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Writer's pictureMr Money TV

10 Clever Ways Malaysians Can Cut Their Food Budget (2024)

The tantalizing scent of nasi lemak, the richness of rendang, and the zest of laksa – Malaysian cuisine is nothing short of a culinary odyssey.


However, amidst the rising living costs, indulging in these gastronomic delights can feel like a pinch to the wallet. Fear not!


Here’s a guide on how to cut your food budget without compromising on taste.


10 Ways Malaysians Can Cut Their Food Budget

1. Embrace Local Markets (Pasar Malam/Pasar Pagi)
  • Why: Local markets or pasar malam often provide fresher and cheaper produce compared to supermarkets.

  • Tip: Visit during the final hours for potential discounts as vendors clear stock.

  • Savings: Expect to save up to 30% compared to supermarket prices.


2. Opt for Tapau Over Dine-In
  • Why: Avoiding service charges and government taxes, tapau (takeaway) proves more economical.

  • Tip: Utilize your own containers for both savings and sustainability.

  • Savings: About 10-15% off your total bill.


3. Savor Economy Rice (Nasi Campur/Chap Fan)
  • Why: With a variety of dishes, nasi campur or chap fan stalls provide value for money. This is especially great if you're living alone as groceries are getting more expensive these days.

  • Tip: Veggies and tofu are both nutritious and cost-friendly choices.

  • Savings: Up to RM5-10 per meal.


4. Stay Active in Malaysian Food Social Media Groups
  • Why: Groups like “Foodie Malaysia” spotlight current promotions and discounts.

  • Tip: Enable notifications to grab those short-lived deals.

  • Savings: Seasonal deals can offer 20-50% off.


5. Cook Using Local Ingredients
  • Why: Whipping up meals with ingredients like tempeh or kangkung is light on the pocket.

  • Tip: Challenge yourself with hawker-inspired dishes for that authentic taste.

  • Savings: A home-cooked meal can save you RM10-20 per serving.


6. Bulk Buys Are Your Best Friend
  • Why: Staples like rice or ikan bilis are cheaper in bulk.

  • Tip: Store perishables properly to ensure longevity.

  • Savings: About 15% off retail prices.


7. Capitalize on Food Delivery Discounts
  • Why: GrabFood and FoodPanda frequently roll out promotions.

  • Tip: Consider shared orders for added discounts.

  • Savings: Periodic discounts can shave off 10-40% off your bill.


8. Loyalty Programs and Cards
  • Why: Many eateries and cafes have loyalty cards offering every 10th meal or drink for free.

  • Tip: Keep these cards in your wallet to ensure you don't miss stamping them.

  • Savings: Effectively 10% savings on every 10 meals.


9. Off-Peak Dining
  • Why: Some restaurants offer discounts during non-peak hours to attract customers.

  • Tip: Opt for early dinners or late lunches.

  • Savings: Discounts can range between 10-30%.


10. Grow Your Own Vegetables
  • Why: Cultivating basic herbs or veggies ensures freshness and reduces costs.

  • Tip: Start with easy-to-grow plants like mint or chilli.

  • Savings: Up to RM15-30 monthly, depending on consumption.

In A Nutshell


While the Malaysian food scene remains an ever-alluring arena, being judicious about your choices ensures your palate and pocket both leave satisfied. With these tips, you'll be able to cut your food budget yet enjoy the yummy goodness of our local cuisine!


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