Absolutely stunning fish meat curry ($6)!

Good balance of heat, acidity and flavour. Slightly fruity that makes you want to drink every last drop.

Fish was perfectly cooked and oh so delicious!

Will definitely come back to try the fish head curry!

Highly recommend!

Value for money 3 Course Set Menu at 48++.

Flat bread with Tomato and Cheddar on one side with pesto and macademia on the other started things on a high note.

Split pea soup was incredible, as were both mains (Beef Cheek and Red Snapper), highly recommend the chocolate soup to round things off.

Service was impeccable as always.

A firm favourite among Bukit Panjang and Bukit Timah families, Karu's has been that dependable spot for banana leaf cravings for years. Having moved recently from its spot in Upper Bukit Timah to its new digs in Sime Darby Centre (above ToTT, across from King Albert Park), fans will be glad to know that the food has not changed one bit. When you sit down, you will have a banana leaf laid out in front of you, and an option of white or biryani rice. We much prefer their light and fragrant biryani rice over their white. They will also ask if you'd like fish or chicken curry gravy — we recommend getting both. To order your dishes, go to the window to point and pick. Don't miss the popular Chicken Masala that every table orders, and their Mutton Mysore for those who love a good spicy hit. The Curry Sotong is also a crowd favourite, and consider their satisfying Fish Head Curry (get a small for 3-4 pax) to share, it's affordable and one of the better ones around. Pro tip: If you're coming by for takeaway, remember that their rice portions are epic, so order two packs for five people — it's more than enough.
Avg Price: $10 per person
Photo by Burppler Kenny Kung

This nondescript Chander Road joint (a short walk from Little India MRT station) is a tad more off the beaten tourist track than nearby Banana Leaf Apolo, which basically means lower prices and more authentic vibes! When we visited just past noon on a Friday, the place was throbbing with Indian families and the working class, many of whom stayed only long enough to greedily scarf down their meal. If you fancy staying for a leisure meal without feeling compelled to give up your spot, head here for a late lunch (around 2pm) or an early dinner (6pm), before the queues begin. There's no price menu here — after they lay out your banana leaf with a scoop of curried vegetables, sambar and chilli chutney, servers come around with free-flow rice and trays piled high with bowls of dishes. Pick what you fancy without fear that it'll cost a bomb at the end. Our meal for three, including a fried fish fillet, a curry fish fillet, curry chicken and spicy prawns worked out to only $29.30 in total. We weren't crazy about the curry fish (even though the gravy was delicious) but the rest were delicious, especially the turmeric fried fish. Pro tip: Most eat sans utensils (right hand only!) but cutlery is provided upon request.
Avg Price: $10 per person
Photo by Burppler Leigh Khoo

Located a few doors down from Joo Bar along Tan Quee Lan Street is Ah Bong's Italian second outlet. Unlike its original digs in Tiong Bahru which only serves lunch, this location opens for both lunch and dinner! Chef-owner Chris is experimenting more in here, so show your support by trying new items and giving him your feedback. Note that the menu changes daily (the day's offerings are uploaded on their Instagram every morning). If you're in luck, order the Caramel Corn ($10), a surprisingly delicious salty-sweet concoction of black pig bacon, sweet caramelised corn and chili flakes. The signature Birthday Pasta ($9), a winning combination of cream, bacon and broccoli, always satisfies. If you're coming in a group, try the Comfort Eggs ($8) to start— two wobbly eggs served with truffle oil and sausages. Should it be available, have the Thai Tea Creme Brulee ($5). Don't be deceived by its petite serving — it packs a punch of flavour!
Avg price: $15 per person
Photo by Burppler Raine Liu

Two Eggs (Scrambled), Pork Sausage, Bacon, Roast Potatoes, Grilled Tomato, Sautéed Mushrooms, Yorkshire Pudding, Gravy

If you're on a budget but craving some finger-licking good crabs, head over to this unassuming coffeeshop stall in Hougang. Apart from regular zi char fare, they also serve Sri Lankan crabs ($25 for three smaller crabs, $30 for two medium, $40 for two large), cooked in a variety of styles including salted egg yolk (additional $3), black pepper and chilli. The pricing system can get confusing but fret not — in our opinion, two medium crabs is just enough for two hungry tummies. Be sure to order the Mantou ($2 for six) to mop up the juices and gravy!