Mookata

With a well-curated selection of the usual staples at $1.80 per item/plate (meats included!), and slightly pricier items such as scallops, oysters and smoked duck at $2.80 per item/plate, join the throng of voracious supper seekers feasting at Siam Kitchen. Big eaters can opt for the buffet option ($29 per person) instead and throw any notions of self-restraint out of the window. Even though it’s located in a hawker centre, service is surprisingly forthcoming and efficient. They make their own chilli sauces but they don’t use charcoal — a small compromise considering the price. Siam Square Mookata currently has seven outlets, a true testament to their popularity.

This fuss-free mookata chain is a fail-proof option when you're craving a BBQ fix. Located within heartland coffeeshops in neighbourhoods like Jurong West, Bedok and Ang Mo Kio, Bangkok Street dishes out hearty mookata sets at affordable prices — perfect for penny-pinching students! Go for the Platter for Two ($22) that comes with prawns, crayfish and vegetables. Unlike other mookata joints that have different soup bases, Bangkok Street keeps it simple with just one — chicken soup. Add on crowd favourites like Streaky Pork Bacon ($1.90), Luncheon Meat ($1.90) and King Oyster Mushroom ($1.50) for the full works. For the big finale, finish off with cooking instant noodles and a fluffy beaten egg in the flavourful soup. 
Avg Price: $15 per person
Photo by Burppler Jin Low

Helmed by one of the bosses' Thai wife, the recipes for the sauces and meat marinades have been passed down from generation to generation, so expect the real deal at Huay Kwang Thai Kitchen. The service is prompt and efficient while the assortment here is decent; be sure to try the pig's liver and black pepper beef. The meats are fresh and very flavourful, especially after cooking them over charcoal. You can pick the buffet, sets, or order à la carte, depending on how hungry you are. They have two outlets: one at Jalan Besar that closes at 5:30am and the other at Thomson. Sets start at $39.90+, or you can eat all you want for $25.90+ (weekdays; $28.90, weekends and PH) in two hours.