KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- CDC & SG60 Vouchers remain best spent on daily meals in heartland areas in 2026.
- Hawker centres and kopitiams give the highest value per dollar, often under S$6 per meal.
- Smart voucher use can easily save a household hundreds of dollars a year on food.
For most Singaporeans, this is where vouchers make the biggest difference — daily meals, kopi breaks, and family food runs that would otherwise eat into cash.
Before jumping into where to eat, here’s why these places consistently win when it comes to voucher value.
Why Hawker Centres and Kopitiams Stretch Your Vouchers Best
First, prices are still relatively controlled. A proper hawker meal costs around S$4 to S$7, compared to cafés where S$7 might barely cover a drink. That alone makes a huge difference over weeks and months.
Second, acceptance rates are high. Most heartland hawkers and coffee shops are already registered under CDC, and SG60 vouchers are expected to follow the same system. Less awkward moments at the cashier.
Third, food is a daily necessity. Using vouchers on meals frees up real cash for transport, utilities, school expenses, and medical bills. That’s practical spending — not impulse buys.
At-a-Glance: Best Places to Use CDC & SG60 Vouchers in 2026
| Location Type | Typical Meal Price | Voucher Acceptance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large Hawker Centres | S$3 – S$6 | Very High | Full meals, variety |
| Heartland Kopitiams | S$4 – S$6 | High | Daily convenience |
| Central Hawker Centres | S$4 – S$7 | High | Office lunches |
| Mixed-Use Markets | S$3 – S$6 | Very High | Food + groceries |
Best Hawker Centres for CDC & SG60 Vouchers
Chinatown Complex Food Centre
This is one of the few places where S$5 can still get you a solid, satisfying meal in 2026. With hundreds of stalls, it’s easy to find CDC-accepted options for any time of day.
Most stalls clearly display voucher decals, so payment is smooth. Great if you want variety without overspending.
Best for: Mixed rice, noodles, traditional desserts
Why it works: Huge choice, competitive pricing, high voucher acceptance
Old Airport Road Food Centre
If portion size matters, this place delivers. Many stalls are known for generous servings that can stretch across two meals — especially useful for families and seniors.
It’s also less touristy, which helps keep prices reasonable even now.
Best for: Char kway teow, laksa, rojak
Why it works: Big portions, strong heartland pricing
Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre
One stop, two needs solved. You can use vouchers for breakfast or lunch, then head downstairs for fresh groceries — all in one trip.
Cashless payments are widely accepted, making voucher use fuss-free.
Best for: Breakfast items, pastries, roast meats
Why it works: Food + market convenience
Tekka Centre
If value-for-money had a postcode, Tekka would qualify. Many meals still come in under S$5, especially Indian and Muslim food options.
For budget-conscious households, this is one of the strongest places to stretch vouchers.
Best for: Briyani, thosai, vegetarian meals
Why it works: Low prices, filling portions
Best Heartland Coffee Shops (Kopitiams)
Neighbourhood Kopitiams in HDB Estates
No need to travel far or queue long. The kopitiam downstairs often gives better value than popular food centres in town.
These stalls are usually long-running family businesses, and most accept vouchers without issues.
Why they’re ideal:
- Cheaper daily meals
- Extremely convenient
- High voucher acceptance
Selected Chain Kopitiams
Some larger kopitiam chains participate in the CDC scheme, but acceptance may vary by outlet.
Always look for the CDC decal or ask before ordering — especially for drinks stalls.
Tip: Drinks plus a meal is usually better value than snacks alone.
Smart Ways to Stretch CDC & SG60 Vouchers Further
Use Vouchers for Meals, Cash for Everything Else
Meals are predictable spending. Transport, utilities, and school items often aren’t. Using vouchers for food keeps your cash flexible.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Month
End-of-period rush spending usually means buying things you don’t really need. Spread your voucher use across the year instead.
Buy for the Whole Household
Paying for meals for elderly parents or children using vouchers multiplies the benefit for the family.
Choose Full Meals Over Snacks
A S$5 full meal beats two S$2.50 snacks any day when it comes to value and satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use CDC and SG60 Vouchers together at hawker centres?
Yes. As long as the stall accepts both schemes, you can use either voucher type, depending on your available balance.
Do all coffee shops accept CDC & SG60 Vouchers?
Not all, but most heartland kopitiams do. Always check for the decal or ask the stallholder before ordering.
What happens if I don’t use my vouchers by expiry?
Unused balances are forfeited after the expiry date. There is no cash refund, so it’s better to plan usage early.