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As Singaporeans, it’s no secret that Rasapura Masters — the food court situated at basement 2 of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands — is one of the more ‘atas‘, or what I like to call ‘touristy’ ones on our island. But you’ll have to agree that it’s also one of the more affordable makan spots compared to the other high-end restaurants. I mean, some might say they’d rather eat at Marina Square (like Zhen Wei, our intern), but not everyone is willing to venture that far.
We learned that the food court had recently undergone a makeover and is now back with 27 stalls, including 5 Michelin-recognised brands. Are there currently more wallet-friendly options, or are prices still sky high? Well, let my short legs do the walking as we explore the grounds to see what there is to feast on.
First, let me do the honours of revealing the 5 Michelin-recommended stalls (not that it’s a big deal to me). Featured in the Michelin Guide since 2021, Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang opens another branch here. Some of the cheaper dishes that I spotted were the Mee Rebus (S$7.50 for basic) and the Chicken Wing Set (S$10 for basic). Otherwise, the Basic Set and Nasi Lemak Ayam Cabe Ijo are selling from S$13.50 onwards.
Indian Express is a brand by The Song Of India, which received a Michelin Star from 2016 to 2020. The menu offers dishes like Chicken Dum Biryani set (S$12.90), Paneer Veg Set (S$14.50), and Lamb Curry Set (S$16.20).
Da Shi Jia Big Prawn Mee, hailing from 89 Killiney Road, opens its first food court concept at Rasapura Masters. The reasonable options that I found include the Prawn Noodle Regular Prawn (S$9.80) and Meat Patty Noodle (S$9.80). There’s also Poached Rice Combo (S$18.80) and Wok-Fried White Bee Hoon Big Prawn + Pork Ribs (S$18.80).
Since 2016, Nana Curry is the proud winner of 10 consecutive Michelin Bib Gourmand awards. The dishes that are kindest to your wallet include the Chicken Curry Set served with 2 French Loaves (S$12.90) and Chicken Curry with Peranakan Chap Chye, Egg & Rice (S$12.90). You can also indulge in Mutton Curry served with Rice (S$14.90), Truffle Curry Chicken Ramen (what?!) (S$14.90), or non-curry offerings like the 4pcs Prawn Fritters with Peranakan Chap Chye, Egg & Rice (S$13.90).
JC (Jiao Cai) Seafood from Yishun Park Hawker Centre has a Michelin Guide mention and offers an assortment of zi char dishes. Its least expensive items are the Seafood Mee Goreng, Yang Zhou Fried Rice and Seafood Hor Fun (S$9 each for all).
You can slurp on a hot bowl of Sliced Beef Thick Bee Hoon (S$12 for soup/dry) or Minimum 7pcs Yong Tau Foo (S$12.60) at Ampang Yong Tau Foo & Odeon Beef Noodles.
Familiar stalls like Pondok Nasi Padang Marina Bay still remain open. Enjoy some Mee Siam Goreng w/ Chicken Wing Set (S$9.80), Warung Beef Set w/ Kuning Rice (S$10.80), or share the Warung Ambeng Set S$19.80) between 2 people.
For light snacks, head over to the Dim Sum stall for some Salty Ham Chee Peng (S$1.80), Carrot Cake (S$1.60), Char Siew Chee Cheong Fun (S$5.20), and Big Chicken Pau (S$2.80).
I was delighted to spot one of my favourite heartland dessert spots, Nine Fresh, but note the trade-off: the menu here is limited, and prices are, on average, S$2.20 higher. Get the Grass Jelly Special (S$5.30), Fruity Ai–Yu Jelly (S$5.90), and Nine Fresh Signature (S$5.80). I also found it rather amusing and unique that the Popiah (S$3.50 for 1 piece), Rojak (S$6.50 for small), and Kueh Pie Tee (S$5.50 for 5 pieces) is also sold at the same spot.
There you have it. A little preview of the stalls you can find at Rasapura Masters. Though I’ve tried to narrow down the more affordable dishes, prices here are still on the higher end of the spectrum — so the answer to my article title is… yes. Go check out the rest of the offerings on your own and tell me what you think.
