How much do you spend on food per day?

Are You Aware of How Much You Really Spend on Food Each Day?

Spoiler alert: It’s probably more than you think.

A morning kopi, lunch with colleagues, an afternoon bubble tea, a casual dinner out… and just like that — RM50–RM80 is gone in a day.

Food spending is one of those everyday expenses that creeps up quietly.
Each small purchase might seem harmless, until you check your e-wallet or bank app and think,
“Wait… did I really spend that much today?”

In this blog, we’ll explore:

• The average daily food spending across different lifestyles in Malaysia
• What really influences your food budget — from habits to cravings to convenience
• Simple, practical ways to eat smarter without giving up the food you enjoy
  

So whether you’re trying to budget better, save for something big, or just understand your daily habits — this guide is for you.

Average Daily Food Spending

• 🍱 Budget-conscious locals often spend around RM15–RM25/day, relying on home-cooked meals and hawker staples 
• 🍲 Mid-range budget typically falls between RM30–RM50/day, covering meals at kopitiams, food courts, or casual sit-down restaurants .
• 🍽️ Traveler and expat average spending is approximately USD 33/day (~RM139), based on travel cost data 
• 📈 Food inflation is driving prices significantly higher—nasi lemak alone has risen from RM2.03 to RM3.68 (+81% over 13 years).
• 🍔 Hawker meals like roti canai, nasi lemak, and satay now cost between RM3–RM10, up from under RM2 in the past decade

Typical Daily Food Spending in Malaysia (~RM40/day)

Malaysia offers one of the most affordable and flavorful food scenes in Southeast Asia. While it’s possible to eat on a budget, your total food spend depends on your habits, cravings, and convenience choices.

Here’s what a typical day might look like for someone mixing hawker meals, drinks, and the occasional treat — totalling around RM40:

☀️ Breakfast – RM5

Start your day with something simple and satisfying:

• Roti canai & teh tarik from a mamak stall (RM2.50–RM5)
• Or a basic nasi lemak from a roadside vendor
  

✅ Affordable, filling, and easy to find across Malaysia

🍛 Lunch – RM12

Midday meals are often a mix of:

• Economy rice (nasi campur) with 2–3 side dishes
• Or a meal at a kopitiam or food court (e.g., chicken rice, noodles)

🚶‍♂️ Why it adds up: Add a drink or dessert, and even hawker meals can reach RM12+

🍪 Snacks – RM5

Afternoon cravings are common:

• A cup of bubble tea, keropok lekor, or kuih-muih
• Or a quick snack from FamilyMart or 7-Eleven

💡 These small treats may not feel expensive — but daily snacking adds RM150+ a month to your food budget.

🍲 Dinner – RM15

Dinner might be:

• Dining out at a casual restaurant (~RM15–RM20)
• A hearty hawker meal like char kuey teow, nasi goreng, or tom yum soup

😋 Dinner is often a more social or indulgent meal, making it the priciest part of the day.

🥤 Drinks – RM3

Throughout the day, you might grab:

• Bottled water or soft drinks
• A second kopi or milk tea

🧾 These seem minor, but two to three drinks a day can easily hit RM90+ a month.

What Drives Daily Food Spending in Malaysia?

Food is everywhere in Malaysia — from nasi lemak stalls at dawn to 24-hour mamak shops at midnight. But while food is accessible and often affordable, the daily cost of eating can rise quickly depending on habits, lifestyle, and little indulgences.

Let’s explore the biggest drivers behind what makes Malaysians spend more on food than they realize:

⚡ 1. Convenience vs. Cravings

We often eat not because we’re hungry — but because it’s easy or tempting.

• Skipped breakfast? Grab a RM5 roti telur and RM2.50 teh tarik.
• Long afternoon? A RM10 bubble tea suddenly sounds like the perfect treat.
• Too tired to cook after work? Just order GrabFood for RM20+ (plus fees).
  

What starts as harmless spending adds up. These “small but frequent” decisions can quietly push your daily food costs well above RM40.

