Craving authentic Malaysian food without burning a hole in your wallet? Whether you’re a student, traveler, or simply a local foodie, Malaysia’s street food scene is full of mouthwatering meals under RM10! From breakfast to dinner, these budget-friendly dishes offer maximum flavor at minimal cost.
Read on to discover the best cheap eats in Malaysia under RM10 that prove you don’t need to spend big to eat well.
1. Nasi Lemak – The Ultimate Malaysian Breakfast
Price: RM2.50 – RM5
This national favorite is a complete meal with coconut milk-infused rice, spicy sambal, crispy anchovies, roasted peanuts, cucumber, and a boiled or fried egg. Often sold in banana leaf packets at roadside stalls, nasi lemak is Malaysia’s best cheap food to kickstart your day.
2. Roti Canai – Crispy, Flaky & Comforting
Price: RM1.50 – RM3 per piece
Available at nearly every mamak stall in the country, roti canai is a fluffy flatbread served with dhal or curry. Add a cup of teh tarik for an unbeatable combo meal under RM5.
3. Char Kway Teow – Wok-Fried Noodle Perfection
Price: RM6 – RM10
Penang’s most iconic dish, char kway teow is stir-fried over intense heat with prawns, egg, bean sprouts, Chinese sausage, and chives. You can still find small plates at hawker stalls for under RM10.
4. Mee Goreng Mamak – Spicy, Sweet & Savory
Price: RM5 – RM8
These yellow noodles are fried with tofu, potato chunks, veggies, sambal, and egg. Hearty and satisfying, mee goreng mamak is a top budget-friendly dinner in Malaysia.
5. Chee Cheong Fun – Soft Rice Rolls with Sauce
Price: RM3 – RM6
Popular in Chinese eateries, chee cheong fun is made of silky rice noodle rolls topped with sweet sauce, soy sauce, curry, or chili oil. A great option for light lunch or snacks.
6. Lontong – A Johor Breakfast Classic
Price: RM6 – RM9
Lontong features compressed rice cubes in a fragrant coconut vegetable stew (sayur lodeh), topped with sambal, tempeh, and sometimes a boiled egg or serunding. Comforting and full of flavor.
7. Curry Puff – The Perfect On-the-Go Snack
Price: RM1 – RM2 per piece
Deep-fried and stuffed with spicy potato, sardine, or chicken curry, these handheld pastries are a staple snack found at food trucks, pasar malam, and kopitiams.
8. Nasi Kerabu – Herbal Blue Rice from Kelantan
Price: RM6 – RM10
Known for its striking blue rice and fresh herbs, this dish often includes salted egg, fried fish, coconut sambal, and keropok. It’s not only beautiful but also one of Malaysia’s healthiest cheap eats.
9. Tau Fu Fa – Light & Silky Dessert
Price: RM1.50 – RM4
This soy-based dessert is served warm or cold with syrup. Whether flavored with ginger, gula melaka, or white sugar, it’s a sweet way to end your meal on a budget.
10. Apam Balik – Crispy Peanut Pancake
Price: RM1.50 – RM3 per piece
A crowd-favorite found at night markets, apam balik is a folded pancake filled with crushed peanuts, sugar, and sweetcorn. Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside – it’s a nostalgic treat that costs almost nothing.
Quick Tips to Enjoy Cheap Eats in Malaysia:
- Look for gerai makan, pasar malam, and mamak stalls for the best deals.
- Visit during peak hours for the freshest food.
- Ask locals or use Google Maps reviews to find hidden gems.
- Bring small change – many stalls only accept cash.
Final Thoughts: Eat Well Without Spending Big
Malaysia’s food scene is proof that amazing flavor doesn’t require a luxury budget. With RM10 or less, you can dive into rich culinary traditions, vibrant street food culture, and regional specialties from every corner of the country.
So grab your wallet, head to your nearest stall, and taste the best cheap food Malaysia has to offer!
