This was posted 4 years 9 months 17 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

Related
  • expired

Eat at Changi Airport (Singapore) Staff Canteen from SGD4

3811
Eat at Changi Airport (Singapore) Staff Canteen from SGD4
Go to Deal
Fexofenadine on 07/07/2019 - 19:35 travelwithgrant.boardingarea.com (13214 clicks)

So this is a weird one, but I didn’t know about it before and it has the potential to save travellers a whole heap of money – and get better food!

The staff canteen at Singapore’s Changi Airport is difficult to get to, but anyone is allowed to purchase food there.

I discovered this myself on a recent trip, accompanied by a friend who works at the airport. Now my life will never be the same!

This was previously submitted in the forum (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/329222) but I think it’s worth it as a deal post. More info and discussion there.

Travel Airport Asia Changi Airport Food Court Singapore

Related Stores

Changi Airport
Changi Airport
boardingarea.com
boardingarea.com

closed Comments

  • tdw on 07/07/2019 - 20:20
    +10

    This is like discovering a secret area in DOOM with IDSPISPOPD

  • TiLLiCoMe on 07/07/2019 - 20:21
    +2

    Been going to airport staff canteen for the last 5 + years.
    The food is definitely cheaper than the food inside after you pass immigration but this is not a bargain.

  • WreckTangle on 07/07/2019 - 20:30

    I actually think theres more than one staff canteen area

    • TiLLiCoMe on 07/07/2019 - 20:41

      There is one in each terminal

    • Tiggrrrrr on 14/07/2019 - 01:52

      There is a canteen in both T1 and T2

  • i7-2600k on 07/07/2019 - 20:30
    +3

    this is no bargain

    same can be done at Manila terminal 3

    • jv on 07/07/2019 - 20:41
      +1

      or the Saptagiri Restaurant (Airport Staff Canteen) in Kolkata !!!

      • gimme on 07/07/2019 - 21:52

        Getting less attractive by the second

        • xoom on 07/07/2019 - 22:09
          +3

          Hey. Don't be talking about jv like that.

          /s

  • tanastra on 07/07/2019 - 20:44
    +1

    It’s well best kept secret that’s no more . It’s usually going down by the lift in a corner somewhere away from the crowds common lifts and you pay by cash only . It’s one of the best place to buy very yummy and cheap food in Singapore . Each terminal has its own staff canteen and it’s open to public , however you won’t get staff price ( discount ) but still cheaper than upstairs food stalls .

  • konji on 07/07/2019 - 20:45
    +2

    whats the normal price?

    • jv on 07/07/2019 - 21:18
      -5

      20% cheaper for locals is the normal price.

      • seanbaussie on 07/07/2019 - 22:45
        +3

        KFC staff get discount on their meals. McDonalds staff get discount on their meals. Hungry Jack's staff get discount on their meals. Dominos staff get discount on their meals.
        So under your rules we should stop posting KFC/McDonalds/Hungry Jacks/Dominos deals just because someone else who works there gets it for cheaper??

        • jv on 07/07/2019 - 23:20
          +1

          So under your rules

          They're not my rules.

          Regardless, unlike those other posts, there are not products or prices mentioned in the post to justify there is a saving and bargain here.

      • Bloodfart on 08/07/2019 - 01:18

        It's not actually locals that get 20% off. It's staff (who are locals lol). A Singaporean walking in off the street won't get a discount unless they have a staff card.

    • brokeunistudent on 07/07/2019 - 21:20

      more than the discounted price

  • PAPower on 07/07/2019 - 20:49

    Does it mean one has to pass customs clearance first to get to staff canteen?

    • voteoften on 07/07/2019 - 20:55

      You cannot dine there after customs

    • jace88 on 07/07/2019 - 21:00
      +2

      Yes, you need to be landside and not airside.

  • Samsungnote10 on 07/07/2019 - 20:53

    the last two times ive been to singapore, alabeit the last one was 2 years ago, not sure if this place exists inside changi

    there is like a food court with about 4 hawker stall type setup in a row

    all dishes are $4-$5

    https://i.imgur.com/pudTyja.jpg

    does this place still exist?

