Singapore is a food haven.
With inflation hot on everyone’s tails, dining out can cost a pretty penny.
But it doesn’t have to be! Here are some of the best dining out deals of 2024.
This article was written by a Financial Horse Contributor.
Top Pick: Grab DineOut Deals
Grab DineOut Deals is a recent addition to the Grab ecosystem. It allows you to find and redeem restaurant deals via the Grab app.
Grab offers two types of DineOut Deals:
- DineOut Vouchers: These can be purchased in advance for discounts at participating restaurants.
- DineOut Discounts: No pre-purchase is necessary. Simply pay through the Grab app at the restaurant, and the discount will be applied directly to the total bill.
DineOut Discounts stands out.
It offers great discounts off the total bill at restaurants. It’s redeemable almost anytime, with no discount or redemption caps.
Notable Grab DineOut deals include:
- Tai Er – 25% off the total bill
- La Pizzaiola – 20% off the total bill
- Tanuki Raw – 20% off the total bill
- Tanyu – 30% off the total bill
- Una Una – 30% off the total bill
Note: If you’re using it for the first time—use the promo code DINEOUTNEW for an additional $5 off.
Why it’s the top pick
One remarkable aspect of Grab DineOut Deals is the lack of strings attached, which is virtually unheard of.
Regular dine out deals usually have restrictions, ranging from:
- Discounts are limited to off-peak hours
- Most platforms offer discounts only at less popular restaurants
- Discounts are limited to specific menu items
My first DineOut experience was at Una Una at VivoCity, where we enjoyed a 30% discount and saved $37. Another time, I visited La Pizzaiola and enjoyed a 25% discount on the total bill, including a bottle of wine!
Why These Deals May Not Last
While these discounts are great for diners, it’s unlikely they’ll last forever.
Grab is betting big on expanding into the “dining out” vertical. They acquired restaurant-review site HungryGoWhere in 2022 and the reservation platform Chope this June, signalling a commitment to this area.
Given the aggressive discounts and prominence on the Grab homepage, they’re pushing to grow DineOut quickly. These deals are unlikely to last long.
Bottom Line: If you want to save big while dining out, Grab DineOut Deals offers the best options right now. But act fast —they probably won’t last long.
Best for 1-for-1 Deals: The Entertainer
The Entertainer has long been a favourite for Singaporeans looking to save on dining, entertainment, and lifestyle activities through its 1-for-1 deals.
How Much Does It Cost?
A 12-month Entertainer membership costs SGD 85 in Singapore.
HSBC credit cardholders can access a limited version called Entertainer with HSBC, which provides 1-for-1 deals at over 200 merchants.
You can get fantastic deals at well-known spots like Sarnies and Nassim Hill Bakery.
The Entertainer has decent merchants on the app, and the discount is pretty good.
However, there are usage caps, meaning you can only use each offer a limited number of times.
Best Deals Highlight
Here are some standout 1-for-1 deals on The Entertainer:
• Sarnies – Popular cafe with solid brunch
• Brotzeit – Classic German beer and bites
• Baan Kanom Thai – Authentic Thai cuisine
• Alegria – Latin-inspired fusion dishes
• La Nonna – Italian favourites at Holland Village
Bottom Line: The Entertainer is a solid choice if you don’t mind planning your dining experiences in advance and are willing to commit to an annual membership or use a HSBC card (great deal!).
Check the full list of merchants here. If you have an HSBC credit card, the free version of The Entertainer is a no brainer.
Also Good for 1-for-1 Deals: Burpple Beyond
Burpple Beyond is another popular membership service offering 1-for-1 deals and discounts at over 600 restaurants in Singapore.
How Much Does It Cost?
Burpple Beyond offers different membership options to suit different dining habits and budgets:
1. Lite Member
- Cost: $49/year
- Benefits: Access to over 1,200 deals, with up to 2 deals per outlet. Ideal for occasional or special occasion diners.
2. Quarterly Member
- Cost: $33 per quarter ($11/month)
- Benefits: Access to over 2,400 deals, with up to 4 deals per outlet. Ideal if you’re unsure about committing to a full year.
3. Premium Member
- Cost: $99/year ($8.25/month)
- Benefits: Full access to 2,400+ deals, with up to 4 deals per outlet. Great for frequent diners looking to maximise savings across various restaurants.
Best Deals Highlight
Top-rated spots on Burpple Beyond include:
- Thachang — Noodle Bar in Telok Ayer
- Fore Coffee — Indonesian specialty coffee chain
- Keong Saik Bakery — Fusion of traditional and innovative bakes
- Xiao Long Kan — popular hotpot chain from China
Burpple and The Entertainer are direct competitors in the dining deal space.
Check out Burpple Beyond’s list to see which has the restaurants best fit your preferences.
Best for Special Occasions and Earning Miles: Kris+
Kris+ is a lifestyle rewards app from Singapore Airlines that lets users earn KrisPay miles and enjoy deals and privileges. (KrisPay Miles earned on Kris+ can be transferred instantly to KrisFlyer at a 1:1 ratio for free.)
In line with our flagship carrier’s premium branding, Kris+ has a strong selection of more atas dining options.
While they have the fewest merchants among all platforms, it is ideal for planning a special occasion meal and earning miles.
How It Works
Most Kris+ deals are pre-purchase vouchers offering around 10% off.
While this may not seem attractive, the real value lies in the miles-earning potential. Users can earn 3 to 9 KrisPay miles per dollar (mpd), stacked on top of credit card points.
Best Deals Highlight
Top Kris+ deals include:
- 10% to 15%-off vouchers at popular spots like Beauty in the Pot, L’Entrecôte The Steak & Fries Bistro, Amo, and Tanoke.
- 10% off the total bill at Si Chuan Dou Hua and Duomo.
Things to Note
When using Kris+ vouchers, check the terms & conditions:
- Confirm if multiple vouchers can be redeemed in a single transaction.
- Check whether you need to inform the restaurant in advance about using an eVoucher.
- Verify if the voucher is valid on public holidays, as some restrictions may apply.
Kris+ may not be the best choice for everyday dining deals, but for special occasions and earning miles, it offers a unique blend of exclusivity and value.
Bottom Line: While Kris+ may not save you much money in absolute dollars saved, it is a great option to save on popular restaurants while racking up miles that will be valuable to frequent flyers.
Conclusion
Grab Dine Out Deals are the best option for foodies today.
The Entertainer and Burpple Beyond offer great value if you dine out frequently and don’t mind planning ahead.
Kris+ is ideal for special occasions and miles collectors.
Consider your dining habits and preferred restaurants when choosing a platform.
Happy eating!