By Jessica Lim, Tessa Wong and Lim Wei Chean

UNTIL two months ago, Mr Alwin Goh, his wife and two children used to spend their Saturday and Sunday nights eating in hawker centres and mid-price restaurants.

But battered by inflation, the Bedok family has cancelled meals out and taken refuge in home-cooked dinners.

'I miss my favourite chicken rice sometimes, but I think saving money is more important,' said Mr Goh, a 53-year-old IT salesman.

Eating out: Cheaper places getting better business

EATING OUT has become a luxury that is carefully budgeted for, now that hard times are looming on the horizon.

Some eateries across the price spectrum, from hawker stalls to cafes and mid-range restaurants, are suffering drops of 10 per cent to 30 per cent in business, as consumers switch to cheaper dining alternatives.

For instance, some families are choosing to have their weekend meals at cheaper 'zi char' stalls in HDB heartlands, which serve up restaurant-style meals at lower prices.

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