In Singapore, we all love food, but it can also be a pain point for many of us. That’s not because we lack options (in fact, we have a lot), but the real problem is time, energy, and mental bandwidth. Between long working hours, commuting, kids’ schedules, and gym sessions, the never-ending question of “what’s for dinner?” can just add to our stress. That’s why more Singaporeans are quietly outsourcing their meals.
Outsourcing meals doesn’t only mean hiring an expensive private chef. It starts by simply having basic meals delivered to your door. As with anything in Singapore, the spectrum of choice is wide, and so are the costs involved. Here are the main options available for those of us who want to outsource our meals in Singapore, from the most affordable to the most premium.
Tingkat And Home-Style Catering
Before meal prep startups and Instagram-friendly bento boxes, there was the “OG” of the meal delivery scene: tingkat.
For those unfamiliar with it, tingkat refers to traditional home-style catering where food is delivered daily, usually for lunch or dinner, in stacked metal or plastic containers. The dishes are familiar, simple fare, designed to be eaten as part of a family meal rather than plated for aesthetics.
In Singapore, tingkat services are often run by small operators or family businesses. The menus typically rotate weekly and include basic staples such as fish, chicken, vegetables and soup.
In terms of cost, tingkat is usually the most affordable way to outsource meals regularly. Prices typically range from about $8 to $12 per pax per meal, depending on portion size and whether you opt for lunch, dinner, or both.
Monthly packages can bring the per-meal cost down slightly. For a working couple or small family, this can translate to roughly $160 to $240 per person per month for weekday dinners – reasonable for dinners sent straight to your place.
Read Also: Price Guide For Tingkat Food Delivery Services In Singapore
The trade-off, of course, is choice and flexibility, as you can’t pick certain ingredients or have them leave out certain items you don’t like. It’s a very “cookie-cutter” approach to meals, and it works well because they can scale it without the customisation.
Bento Catering Or Corporate-Style Meal Plans
Next up, above tingkat in terms of the price point, is bento-style catering. This is where meals are portioned and individually packed. Many Singaporeans will be familiar with bento catering through corporate lunches or events, where it has become the default option. But these services are increasingly being used for daily meals at home as well.
Read Also: Guide To Corporate Event Catering In Singapore
Typical pricing ranges from $10 to $18 per meal, depending on protein choice and whether the menu skews more “healthy” or indulgent in nature (think of thicker sauces and more salt). Some providers focus on Asian comfort food, while others lean into Western or fusion menus.
A key advantage for people looking to outsource their meals is the structure of a bento box. You know exactly what you’re getting each day as portions are controlled and delivery times are fixed. Better yet, there’s minimal cleanup after you’ve finished. For busy professionals who eat most meals alone or at different times from their family, this format works well.
That said, it’s still not highly customizable, and if you’re someone who watches calories and specific “macros” when thinking about meals, then this probably won’t cut it.
Premium Meal Prep Services
Meal prep services are where outsourcing starts to feel more intentional and, with that, comes a higher price tag.
Companies that operate in this space prepare meals in advance, as they’re intended to be stored in the fridge or freezer, and reheated when needed. The focus is often on healthy living, your “macros”, and the flexibility that this offers.
In Singapore, meal prep plans typically cost between $12 and $20 per meal. If you’re loading up on protein or want more customised (i.e. premium) plans, then the range can go up to $15 to $25 per meal. Discounts may apply when you commit to higher volumes, such as 10, 20, or 30 meals per week.
At first glance, this may sound expensive compared to hawker food, but you are able to request a level of customisation that you wouldn’t be able to get from your local hawker stall. For someone who’s busy and looking to be healthy, meal prep services can significantly reduce the “decision fatigue” of deciding what to eat after a long day.
This convenience comes with a significantly higher price tag, though. Monthly costs can range from $800 to $1,500 per person when meals are outsourced this way.
Family-Style Meal Prep/Hybrid Solutions
An interesting middle ground is emerging in Singapore, especially among families, and this is outsourcing only certain meals.
For example, weekday lunches might be meal-prepped, while dinners remain home-cooked. Others outsource protein components, like chicken or fish, but cook rice and vegetables at home.
This hybrid approach keeps costs more manageable. If you outsource five lunches a week at $15 per meal, you’re looking at roughly $300 a month – much less than full-on outsourcing but also a significant reduction in effort.
This is often the sweet spot for families with young children or dual-income couples who still want some control over what goes into their stomachs.
Private Chef Services
At the top of the spectrum is the private chef. While rare, this option does exist in Singapore, especially among high-income households, or families with specific dietary needs. A private chef can cook in your home, prepare meals for the week, or even handle daily cooking for families.
Costs vary widely, but as a rough guide, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,500 to $6,000 a month for regular service, excluding ingredients. One-off sessions can cost several hundred dollars for a few hours of cooking but that doesn’t make sense unless you are putting on a special event.
What you’re paying for here is not just food but full personalisation. Menus are customised entirely to fit you and your family. You can pick the ingredients and adjust portion sizes.
For some families, especially those with elderly parents or children with special needs, this can be transformative. It’s more a case of outsourcing the “mental load” of food prep, but at an extremely customised, high-end level.
Read Also: Salary Guide To How Much You Can Earn As A Chef
Does Outsourcing Meals Fit You?
When people ask how much it costs to outsource meals, they often frame it as a food question. In reality, it’s typically a matter of lifestyle and convenience. Outsourcing meals buys you more time and allows you to dedicate more of your brain space to other, more important, things.
Many people would frame it as the food equivalent of hiring a domestic helper. A domestic helper outsources your household’s chores so you can dedicate your time to other pursuits.
At the end of the day, whether outsourcing meals is worth it depends on each individual and family. Some do enjoy shopping for groceries, selecting ingredients, and cooking for themselves. But for those with busy jobs, kids or elderly relatives, it can make sense to outsource meal prep in Singapore.
