The Gen XY Lifestyle
The Singapore Dining Dilemma: The One Where We Love Eating Out, But We are Hunting for Discounts
Dining out remains a core part of Singaporean life, but rising costs are changing how and where people eat.
Research from YouGov reveals the different ways diners are stretching their budgets, from choosing cheaper spots to hunting for Buy One, Get One deals.
Despite Singapore being famous for its vibrant food culture, the rising cost of living is forcing many residents to rethink their habits. According to the Singapore Dining Out Report 2025 by YouGov, dining out frequency is decreasing: about one in three Singapore diners (32 percent) say they are eating out less frequently than they did a year ago. This drop is even more pronounced among older generations, climbing to 37 percent among Gen X and Baby Boomers+.
The reason is crystal clear: cost pressures.
Among those who are dining out less, 65 percent cite rising restaurant prices as the main factor. Nearly three in five also point to higher living costs (57 percent) and efforts to save money (57 percent). In fact, nearly nine in ten Singapore diners (89 percent) feel restaurant prices have risen in the past twelve months.
The Appetite Remains Strong
Even with budgets tightening, Singapore’s appetite for dining out is resilient. Around four in ten Singaporeans (39 percent) dine out at least once a week. This figure climbs significantly among younger demographics, reaching 50 percent for Gen Z and Millennials.
However, most diners are actively adapting their behaviour to protect their budgets. A total of 65 percent say they have changed their dining preferences to save money.
The primary tactic is straightforward: choosing cheaper restaurants (71 percent). Interestingly, this cost-saving measure is equally high across all income groups.
Other popular tactics include:
- Using Discounts and Coupons: 60 percent of diners use discounts and coupons to save money. This tactic is more common among high-income diners (67 percent). Gen X and Baby Boomers+ diners are also more likely to use discounts or coupons than their younger counterparts (63 percent versus 56 percent).
- Strongest Motivators: Buy One, Get One (BOGO) offers and general discounts are the most powerful incentives, with nearly two-thirds of diners (65 percent each) saying such promotions would encourage them to dine out more often. Older generations show a strong preference for BOGO deals (71 percent).
The Quick-Service Favourites
The study also confirmed the continued dominance of quick-service and familiar local favourites in the city’s dining landscape.
When it comes to the most considered dining options, McDonald’s leads with a score of 59 percent, followed by KFC (35.6 percent) and Burger King (31.4 percent). Rounding out the top five are Subway (28.3 percent) and Ya Kun Kaya Toast (26.1 percent).
