The 2025 Dilemma — To Eat Out or Tap to Order?
It’s lunchtime, you’re hungry, but the question remains: Should you head to a restaurant or order in? With rising living costs and service fees, the decision isn’t as easy as it used to be.

As food prices continue to climb, we’re all more conscious of our spending. But surprisingly, eating out might actually be cheaper than ordering in. In this quick comparison, we’ll break down the costs and reveal a surprising truth about dining in 2025. Stay tuned!

Hidden Costs of Ordering In

When ordering food through delivery apps in Malaysia, the price you see on the menu often isn’t the total amount you’ll end up paying. Here’s a breakdown of the real delivery costs that are often hidden in the fine print:

📦 Delivery Fee

 Delivery fees in Malaysia typically range from RM5 to RM15, depending on the distance and the delivery platform (such as GrabFood or Foodpanda). These fees may be higher for areas located farther from the restaurant or during peak times.

💸 Platform Service Charge

 Food delivery platforms in Malaysia often charge a service fee of around 10% to 15% of the total order. This fee is added to your final bill and is common across platforms like GrabFood and Foodpanda.

🍽️ Marked-Up Menu Prices

 Restaurants partnering with delivery platforms typically raise their prices for online orders. You may find that the cost of your meal is 10%-20% higher compared to ordering in-store. This markup helps cover delivery costs and platform commissions.

💁‍♀️ Tips

 While tipping is not mandatory in Malaysia, it’s a common practice to tip delivery drivers, especially for larger orders. A typical tip can range from RM5 to RM10, depending on the order size and distance traveled.

Examples

A RM30 meal could easily cost RM40 or more when ordered online due to delivery fees, service charges, menu markups, and tips. What seemed like an affordable meal can quickly become much more expensive with all these added costs.

The Case for Eating Out — If You Time It Right

Flip the narrative: Eating out doesn’t have to be expensive, especially when you time it right. Thanks to Eatigo’s time-based deals, dining out can actually be the more budget-friendly choice compared to ordering in.

1. No Delivery Charges
   When you eat out, you skip all the extra costs like delivery fees, service charges, and the unpredictable price hikes for online orders. With Eatigo, you can enjoy a discounted meal without worrying about extra charges.
2. Get the Real Dine-In Portions
   Say goodbye to soggy fries or cold meals that often come with delivery. Eating out gives you the full experience: bigger, fresher portions, exactly as the chef intended. The quality and portion size are always the same, so you get the value you deserve.
3. More Ambiance, Less Guilt
   Enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurant, the social experience, and the satisfaction of supporting local businesses—all while paying less. With Eatigo’s deals, you’re not only saving money, but you’re also treating yourself to a better dining experience, making you feel good about your meal.

With Eatigo’s time-based deals, eating out becomes the budget-friendlier choice. No extra fees, better portions, and a richer experience—all at a lower cost. 

Let’s Compare: Ordering In vs. Eating Out via Eatigo (Malaysia)

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the typical costs when ordering in compared to eating out using Eatigo in Malaysia.

Explanation & Localized Example:

• Meal Price: The base price of the meal remains the same in both cases at RM30, but additional costs differ.
  
• Delivery Fee: When ordering in, the delivery fee typically ranges from RM6 to RM10, whereas dining out via Eatigo incurs no delivery fee.
  
• Service Fee: Delivery apps often charge a service fee of RM3 to RM6. However, Eatigo doesn’t charge any service fee for dining in, making it a more cost-effective choice.
  
• Portion Size: Meals delivered to you are often smaller and might be less fresh, while dining in offers full-size portions that are freshly prepared and served directly.
  
• Discount: While delivery apps may provide limited promo codes, Eatigo offers up to 50% off daily, ensuring a larger discount and better value.
  
• Final Cost:
  • Ordering In: With delivery fees and service charges, your total could reach RM39–RM46.
  • Eating Out via Eatigo: After applying the discount, your total could be reduced to RM15–RM22, resulting in significant savings compared to ordering in.

Bonus Perks of Eating Out (That Delivery Can’t Offer)

While ordering in may seem convenient, eating out offers a range of perks that you simply can’t get from delivery. Here’s why dining out is still a great choice in 2025:

1. Social Connection: Lunch with Friends, Dinner Dates

Eating out is about more than just the food—it’s about experiencing the moment with others. Whether you’re catching up with friends during lunch or enjoying a romantic dinner date, dining out allows you to connect socially in a way that delivery just can’t replicate. No phone screens, no waiting for your food to arrive—just great conversation and shared experiences.

2. Fresh Food Straight from the Kitchen

When you dine in, your meal is freshly prepared and served immediately, unlike delivery, where food may arrive lukewarm or soggy. Restaurant portions are also larger and perfectly plated, giving you the best experience. Plus, if you’re having something like sushi, ramen, or a Hotpot, you get the authentic experience that’s hard to recreate at home or through a delivery service.

3. Discover New Restaurants & Neighborhoods

Eating out gives you the chance to explore new restaurants and neighborhoods that you might not discover if you’re relying on delivery. Whether you’re trying a new sushi spot or a local hotpot joint, dining out lets you explore the diverse flavors your city has to offer and encourages you to step outside your usual food choices.

4. Optional Hook: Eatigo Points or Loyalty Rewards

Many restaurant reservation apps, like Eatigo, offer loyalty rewards or Eatigo Points for each reservation you make. These points can be redeemed for future discounts, special offers, or even free meals. It’s a great way to save even more on your dining adventures while enjoying extra perks you wouldn’t get from ordering in.

Order In Less, Eat Out Smarter

In today’s fast-paced world, ordering in might seem like the easier option. You can relax at home, tap a few buttons, and have food delivered to your door. But when you take a closer look, the hidden costs and lack of dining experience can add up quickly.

Eating out, on the other hand, not only lets you enjoy a fresh, well-prepared meal but also offers the opportunity to socialize, explore new restaurants, and experience a much richer dining atmosphere. And with apps like Eatigo, you can make eating out more affordable than ever with time-based deals that offer up to 50% off your bill!

Final Takeaway

“Ordering in might be easy — but eating out with Eatigo is the real win for your wallet and your taste buds.” You’ll save money, enjoy fresher food, and get a whole lot more out of your dining experience. So, why not make smarter choices? Order in less, and eat out with Eatigo to savor great meals at unbeatable prices.