Lunch

While it's almost certain that the Hougang and Bedok communities are already well-acquainted with this neighborhood favourite, the rest of the city might not yet be. The food is cheap and tasty, and the ambience friendly and relaxing. Highly recommended dishes include the Pad Thai at $5, thick-based Tom Yam at $6 (really hot) and stir-fried Mince Pork with Basil ($6).

At La Petite, you get to enjoy French favourites at not-so-crazy prices. This humble, cosy bistro is located in the outer corridor of Serene Centre. Order (at the counter) the escargots on toasted croissant ($14) to share, and the Confit du Canard (duck leg) for your main at $16.50. The duck is cooked to perfection, crispy skin with tender flesh, and an addictive potato gratin on the side.

Perfect for a chilled out night with friends over good food and beer, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more value-for-money dining spot in this area. Start with the Yomomoso wings -- you won't be able to stop. Get the No. 36 Burger, unassuming at $14, it'll satisfy you with it's simple goodness. The fish and chips are a killer to

Located in a row of shophouses in Braddell Heights estate, La Pizzaiola serves up wholesome, authentic Italian fare. Here, the homey ambience is perfect for enjoying a romantic evening of great food, without burning a hole in your wallet. Their 12" pizzas go for $14-17, pastas for $13-15, and house wine for just $8 a glass! Go for the Parma & Rucola Pizza ($16.90), and choose your own pasta and sauce combination.

Serving huge portions, be sure to share your food here at Gold Food. With most dishes priced below $10, this value-for-money Thai restaurant is great for some mango salad, green curry and tom yam. Located conveniently in Sunshine Plaza, it's a great hidden gem for cheap, tasty Thai food in town.

There is no better place to detox than here. Focusing more on raw vegan cuisine, do not expect goumet dishes but rather more basic ones made with super fresh and natural premium ingredients. Order their TLC Cheese Burger which always hits the spot for many meat-eaters. Finish off your meal with the super refreshing Raw Key Lime Pie made from avocado and zucchini. If you would like to bring some of these goodness home, they also sell health products and conduct multiple educational classes on how to live life the 'raw-er' way!

Ensuring that you'll be full and satisfied, Sarnies does healthy in a really appealing way. The Chicken Caesar Salad is commonly mentioned as one of the best salads Burpplers have ever had, and it's hard to resist the Aussie Grain-fed Beef Sandwich bursting with caramelized onions. What's more, Sarnies is helping you start 2014 right with a 100% Paleo Steak Salad with Guacamole. Best part is you don't have to feel guilty tucking into their beautifully fudgy brownie and a cuppa flat white after ;)

A must order is their steamed dumplings ($7) drizzled with sesame oil and tamari beacuse it's just packed with so much flavour. And for a more value-for-money option, go for their brown rice set ($8.80) served with different side dishes depending on what the chef decides to cook that day! You'll be in for a surprise because you'll never quite know what to expect. Service might take some time because all dishes are made to order but the wait is definitely worth it!

Start with the Ice Cube at only $3, a perfect appetizer of silken tofu, crab sticks and sweet chili sauce. Next, choose from their adorably named cold noodle sets - Penguin (green soba noodles with sesame sauce and chicken), Dolphin (ramen noodles with miso sauce and prawns) and Whale (white noodles with chicken and mushrooms). Don't assume that these healthy noodles are bland and boring, they won't fail to satisfy you.

That pork with crackling made me come back, just perfect!

A bowlful of goodness with streaks of yummy grilled beef, fresh tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, onion rings, greens and guacamole on top. One of my top favorite on the Sarnies salad menu.