True Cost @ Suntec City, Promenade – Modern European Cuisine Minus the Markup

Fancy dining on modern European dishes in the heart of town, minus the markups that take your meal from “fairly reasonable” to “a costly hole in your wallet”? True Cost is the place for you.

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Founded on a philosophy of making high-quality food accessible, True Cost made a name for its modern dishes served at cost price – or at least, close to it. All with a breathtaking view of Singapore’s cityscape from its premises in Suntec City Sky Garden.

The catch: an entry fee of $5 – $10 per diner.

It’s still a reasonable price if you’re dining with friends who can share more dishes that raise the value-for-money factor of your visit. Plus you get a one-time complimentary entry if you sign up for True Cost’s free membership.

The floor-to-ceiling windows give the restaurant a light and welcoming atmosphere, with its lush decor adding to its tropical vibe. Day or night, it’s an ideal spot for a date or a group celebration. If you’re comfortable with the equally cozy proximity of the neighbouring tables.

While True Cost purportedly serves modern European cuisine, there are a couple of traditionally American dishes as well as fusion entries on its menu. That said, the food has been consistent across multiple visits, a marked improvement from its opening days.

For starters, I highly recommend the Unagi Prata ($7.50++) which combines one piece of prata with unagi chunks, cucumber, and cream cheese. The prata is markedly thicker from what we’re used to, with a crisp and firm bite. The unagi is tender and complimented by the refreshing cucumber and rich cream cheese.

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Unagi Prata with Cream Cheese ($7.50++)

For something light and refreshing, look to True Cost’s cold appetiser section, where its European culinary range comes to the fore. Here, you can find nibbles hailing from Italian, French, and Greek roots. The Salmon Ceviche with Rui Sauce ($14.50++) will appeal to seafood lovers, with tangy notes from the tomato base and mango chunks. I found the sauce to be on the strong side, and preferred the raw salmon on its own.

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Salmon Ceviche with Rui Sauce ($14.50++)

I’m usually one to skip pasta, but the Crab Linguine with Bisque Sauce ($23++) sounded too good to pass up.

The bisque sauce is the start of the show here. This comforting serving of fresh, flavoursome seafood with a hearty amount of carbs leaves little to be desired. This is the dish to go for if you want comfort with a touch of indulgence.

Crab Linguine with Bisque Sauce ($23++)

While most make a beeline for the famed Beef Brisket and Wild Spanish Octopus, the BBQ Pork Ribs ($20++) was a surprise hit for me. This quintessentially American dish boasts fork-tender ribs perfectly slathered with BBQ sauce, with a side of kimchi cucumbers and cheesy corn that will throw all calorie-related inhibitions out the window.

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BBQ Pork Ribs ($20++)

I was glad to find that, true to its wallet-friendly philosophy, none of True Cost’s homemade desserts were priced above $13++. Expect to find classic offerings like Lava Cake and Apple Crumble, both rich, indulgent desserts served with ice cream.

True Cost’s offerings are good for its price point, and it’s worth visiting at least once during lower-entry cost hours on weekday afternoons.

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Lava Cake ($13++)

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Apple Crumble ($13++)

Address: Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard, 03-302/303, Singapore 038983
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Nearest MRT: Promenade CC4/DT15/ Esplanade CC3
Opening Hours:
Friday and Saturday: 12pm – 11.30pm
Sunday to Thursday: 12pm – 11pm
Contact: +65 8894 0615/ info@truecostsingapore.com

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chueonit. 

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