  • nzthunderboy on 07/07/2019 - 21:02

    Ideal ozbargain party place. Quite affordable! Now let’s check on some scoot deals.

    • xoom on 07/07/2019 - 21:12
      +1

      Next ozb meet up. LOL

      • klownvandamn on 07/07/2019 - 22:39

        How about Qantas lounge?

  • voteoften on 07/07/2019 - 21:03
    +18

    This doesn't belong in deals. It belongs in the forum, like I posted in the past.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/329222

    I went there after a cruise in May before heading across the street to the Jewel. I regretted it. I only have so much stomach room and eating that congee at the canteen robbed me of the ability to eat similar priced but better food at jewel.

    Provided you have enough time to cross the street, I would now recommend not eating at the staff canteen. There are cheap places in the hawker area in the basement of the jewel and they are, in my opinion, far superior. At least one of the hawker places is Hong Kong in origin and has a Michelin star in Hong Kong. I ate there and it was fabulous. The atmosphere at jewel is far superior to the dreary staff canteens at the airport. The food at the canteens is good, but the better option, imo is across the road. This is coming from someone who recommended the canteen awhile ba k and has recently dined at both.

    • Icecold5000 on 07/07/2019 - 22:32

      I went there on the opening day and it was crazy. Didn't see much but was impressed. I despise Westfield after having experienced the malls of Asia

      • voteoften on 08/07/2019 - 04:12

        I doubt opening day is indictative of normal days. There was a lottery of the preview. What, specifically, do you have to say of the food court in the basement? Was that hawker Court the exact same as you see in Westfield Australia?

        • Icecold5000 on 08/07/2019 - 08:27

          Seemed to be an awesome mall overall compared to shitty Westfield ones. Nobody could move so I bailed but I’ll check out the basement foodcout in a couple of months.

    • powerhead on 08/07/2019 - 10:47

      @voteoften I'm planning Jewel in early September when i have a 5 hour connection in SIN, was going to go to staff canteen, but you almost convinced me to just do hawker stalls in Jewel. What's that HK place called that you tried and any would you recommend any other ones? Readign your older forum post, i'm also a fan of combination carrot cake!))

      • voteoften on 08/07/2019 - 22:58
        +1

        I’ll be heading through Singapore airport four times in August. I don’t remember the name of the HK place with a Michelin Star (in HK), but if you go to the food court you will see that one has an enclosed corral for their customers only in the middle of the seating area.. It was a dish topped with thin slices of pork belly. If you pick up a directory, you may find it indicates which one. There are now plenty of articles out regarding the food options at jewel.

        For those of you who are fans of crispy chili sauce, there is also a grocery store on the bottom level that sells the most noted brand for what was sub $3sgd when I was there. I think it was $2.30sgd. It’s in the sauce aisle. Bottom shelf just past a weight bearing column. Assuming I remember correctly. You will want to be sure you have not checked your bag in yet.

        I believe that the cinema has specials for tourists if you have your passport. Jewel has a brochure for tourist discounts, you just need to present your passport.

        I believe that over50% of the spaces are f&b outlets. Other than the stupid western ones selling hamburgers and milkshakes, they appear to be excellent value for the quality. I did not say cheap, but good value. The locally priced hawker food is in the basement.

    • Jay408 on 27/08/2019 - 17:34

      If u only have 2 hrs layover do I have time to eat @ Jewel?? Where is Jewel??

  • Zuba on 07/07/2019 - 21:27

    Can't beat Singapore Airport Maccas for a quick stop over

    • gimme on 07/07/2019 - 21:53
      +4

      Lol except you can by about 30 better choices

      • spaceflight on 07/07/2019 - 22:48
        +1

        All 30 cost less than 1 maccas?

        • Zuba on 07/07/2019 - 22:58

          Do they take credit card ?

  • arbok on 07/07/2019 - 22:41
    +4

    Sorry but how is this a deal?

    I was just in Changi airport and everything in the hawker center is also around $5 for a meal.

    • jv on 07/07/2019 - 23:24
      +2

      Sorry but how is this a deal?

