Japanese food in Singapore often feels out of reach for those on a budget. But casual Japanese outlets are changing that by offering tasty, quality meals for less. Read on to learn where you can find affordable places where good Japanese food meets good value.
Japanese cuisine has a reputation for being expensive, especially when fresh seafood is involved. But dining out doesn’t always have to mean a big bill. In Singapore, several casual Japanese eateries offer meals that both satisfy the palate and are gentle on the wallet. These spots focus on delivering fresh ingredients and authentic flavours without the fuss or hefty price tags.
Chirashizushi Shou
Chirashizushi Shou is a lesser-known local spot with two outlets serving authentic Japanese dishes. Their Truffle Chirashi Don and Ikura Chirashi Don offer varied sashimi options at $16 and $29, respectively, balancing affordability and quality. The menu also includes maki rolls such as caramelised salmon at $15 and speciality ramen like mala ramen for under $12.
Their Truffle Chirashi Don and Ikura Chirashi Don best represent their fresh sashimi offerings. Also, try the caramelised salmon maki and spicy mala ramen.
Bukit Timah Plaza | 1 Jalan Anak Bukit, #B1-55A & #B1-60, Singapore, 588996
8810 4190
Koji Sushi Bar
Image Credit: Koji Sushi Bar
Koji Sushi Bar, located in the central business district, is another spot where affordability meets speed and quality. This sushi bar specialises in simple, no-frills Japanese dishes made with fresh seafood. Lunch sets ranging from $9 to $23 make it a popular choice for office workers looking for a quick bite that’s more satisfying than fast food.
The emphasis here is on the seafood, with generous fish portions served over rice. Their fresh seafood sushi is a highlight, especially the lunch sets that offer generous fish portions over rice.
Omote
For those who enjoy donburi, aka rice bowls topped with various ingredients, Omoté offers great value. Known for its Chirashi Don, a colourful bowl of diced seafood sashimi over rice, Omoté prices its servings at around $13, packing in generous quantities of fresh seafood. It also serves other donburi options like yakiniku (grilled meat) don, plus sushi and small Japanese appetisers. The straightforward menu focuses on delivering fresh flavours without pretence. The Chirashi Don, a bowl of diced fresh seafood sashimi over rice, is a signature dish. Also worth trying are their yakiniku (grilled meat) rice bowls.
9450 1020
The Sushi Bar
Sushi lovers seeking variety without high prices often frequent The Sushi Bar. It has multiple locations and offers everything from sashimi platters to rolls and chirashi bowls priced between $20 and $32. Casual and comfortable, it’s a fuss-free place to enjoy Japanese seafood and rice dishes without upscale dining prices.
Must-tries include their sashimi platters and assorted chirashi bowls, offering good variety and value.
Ngee Ann City | 391A Orchard Rd, #05-34/35, Singapore 238874
8818 3535
Far East Plaza | 14 Scotts Road #04-28, Singapore 228213
9653 6464
Stanley Street | 17 Stanley Street, Singapore 068736
9685 3535
Plaza Singapura | 68 Orchard Road #04-68, Singapore 238839
8877 3535
Watami Japanese Dining
Watami is a well-known chain with multiple outlets across the island. It serves classic dishes like Tokachi-style pork rice bowls and pork hotpots for under $13. The food portion is huge and filling, enough to last you from lunch to dinner. Salmon maki at under $8 provides a sushi option without stretching the budget. Watami’s casual vibe makes it a good choice for a quick, affordable meal anywhere from lunch to dinner.
The Tokachi-style pork rice bowl and the pork hotpot are hearty and popular choices. Also, try their salmon maki for affordable sushi.
Outlets:
In summary, Singapore’s casual Japanese dining scene provides many wallet-friendly choices without sacrificing quality. From hearty rice bowls and fresh sushi to ramen and grilled meats, these eateries deliver authentic flavours for under $15 to $20. Keeping expectations in line with prices, diners find these spots ideal for everyday meals or casual outings.
