When it comes to food, Malaysia is a paradise for anyone who loves a good meal without having to worry too much about the price.
Whether you’re dining on a budget or treating yourself, Malaysia offers a wide range of options that satisfy both taste buds and wallets.
This guide covers everything from daily meal costs to must-try local dishes and even a look at fine dining.
Let’s dive into the cost of meals in Malaysia…
Cost of Meals in Malaysia per Day
On average, the cost of a meal in Malaysia can vary based on where and how and where you choose to eat.
Here’s a breakdown of the different options you have:
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Budget-friendly (street food): Around RM20-RM30 (5-8 USD) per day for three meals.
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Mid-range dining (local eateries, cafes): Expect to spend around RM30-RM50 (8-12 USD) per day for three meals.
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Higher-end dining (restaurants with ambiance): Around RM80-RM120 (20-30 USD) per day for three meals. These are more sit-down places with a comfortable setting.
Eating In Vs. Dining Out: A Price Comparison
Cooking at home in Malaysia can save you a fair bit, though dining out still remains affordable. Here’s a comparison between the two:
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Cooking at Home: Preparing your meals can cost around RM7-RM15 per meal (1.75-2 USD). For a week, groceries could total around RM150-RM200 (37-50 USD).
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Dining Out: At local eateries, a meal averages RM15-RM30 (3.75-7.5 USD), so a day’s worth of food would cost around RM40-RM60 (10-15 USD).
Fine Dining Spots in Malaysia to Try
Expensive food in Malaysia comes with stunning ambiance, exclusive views, and exceptional services.
Below are some recommendation for some of the high-end dining spots in Malaysia
Marini’s on 57 (Kuala Lumpur): Italian-Malaysian fusion with a view of the Petronas Towers.
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The Datai Dining Room (Langkawi): A blend of local flavors with a focus on fresh ingredients in a beautiful rainforest setting.
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Sahara Tent Restaurant (Kuala Lumpur): This fine dining restaurant at Fraser Place is known for its Middle Eastern culinary offerings, including Moroccan tagines, kebabs, and classic Middle Eastern sweets.
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The Spice Kitchen (Johor): An authentic Indian-Chinese, Indian and Thai restaurant where traditional recipes infused with Indian spices take dishes to another level of culinary delights.
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Feringgi Grill (Penang): Feringgi Grill offers a warm, cozy and romantic ambience with a bird's eye view of lush tropical greenery surrounding Shangri-La Ferringhi Resort.
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Overall Cost of Living in Malaysia per Month
For those planning to live in Malaysia, understanding the full cost of living in Malaysia helps with budgeting. Here’s an estimate:
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Rent: RM1,000-RM2,500 (250-625 USD), depending on location and size.
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Groceries: Around RM300 - RM500 (75-125 USD).
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Transportation: Transportation is budget-friendly, with costs around RM100 - RM200 (25-50 USD) per month.
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Food and Dining Out: Expect around RM600-RM1,000 (150-250 USD) depending on how frequent you eat out.
On average, monthly living expenses for a single person in Malaysia range from RM2,000-RM3,500 (500-875 USD) for a comfortable lifestyle.
See a full breakdown of the cost of living in Malaysia in 2024 on this blog page.
Top 10 Best Local Dishes to Try
|
Food |
Description |
Average Cost |
|
A fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk, served with sambal, egg, and fried anchovies. |
RM5-RM10 (1.25-2.5 USD) |
|
Stir-fried flat noodles with shrimp, Chinese sausage, and bean sprouts. |
RM8-RM15 (2-3.75 USD) |
|
A flaky flatbread served with curry—perfect for breakfast or a snack. |
RM1.50-RM3 (0.35-0.75 USD) |
|
Tender steamed chicken served with rice cooked in chicken broth. |
RM8-RM12 (2-3 USD) |
|
A spicy noodle soup with coconut milk, prawns, and tofu. |
RM8-RM15 (2-3.75 USD) |
|
Grilled skewers of marinated chicken or beef served. |
RM10-RM15 (2.25-3.75 USD) |
|
Stir-fried noodles with a mix of spices, often with egg, tofu, and seafood or meat. |
RM5-RM10 (1.25-2.5 USD) |
|
Rice with a variety of curries and sides, often found in Indian-Muslim places. |
RM8-RM20 (2-5 USD) |
|
A sweet dessert of shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar, and rice flour jelly. |
RM3-RM6 (0.35-1.5 USD) |
|
A thick, stuffed pancake with fillings like sweet corn, peanuts, and sugar. |
RM2-RM5 (0.5-1.25 USD) |
Tips to Save on The Cost of Meals in Malaysia
1. Look for Lunch Sets
Many restaurants, particularly in malls, offer special lunch set menus during weekdays.
These lunch sets often include a main dish, a drink, and sometimes a dessert, all for a lower price.
2. Food Delivery Apps Discounts
In Malaysia, food delivery apps like GrabFood, Foodpanda, and ShopeeFood offer frequent discounts, especially for new users or during special campaigns.
3. Loyalty Programs and Cashback Offers
Restaurants and food delivery services have loyalty programs with e-wallets like Touch 'n Go or Boost, offering cashback or discounts when you pay with their apps.
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