      It's not… It's just the sheep upvoting…

  • Kapinny on 07/07/2019 - 22:51
    -3

    Upvoted because of Anti-Histamine username

  • psdillon on 07/07/2019 - 23:46
    -1

    I was taken there about 10 years ago on the way home from Malaysia. My first thought when I saw the place was that I am going to have upset bowels on the flight home. Luckily bowels were OK and flight was pleasant for everyone around me.

    As a westerner I was actually looking forward to my first hamburger in over 3 weeks in the overpriced area, but my travelling companion was from the region and absolutely delighted to get this kind of food at street prices. Took one for the team.

    • pencilman on 08/07/2019 - 03:26

      Took one for the team

      LOL !

    • lainey13 on 08/07/2019 - 11:22
      +2

      I always think it's funny when people are scared of local food in Singapore. SIN is one of the most sanitary, controlled, legalized places in Asia. If you can't handle Singaporean hawker food courts you have no chance in a Thai market, or Vietnamese local joint etc etc.

      • psdillon on 08/07/2019 - 19:06

        There's a definite bravado thing with some people from Asia about how they can eat this and that. Well, the Asians I know, that eat that kind of food get food poisoning and stomach ulcers more often than they'd like to admit, and more often than me.

        I remember my Malaysian sister-in-law in bed vomiting for 3 days after eating curry & coconut rice from a big Singaporean shopping centre food court. The one with the big fountain in the middle, can't remember the name. I also remember my Malaysian wife, while travelling alone in Singapore, was so sick that she couldn't get out of bed to answer the hotel door.

        Go ahead and have chuckle when my spidey sense tells me to eat selectively at the Changi staff food court.

        • Icecold5000 on 09/07/2019 - 09:49

          I’d agree that Asians in general are obsessed with food. Driving to some dingy crappy restaurant hours away. I’d rather hangout at the beach have a couple of beers and then fish n chip after enjoying the views and fresh sea air. I look at something like a oily hotpot laced with chilli where you can’t even taste the flavours of the ingredients and ask myself why bother.

        • Tiggrrrrr on 14/07/2019 - 02:03

          Suntec city (I assume you mean the fountain of wealth)?

          The roti there is actually really good.

    • ironplus on 08/07/2019 - 00:17
      +2

      Because Australians love to travel?

  • Ender Wiggin on 08/07/2019 - 00:16
    +4

    Been there done that, cash only, great food good prices, canteen is land side T1
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3yOMDQWm3c

  • drspy00 on 08/07/2019 - 00:33
    +2

    If you head to the hawker centers at Changi airport, they even have some on airside they are pretty cheap anyway. The problem ive always had with Changi is they mostly don't accept card even for the passenger food court/hawker centers there. You have to line up and pay for a card with credit to buy food which last time I was there needed to be with cash, which is quite ridiculous at an international airport. Sure, the more expensive restaurants will accept card, but the food courts don't which is crazy for passengers wanting a quick snack or something between flights.

  • paulaus on 08/07/2019 - 00:50

    Thanks I will be there at 5pm tomorrow I will check it out

    • GregFiona on 08/07/2019 - 16:25
      +1

      Waiting patiently for your feedback. Don't forget to take some photos!

  • Get on 08/07/2019 - 02:29
    +1

    This is brilliant, thanks for posting this! We have a six or so hour lay over coming up, and are flying Scoot to Athens from SG, where they want to charge us $25 SG each for a meal!

    Being able to get a good feed at the airport at a reasonable price will be great.

    • drspy00 on 08/07/2019 - 02:34

      If you cant find it, the actual food courts/hawker centers are pretty good and reasonable.

  • modsec802 on 08/07/2019 - 06:50

    I’d rather go to Shake Shack in Jewel

  • Pumpkin_rrr on 08/07/2019 - 08:09

    Thanks OP! Will check them out next time.

    Next, can you please post other airports around the world with similar offer? ~smile~

  • WreckTangle on 08/07/2019 - 08:47

    Any Aussie airports have a canteen normal people csn go to?

