Festive feasts in Singapore for under S$50

With the deluge of celebrity chefs and their wallet-busting menus, it seems almost impossible in Singapore to nab a Christmas lunch or dinner for S$50 or less. But these meals exist and here are the best five options. 

For S$50

Prego offers an oven-baked turkey roulade with Parma ham and herbs.

Where: Prego (Ground Floor, Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Road; tel +65 6431 6156)

The meal: A festive four-course Italian set lunch, featuring blanched white asparagus wrapped with Parma ham and oven-baked turkey roulade filled with a herb mushroom stuffing. Seafood fanatics can opt for the squid-ink fettuccini studded with chunks of crab meat. Finish off on a citrus-sweet note: a lemon thyme parfait.

When to go: Available till December 31.

For S$42

Not quite a whole salmon but the smoked salmon at Marmalade Pantry won't disappoint.

Where: Marmalade Pantry (#03-22 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn; tel +65 6734 2700)

The meal: A three-course dinner that includes a choice of two appetizers and mains. Top picks include the smoked salmon on crispy potato truffle rosti with horseradish cream to start, and a roast turkey with a chestnut gratin for a main. Finish off with traditional Dundee cake served with zingy gingerbread ice cream.

When to go: December 23 and 24.

For S$38

Wear loose clothes so you can feast to your fill at 10 at Claymore.

Where: 10 at Claymore (10 Claymore Road; tel +65 6737 0811)

The meal: The festive lunch buffet includes Boston lobster, juicy roast meats such as turkey with herb stuffing, Kurobuta pork, Australian Wagyu beef and decadent desserts like Christmas pudding and chocolate Yule logs.

When to go: December 23 (December 24 and 25 slots are booked out).

Individual dishes from S$9 each

Oriole's hearty German-style smoked pork belly.

Where: Oriole (#01-01 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites, 96 Somerset Road; tel +65 6238 8348)

The meal: Oriole Café has introduced four Christmas dishes. Our favorites are the salmon gravlax with country-style pate and a port-wine jelly served with fresh brioche and the hearty weisswurst and smoked pork belly served with sauerkraut and mashed potato. End your meal with the eggnog panna cotta for dessert.

When to go: Available from December 20-31.

For S$8

Exhausted from your IKEA spree, refuel with The Christmas plate at IKEA Alexandra.

Where: IKEA (317 Alexandra Rd; tel +65 6786 6868 and 60 Tampines North Drive 2; tel +65 6786 6868)

The meal: Ditch the meatballs this one time. The Christmas hot plate in Tampines includes honey-glazed pork ham and roast turkey breast and (you guessed it) meatballs. At the Alexandra outlet, opt for a slice of smoked turkey ham served with a roast turkey breast. At just S$8, it's no fine-dining meal, but it is a steal.

When to go: Available till January 2.

All prices exclude tax. Bookings are recommended