearted, Nakhon Kitchen really doesn’t scrimp on the chilli, and rightly so. This is authentic Thai food served the way it should be – hot. A firm favourite and one I return to again and again.

Nakhon Kitchen: 27A Lor Liput, Holland Village | Tel 6469 6862

Opening Hours: Daily (except Wednesday) 12.00pm – 3.00pm, 5.30pm – 10.00pm

4. Jane Thai

Located on the 4th floor of Orchard Towers, don’t be put off by it’s location. This is a small restaurant serving great Thai food. We like the fact the menu is brief yet contains all of the classic favourites. Portions are generous and excellent value for money. In particular we’re fans of the pineapple rice and red seafood soup.

The team here also makes smooth and creamy home-made ice-cream which is definitely worth trying, if only to cool your mouth down post chilli fest. Staff are welcoming and the service is efficient. After a hard days shopping on Orchard Road this is a great place to stop for lunch or early dinner.

Orchard Towers is a little dodgy a place though, with many nightclubs and KTVs within, so do be aware of your surroundings when coming here at night.

Jane Thai: 400 Orchard Road, #04-28/30 Orchard Towers, Singapore 238875 | Tel: 6966 5197 | Website

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 10.30 pm / Closed on Sunday

5. First Thai

First Thai is a quirky and kitsch spot on Purvis Street. I love the eclectic mix of paintings which adorn the pink and blue tiled walls, they ranged from portraits of Marilyn Monroe and Thai royalty to prints of 17th century scenes. It’s quite an odd selection but certainly adds to it’s charm, and charm it has in bucket loads. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, more reminiscent of a cafe than a restaurant.

The food here is authentic and seriously good. We tried the pork with chilli and it was delicious – a little sweet, a lot spicy and filled with beautifully fragrant sweet basil. Service here is delivered with a smile and our generous portions of food arrived quickly. One of my favourites on this list.

First Thai: 23 Purvis Street, Singapore 188600 | Tel: 6339 3123

Opening Hours: Daily 11.30am – 3.00pm & 6.oopm – 10.00pm (sometimes closed on a Monday)

6. Gold Food

Located on Bencoolen Street, Gold Food is a cute restaurant with tables that spill out on to the street. Most main courses here are between $10 – $12, though at lunchtime there are specials available that are cheaper. Our chicken with basil, served with rice and a fried egg was a mere $6. It perhaps wasn’t as spicy as I normally prefer, but the fish sauce with chilli that comes on the table allowed me to heat things up to my liking.

I arrived during a busy lunch time service and was pleasantly surprised at how quick and efficient the waiters were. This is the perfect lunch time spot, with a menu packed full of authentic Thai treats you won’t be left hungry and your wallet will still feel full afterwards.

Gold Food: 91 Bencoolen Street, Sunshine Plaza #01 – 14, Singapore 189625 | Tel: 6883 1575

Opening Hours: Daily between 11.30am – 3.30pm & 5.00pm – 10.30pm

7. Aroy Dee

This has a slightly more modern interior than most, the tiled floors and semi open kitchen are inviting and I loved being able to see the kitchen in action. The set lunch and Thai Bento sets here are particularly good value at $6.50, whilst for dinner there are plenty of options to choose from including the usual favourites. In particular I’m a fan of their green curry.

This place is open all night, making it a great place to stop for dinner on the way home after a few – OK, perhaps more than just a few – drinks. A new outlet will soon be opening in Boat Quay for those of you who rarely find yourself near the current location.

Aroy Dee: 262 Middle Road, Sunshine Plaza, Singapore 188989 | Tel: 6336 8812 | Website

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 11.30am – 3.00pm & 5.00pm – 6.00am / Saturday – Sunday 12.00pm to 6.00am

8. Korat Thai Cafe

Tucked away on the third floor of Orchard Towers, Korat Thai is another one not to overlook despite the location. Whilst the ambience is unsurprisingly not the best, and it definitely has the cafe vibe as opposed to formal restaurant dining, the food is so good I couldn’t leave it out.

If you find yourself with an empty stomach having spent all of your money on beer, this place is open until 3am and will not disappoint. Definitely not a first date dining choice, but certainly somewhere to bring your friends for a hearty feast at reasonable prices. I have sampled numerous things off the menu across several visits and, quite frankly, it’s all been delicious.

Korat Thai Cafe: 400 Orchard Road, Singapore 238875 | Tel: 6736 2282 | Website

Opening Hours: 7.00pm – 3.00am daily

9. Jai Thai

Jai Thai has been in business since 1999 and they currently have four outlets dotted around Singapore – Dhoby X’change, Clover Way, East Coast and Purvis Street. We visited the latter and enjoyed sitting back and watching the world go by on pretty Purvis Street. There are tables available both inside and out, but irrespective of what time you visit expect it to be busy.

I like that most dishes here can be ordered in small, medium or large portions with slight variations in cost. Great, if you are dining as a group and want to ensure there is enough to go round, whilst a small portion is perfect for one over lunch. Service here is occasionally a little chaotic, but I can overlook that as the food is authentic and great value. We opted for a dry red curry with beef and were not disappointed.

Jai Thai: 27 Purvis Street, #01-01 An Chuan Building, Singapore 188604 | Tel: 6336 6908 | Website

Opening Hours: Daily 11.30am – 3.00pm & 6.00pm – 10.00pm (Last Order 9:30pm)

10. Ah Loy Thai

Ah Loy Thai is a family run business located within the Shaw Towers. It’s a fairly casual set up attracting a range of clientele from students to the suited and booted on their lunch breaks. It’s often busy, particularly at lunch time, so be prepared to queue for a table followed by a further wait for your food to arrive. I prefer to visit early evening when I’m not in so much of a rush.

Famed for it’s pandan chicken and butter calamari, this place is cheap, cheerful and worth a try if you are in the neighbourhood.

Ah Loy Thai: 100 Beach Road, #01-39/40 Shaw Towers, Singapore 189702 | Tel: 9165 1543

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 12.00 – 8.00pm / Saturday 1.00pm – 7.30pm / Sunday – Closed

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