🍜 2. Dining Out Culture (vs. Home Cooking)

In Malaysia, dining out isn’t just convenient — it’s part of our culture.

• Hawker stalls, kopitiams, and food courts are often cheaper than cooking for one.
• Social life revolves around teh tarik meetups, mamak sessions, or café brunches.
• Plus, home cooking requires time, groceries, and clean-up — not ideal for busy urban lifestyles.

But even affordable options become costly when you eat out every single meal.

📈 3. F&B Inflation

Prices are rising — not just in groceries, but also at restaurants and food courts.

• A nasi lemak that used to cost RM2.50 now goes for RM4.50–RM6, depending on location.
• Raw ingredients like chicken, eggs, and vegetables have all seen price hikes.
• Portion sizes are shrinking, while prices quietly creep up.

F&B inflation affects everyone — whether you cook at home or eat out daily. And it’s one of the biggest reasons your food budget might feel tighter than before.

☕ 4. Premium Coffee, Snacks & Delivery Fees

It’s no longer just about eating — it’s about what, where, and how you eat.

• Cold brews, oat milk lattes, or artisanal pastries at cafés can cost RM12–RM18 per item.
• Bubble tea with toppings? RM15+.
• GrabFood or Foodpanda? Add RM3–RM6 delivery + platform fees.

These “modern food luxuries” are convenient and satisfying — but if you’re indulging regularly, you might be spending RM500–RM800+ a month on food without noticing.

Where Can You Save Without Compromising Joy?

Let’s face it — Malaysians love to eat. And saving money doesn’t mean skipping your favourite roti canai or saying no to café catch-ups. It’s about making smarter choices that still satisfy your cravings and lifestyle.

Here are 3 simple strategies to help you spend less — without sacrificing joy:

🍱 1. Meal Prep 1–2x a Week

You don’t have to become a full-time chef. Just prepping a few meals ahead of time can:

• Save you RM10–RM20/day
• Help you avoid last-minute GrabFood orders
• Reduce food waste and stress during busy weekdays

Cook in batches — rice dishes, fried noodles, pasta, or soups — and store them for quick reheating. Your wallet (and future self) will thank you.

🏪 2. Go Local: Budget-Friendly Cafés & Hawker Spots

Malaysia is packed with great, affordable food if you know where to look:

• Nasi lemak for RM3
• Chicken rice for RM6
• Kopitiam coffee under RM2

Skip the trendy brunch spot and find a hawker gem or quiet kopitiam. You’ll enjoy full meals for half the cost — with zero compromise on flavour.

✨ 3. Eat Smart with Eatigo – Up to 50% Off

With Eatigo, you can still enjoy restaurant dining — but pay up to 50% less.

Book during off-peak times and enjoy your favourite spots without breaking your budget. Whether it’s sushi, dim sum, steamboat, or a fancy café — Eatigo helps you:

• Dine out guilt-free
• Discover new places
• Stretch your food budget further

✅ It’s one of the easiest ways to eat out more often — and spend less.

 A Week with Eatigo: What You Could Save

With Eatigo, you can enjoy your favourite meals at up to 50% off just by dining during off-peak hours. Here’s what one smart (and delicious) week could look like:

Reflect & Book

🤔 How much do you think you spend on food per day?

Be honest — is it RM20? RM40? More?

Small costs like drinks, snacks, and delivery fees can add up fast.
Take a moment to reflect: Are you spending smart — or just spending out of habit?

📊 Track & Plan Your Meals Smarter

✅ Download Your Free Budget Tracker (PDF)
Keep tabs on your daily food spending with a simple, printable sheet.

🍱 Grab the 7-Day Smart Meal Planner
Plan ahead with a mix of home-cooked meals and discounted Eatigo dine-outs.

✅ Final Tip: Eat Smart, Not Less

Don’t give up your favourite cafés, sushi dates, or weekend brunches.
Just time them better — and save more while enjoying every bite.

👉 🍽️ Explore 50% Off Restaurants Now