We’ve all seen the headlines. The cost of living isn’t just “creeping up” anymore; it’s sprinting. From London to New York, and especially here in Singapore—recently ranked again as the most expensive city in the world—the “lifestyle squeeze” is real.

Recently, I found myself standing in front of a sign that felt like a glitch in the Matrix: 10SGD

$10SGD=$7.45 USD =£5.85 GBP for an unlimited buffet. Only cards accepted.

 

Beef, chicken, vegetarian spreads, free-flow soft drinks, and fresh fruit. In a city where a standard cocktail can cost $25, this meal felt like a rebellion. But as I sat there with my plate, I realised this wasn’t just about economic calories. It was a masterclass in two things: Economic Adaptability and Personal Development.

1. The Art of the “Value Hunt”

When inflation hits, our first instinct is often deprivation. We think, “I can’t have X anymore.” But personal growth is about shifting from a scarcity mindset to an optimisation mindset.

Finding a $10 buffet in Singapore requires research, curiosity, and the willingness to step off the beaten path (likely away from the glitzy malls of Orchard Road and into the heartland hawker centres or industrial estates). In life, when expenses rise, the “unoptimized” person complains, while the “developing” person learns to hunt for value. This applies to your subscriptions, your bank fees, and even how you invest your time.

2. Resilience is a Budgetary Skill

There is a certain pride in being able to live well regardless of the economic climate. Managing your “life expenses” isn’t just about math; it’s about emotional regulation.

When you find ways to enjoy life—like a feast with friends—without breaking the bank, you build a sense of financial agency. You prove to yourself that your happiness isn’t strictly tied to your spending power. That realisation is a massive milestone in personal development. It moves your “internal locus of control” from your boss or the central bank back to you.

 

3. The “Full Plate” Philosophy

The beauty of an unlimited buffet is the abundance. Even at a low price point, the feeling of “having enough” is psychologically healing in a world that constantly tells us we are falling behind.

Personal development is often about “filling your plate” with the right things:

• The Protein (The Hard Work): The beef and chicken that build your career and skills.
• The Greens (The Balance): The health and relationships that keep you sustainable.
• The Free-Flow (The Joy): The small wins that keep the journey refreshing.

The Bottom Line

Prices are going up, and they likely won’t come down anytime soon. We can’t control the global economy, but we can control our “micro-economy.”

Finding that 10 SGD buffet was a reminder that even in the most expensive corners of the globe, there is always a way to thrive if you are willing to look. Growth isn’t about how much you spend; it’s about how much value you can extract from the world around you.

Next time you feel the weight of your bank statement, ask yourself: Am I looking for the “hidden buffet,” or am I just staring at the expensive menu?

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Quick Tips for the Budget Traveller in Singapore:

• Currency Check: 10 SGD $=$7.45 USD £5.85 GBP.
• Look for “Cai Fan” (Economy Rice): While not always a buffet, it’s the local secret to a $4- $ 6 balanced meal.
• Drink Tap: Singapore is one of the few places in Asia where tap water is perfectly safe to drink.  Save that $2 bottle cost! (Prefer filter machines)

Tolga CAKIR

 

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Location of ONZ

Near Paya Lebar MRT

𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬:
Daily : Mon–Sun
Lunch 11am–2pm
Dinner 5pm–8pm

🍛 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝:

– Unlimited –

– Rice & pasta
– Homemade soups
– Signature dishes (mutton, beef, chicken, fish, veg)
– Hot tea/coffee + chilled cordial

 

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