Hangawi Korean Food at Fortune Centre offers some of the most affordable options, with dishes starting from just $6.90 for a Kimchi Fried Rice Set.
Looking for tasty Korean food that won't break the bank? Singapore's vibrant hawker scene has you covered! Many food lovers don't realize that some of the most authentic Korean flavors can be found at affordable hawker stalls throughout the island.
I've spent years hunting down the best budget-friendly Korean food spots in Singapore, and I'm excited to share my top 10 picks with you. These stalls offer all the rich flavors of Korean cuisine – from bubbling stews to crispy fried chicken – at a fraction of restaurant prices.
Whether you're craving a comforting bowl of soondubu or want to try authentic kimchi without splurging, these hawker gems deliver big flavors without the big bills.
1. Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu
Location: Three outlets across Singapore
This popular Korean hawker stall specializes in soondubu (soft tofu stew), a comforting Korean classic. Their Pork Soon Tofu Set at $6.90 is perfect for first-timers – the stew comes bubbling hot with silky tofu, flavorful broth, and just enough spice to warm you up.
What makes Buk Chang Dong stand out is their consistency across all three outlets and generous portions that easily rival more expensive restaurants.
2. JIN Kimchi Express
Location: Five stalls island-wide
With five outlets across Singapore, JIN Kimchi Express has become a go-to for quick, affordable Korean meals. Their Jin Signature Kimchi Stew Set ($6.80) packs a punch with perfectly fermented kimchi in a rich broth.
On hot days, try their refreshing Icy Mul Naengmyeon ($8.80) – cold buckwheat noodles in a chilled broth that's both tangy and sweet.
3. Hangawi Korean Food
Location: Fortune Centre, 190 Middle Road
Tucked away in Fortune Centre, Hangawi serves some of the most comforting Korean home-style dishes in Singapore. Their Bibimbap ($7) and Kimchi Fried Rice Set ($6.90) offer excellent value.
The Kimchi Soup Set ($7.50) is a crowd favorite – rich, tangy, and filled with tofu and vegetables. Their BBQ Chicken Set ($7.90) features tender chicken pieces marinated in a sweet-savory sauce that keeps customers coming back.
4. Kim Dae Mun
Location: Concorde Shopping Mall
A longtime favorite among office workers and students, Kim Dae Mun serves hearty Korean meals at wallet-friendly prices. Their Spicy Pork ($11.50) is legendary – tender slices of pork coated in a spicy-sweet sauce served with rice and banchan (side dishes).
The Pork Kimchi Soup ($10.50) is another must-try, especially on rainy days. What sets Kim Dae Mun apart is their generous portions and authentic flavor profiles that don't compromise despite the affordable prices.
5. Chelabela
Location: 603 Ang Mo Kio Ave 5
Chelabela has earned a reputation for their delicious kimchi (from $5) and value-for-money Korean dishes. Their BBQ Pork ($6) and BBQ Chicken ($6) lunchboxes are perfect grab-and-go meals.
Each box comes with your choice of protein, rice, and a selection of banchan – impressive variety at hawker prices.
6. Phat Fingers
Location: 51 Telok Ayer Street #01-03 China Square Food Centre
Craving Korean fried chicken? Phat Fingers delivers crispy, juicy chicken starting from just $7.90. Their chicken burgers, like the Psy's Famous Chicken Burger ($8.90), offer a Korean twist on a classic fast food item.
For the brave, the Nuclear Spicy Xtra Hot Burger ($8.90) provides a fiery challenge. The chicken is always freshly fried, with a crackling exterior and juicy interior that rivals more expensive Korean fried chicken joints.
7. O.BBa Jjajang Express
Location: Various food courts
O.BBa specializes in jjajangmyeon – Korean black bean sauce noodles – at very reasonable prices. Their classic Jjajangmyeon ($7.90) features chewy noodles topped with a rich, savory black bean sauce.
This is significantly cheaper than their flagship restaurant prices, making it a great way to enjoy this Korean comfort food without spending too much.
8. Kimchi Mama
Location: 201 Victoria St, #04-11 Bugis+
While slightly pricier than other options on this list, Kimchi Mama earns its place by being completely Muslim-friendly – no pork or lard is used in any of their dishes.
Their Hotstone Kimchi Beef Steak Rice ($14.90++) and Spicy Kimchi & Clams Soondubu ($11.90++) offer great value compared to similar dishes at full-service Korean restaurants. The sizzling stone bowls keep your food hot throughout the meal.
9. Myung Ga II Minipress
Location: Food Junction, Junction 8 (Bishan)
The newest addition to Singapore's Korean hawker scene, Myung Ga II Minipress is the food court offshoot of the popular Myung Ga II restaurants. The food court stall offers similar quality but at lower prices and with faster service.
Popular dishes include their Donkatsu ($12.90) and Mul-Naengmyeon ($9.90), both of which are prepared with the same attention to detail as at their restaurant locations.
10. SOTBOX
Location: 3 Temasek Blvd, Tower3 #B1-157 Suntec City
Operating as a grab-and-go kiosk, SOTBOX specializes in kimbap (Korean rice rolls). Their Spicy Beef Bulgogi ($9.50) and Veggie Embrace Tofu ($8.50) kimbap are fresh, filling, and perfect for a quick lunch.
Don't miss their popular K-Fried Chicken Bite (each portion $9.50) – crispy, flavorful chicken bites that make for a great snack or light meal.
What Makes Korean Hawker Food Special
Korean hawker food in Singapore offers several advantages over restaurant dining:
- Affordability: Most dishes range from $5-$15, significantly cheaper than restaurant prices
- Convenience: Quick service perfect for lunch breaks or casual dinners
- Authenticity: Many stalls are run by Korean owners using traditional recipes
- Variety: From stews and rice dishes to noodles and fried chicken
The banchan (side dishes) might be more limited than in restaurants, but the main dishes often match restaurant quality in terms of flavor and ingredients.
How to Spot Good Korean Hawker Stalls
When looking for quality Korean hawker food:
- Check if the stall has Korean text on its signboard (often a good sign of authenticity)
- Look for places with steady crowds of Korean customers
- Fresh kimchi is usually a good indicator of quality
- Stalls that make their sauces in-house typically offer better flavor
Key Takeaways
- Korean hawker food offers excellent value, with most meals under $15
- Food courts and hawker centers throughout Singapore host authentic Korean options
- Many stalls are offshoots of more expensive restaurants, offering similar quality at lower prices
- Dishes like soondubu, bibimbap, and jjajangmyeon are widely available at hawker prices
- Some stalls offer specialized menus (Muslim-friendly options, kimbap-only, etc.)
Conclusion
Singapore's Korean hawker scene provides a budget-friendly gateway to enjoying authentic Korean flavors. These top 10 Korean hawker stalls prove you don't need to spend a lot to enjoy quality Korean food.
From the comforting soft tofu stews at Buk Chang Dong to the crispy fried chicken at Phat Fingers, these affordable options deliver the rich, complex flavors that Korean cuisine is known for.
Next time you're craving Korean food but don't want to splurge at a restaurant, give one of these hawker gems a try. Your taste buds – and your wallet – will thank you!