    • WwDesi on 08/07/2019 - 10:45
      +1

      None even if they did they will charge you a arm n a leg crazy prices at all Aussie Airports

    • [Deactivated] on 08/07/2019 - 16:55
      +1

      Pretty sure doing this would shut down and evacuate Tullamarine for 6 hours.

      • NotAnAudiophile on 28/07/2019 - 18:13

        Exactly the reason why I opt for cheap lounges at Melb airport if I'm flying out. I'd rather pay for food and ambience at a lounge than pay for super overpriced food airside at Aussie airports.

  • Kamsi on 08/07/2019 - 10:32
    +1

    This deal is not for me coz I have to pay for a air ticket to get to Changi :)

    • GregFiona on 08/07/2019 - 16:24

      Have you tried delivery? :P

  • Peck on 08/07/2019 - 10:51
    +1

    Along similar lines Bangkok, Bkk not Dmk airport, has a great food court in the basement. Land side. Not many travellers know about it.

    • powerhead on 08/07/2019 - 10:55

      Agree. And to add to that, in BKK most (if not all) food airside is overpriced, so that food court makes so much more sense than in SIN.

    • jackspratt on 08/07/2019 - 11:25

      Don Muang (DMK) also has a staff canteen accessible to the public.

    • devilbabies on 08/07/2019 - 13:50

      yep, BKK and DMK both have the cheap "Magic Food Point" food courts.

      • Icecold5000 on 08/07/2019 - 17:16

        Yeah I love the ambiance when 3 bus loads of PRC enter magic point.

        There is a small convenience store which sells affordable beer nearby as well.

  • loginid on 08/07/2019 - 15:04
    +1

    Would love to see some photos if anyone has any

  • plentifoo on 08/07/2019 - 16:26
    +1

    grew up in singapore and this is a public secret. like the rest of the world, inflation has taken a toll on food prices even in the canteens. Used to get $2 chicken rice and $1 drinks. Now it's doubled. still not sure if this belongs here or cheapcheaplah.

    Portions are generally smaller in Singaporean foodcourts.

  • SeVeN11 on 08/07/2019 - 22:21

    somebody needs to post a map else its not a bargain since we can't find it :)

    • Ender Wiggin on 09/07/2019 - 04:03
      +1

      T1 landside at the back of the Airasia check in, must use the lift.

  • laser on 09/07/2019 - 07:30

    I have eaten in Changsha airport staff canteen. It was one of the best meals I had in Mainland.

  • timhn on 09/07/2019 - 13:44

    Is there any place on airside in Changi airport that I can have some salted egg squid/chicken? Being craving for some after tried few salted-egg in almost everything last year. Oh yes, I know about the Arvine's chip at the airport. Definitely pick some on the way back.

    Also, do you guys think I can visit the Jewels with 3hr layover?

  • Pobman on 09/07/2019 - 16:22

    There is something similar, though not specifically named as staff, at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.. Ground floor far right of the airport if you have the road to your back is an eating area the local use with lots of low price options. You have to buy vouchers on your way in to pay for things, unused vouchers refunded as you leave.

    Don’t know of anything airside though.

    Edit: I see it’s already been mentioned now.

    • NotAnAudiophile on 28/07/2019 - 18:11

      The suvarnabhumi airport one is actually a little overpriced when compared to bangkok city proper.

      • jackspratt on 28/07/2019 - 18:15

        Everything in retail at an airport will be more expensive than in the city.

        The comparison you should be making is the canteen prices compared to what you get in the rest of the airport - particularly when you get past check-in.

        • NotAnAudiophile on 28/07/2019 - 18:20

          Usually, food past check in at suvarnabhumi is about $10. I usually get a cheap lounge- the lounges at suvarnabhumi are excellent.

  • anna10 on 11/07/2019 - 11:22

    Be aware that Jewell is landside and immigration can take a while.

  • 18 on 14/07/2019 - 18:19

    Anyone know the opening hours?

  • NotAnAudiophile on 28/07/2019 - 18:10
    +1

    I'm not too proud to eat at local food courts in Singapore or Thailand. Give me $5 hawker food over $15 meals here any day.

    • Fobsessive on 01/10/2019 - 20:11
      +1

      Hawker food courts in SG are the only way to go

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join