Home to the world’s first butterfly garden in an airport, and with the control tower recently voted as Singapore’s top heritage site, Changi Airport is certainly a place that Singaporeans feel proud of and hold close to their hearts. Besides the transit areas for travellers, there are hundreds of shopping and dining options in Changi Airport’s public areas - making for great places to hang out after school or work. The icing on the (already delicious) cake is that dining at Changi doesn’t have to burn a big hole in your pocket - that’s if you know where to look! Today, we share with you an insider’s scoop on some of the best cheap eats and wallet-friendly food deals (including student meals!) in Changi Airport and Jewel to help you stretch your dollar!
1. Jinjja Chicken: enjoy a student meal starting from S$7.50!
Inspired by South Korea’s rich street food culture and its “pali-pali” (fast) culture of speed, Jinjja Chicken is a trendy Korean chain restaurant known for its Soy Garlic and Yangnyeom (mildly spicy) sauces coating its chicken. The restaurant also serves up classic Korean dishes such as Bibimbap and Seafood Jjamppong, as well as urban Korean street food like Tteokbokki and Kimbap (rice rolls with assorted fillings), all in a hip and casual setting with the latest music videos blasting away on large screens. With all-day student meal options available starting from just S$7.50 Mondays to Fridays, it’s a daebak (amazing) from us!
Location: Jewel Changi Airport, #B1-247
Opening hours: Mon - Sun, 11:00am - 09:30pm
2. Tai Cheong Bakery: traditional Hong Kong snacks from as low as S$1.85
Tai Cheong Bakery has been serving irresistibly delicious egg tarts for over six decades and they hold a special place in the hearts of Hong Kongers across generations. As a bonus, they’re easy on your coin purse too! Take a bite of chiffon cake at S$1.85 or sink your teeth into a savoury Char Siew Bolo Bun at S$3. Don’t forget to try their signature egg tarts at just S$2.40 a piece and the Singapore-exclusive Pandan egg tart at S$2.60.
Location: Terminal 3, #B2-40
Opening hours: Mon - Sun, 10:00am to 10:00pm
3. Swensen’s: weekday meal deals, 1-for-1 senior specials, and one of Singapore’s most affordable buffets
Having been in Singapore for over 40 years now, Swensen’s is a well-known staple for good food at even better prices.
Students can enjoy hearty mains such as Spaghetti Carbonara, Japanese Katsu Curry Baked Rice, OG Ultra Burger, Battered Fish & Chips and more with Weekday Student Meals from S$8.80 on Mondays to Fridays. Just nice for an after-class treat that won’t stretch your student dollar too much.
Seniors who want to squeeze in a lunch date at Changi Airport Terminal 3 aren’t left out either with 1-for-1 Senior Specials between 2:00pm to 4:30pm on Mondays to Fridays. The menu includes appetisers, mains, and even desserts – perfect for sharing with your sweetheart.
Don’t fall into the student or senior category? Don’t let it get you down, you can still enjoy Weekday Lunch Top-Ups from 11:00am to 2:30pm on Mondays to Fridays. Add on an individual side, single scoop ice cream, or Soup of the Day to any main for just S$4.80.
If these weekday deals don’t tickle your fancy, pay a visit to Swensen’s Unlimited at Terminal 2 for one of Singapore’s most affordable international buffets, open 7 days a week! Not only do prices start from as low as S$35 (Adult) and S$15 (Child), but kids aged 4 and below dine free with every paying adult – making it a great time to plan a family day out that’s easy on your wallet.
Pro tip: Sign up for the free Cool Rewards membership and get a complimentary Firehouse Happy Birthday Sundae on your birthday!
Swensen’s
Location: Terminal 3, #B2-31 & 32
Opening hours: Mon - Sun, 11:00am - 10:30pm
Swensen’s Unlimited
Location: Terminal 2, #01-03
Opening hours: Mon - Sun, 11:00am - 11:00pm
4. Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tarts: buy 5 and get 1 more free
Cheesy puns may have been the thing of your student days, but cheese tarts remain here to stay! Originating from Hokkaido, Japan, these scrumptious tarts are going for just S$3.40 each. Want more? Indulge in a box of five tarts and get another one for free!
Location: Terminal 3, #B2-11
Opening hours: Mon - Sun, 10:30am to 11:00pm
5. Matchaya: enjoy a drink + cake at just S$8.90
Craving a matcha latte or dessert but don’t want to pay premium prices for your sweet treat? Head down to Matchaya at Terminal 3 where you can enjoy a drink and cake set at just S$8.90 nett! Take your pick from a Hot/Iced Matcha Milk or Houjicha Milk and add on a slice of Baked Cheesecake, Fresh Strawberry Shortcake or Classic Chocolate Cake. The offer is only available at Matchaya’s Changi Airport outlet so don’t miss out! (Psst, don’t forget to try out their Artisanal Cruffins exclusive to the T3 outlet while you’re there.)
Location: Terminal 3, #B2-34
Opening hours: Mon - Sun 10:00am - 10:00pm
BONUS: enjoy S$2 coffees while transiting through Changi Airport
The offers and deals don’t just stop once you enter the Transit area! Make a pit stop at Burger King, Hudsons Coffee, Jamie’s Deli, PAUL Bakery, Pret A Manger, Starbucks, or The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Terminals 1 and 3 Departures to grab a coffee at just S$2. It’s a cheap coffee to fuel you up for your flight - what more could you ask for?
Burger King
Location: Terminal 1, Level 3, Departure Lounge (Near C gates)
Opening hours: Mon - Sun, 08:00am - 10:00pm
Location: Terminal 3, Departure Lounge (Central)
Opening hours: Mon - Sun, 24 hours
Hudsons Coffee
Location: Terminal 3, Level 2, Departure Lounge (Near B gates)
Opening hours: Mon - Sun, 5:30am - 12:30am
Jamie’s Deli
Location: Terminal 1, Level 2, Departure Lounge (Central)
Opening hours: Mon - Sun, 06:00am - 06:00pm
PAUL Bakery
Location: Terminal 1, Level 2, Departure Lounge (Near C gates)
Opening hours: Mon - Sun, 10:00am - 11:00pm
Pret A Manger
Location: Terminal 3, Level 2, Departure Lounge (Central)
Opening hours: Mon - Sun, 3:00pm - 12:30am
Starbucks
Location: Terminal 1, Level 2, Departure Lounge (Near D gates)
Opening hours: Mon - Sun, 24 hours
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Location: Terminal 3, Level 2, Departure Lounge (Central)
Opening hours: Mon - Sun, 24 hours
With these wallet-friendly cheap eats to enjoy, unleash your inner Singaporean and swing by Changi Airport today. Good things come to those who wait, but wait too long and these deals may just be gone before you know it! While you’re here, also check out the various cafes in Changi or the wide selection of Halal food available in Changi Airport and Jewel available.
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