Introduction
For many Malaysians, the daily question isn’t whether to eat out but where to find the best spot that satisfies both your taste buds and your wallet. Food is central to our culture, and hunting down a good meal at a fair price is practically a national pastime.
Mall food typically comes with a premium. Vendors face higher rental costs, and those expenses get passed down to diners. That doesn’t mean you have to overpay for every meal, though. This guide covers the best 10 budget food options near LaLaport and Berjaya Times Square, what counts as budget food in KL malls, and practical tips for finding great eats in any area.
Disclaimer: The food spots listed are based on our perspective, and the order does not indicate any ranking or endorsement. Information is accurate at the time of writing. Prices, menus, and promotions may change, so please check with each establishment directly before visiting. Feel free to reach out to us if you notice any inaccuracies.
Table of Contents |
| Introduction |
| List of Best Budget Food Near LaLaport & Berjaya Times Square |
| 1. Luna Luna |
| 2. Tea Garden |
| 3. Bon’s Yard |
| 4. Ayam Penyet Express |
| 5. Selera Kampung |
| 6. Hock Kee Kopitiam |
| 7. Boat Noodle |
| 8. Tangkak Beef Noodle |
| 9. Sun San Curry |
| 10. Madchilli Pan Mee |
| What Counts as “Budget Food” in KL Malls? |
| Smart Tips to Discover Good Eats Nearby |
| Conclusion |
List of Best Budget Food Near LaLaport & Berjaya Times Square
1. Luna Luna
Location: Berjaya Times Square
Website/Social media: https://lunaluna.com.my/
Popular Dishes: Ayam percik with buttermilk, Salted egg prawn, Tom yum fried rice
Luna Luna is known as a comfort-food spot specialising in Malaysian-style rice dishes at wallet-friendly prices. The dishes are known for being well presented and full of flavour, made with quality ingredients that keep customers coming back. Portions are generous, making it a satisfying option if you want a proper meal rather than just a quick bite.
Customers often highlight the friendly and knowledgeable staff, who are happy to give recommendations from the menu. The restaurant is also known for occasionally offering small complimentary sides and providing unlimited sauce refills. Most mains fall between RM13 and RM20, with drinks typically priced around RM6 to RM12, and lunch value meals starting from RM11.50.
Best Suited For: Chicken lovers looking for a flavour-packed rice meal and generous portions.
2. Tea Garden
Location: Berjaya Times Square
Website/Social media: https://www.teagarden.com.my/
Popular Dishes: Char kuey teow, 3-Layer tea, Hainan milk tea
Tea Garden is a casual dining spot known for its wide selection of Malaysian and kopitiam-style favourites. The menu ranges from char kuey teow and nasi lemak to dim sum, toast sets, and desserts like cendol, making it an easy place to satisfy different cravings in one visit. Customers often mention that the food arrives hot and freshly prepared, with portions that feel just right for a satisfying meal.
Many diners also describe Tea Garden as a comfortable place for relaxed meals and casual conversations with friends or family. Staff are known to offer helpful recommendations when asked, and wait times are generally reasonable. Most mains fall in the RM14 to RM20 range, while drinks typically start from around RM7.
Best Suited For: Casual meetups with various types of kopitiam-style cuisine.
3. Bon’s Yard
Location: Jalan Imbi (4 mins from Berjaya Times Square)
Website/Social media: https://www.instagram.com/bons.yard/
Popular Dishes: Smoked duck carbonara, Hot chocolate, Pastries
Bon’s Yard is a cosy café that many locals consider a hidden gem, just a short walk from Berjaya Times Square. The space has a charming, vintage atmosphere that feels relaxed and welcoming, making it easy to slow down and enjoy a quiet meal. The dishes are known for being flavourful and well-made, with comforting café options like rice bowls, spaghetti, burgers, pastries, and a variety of drinks.
Visitors often praise the warm and attentive owners and staff, who go the extra mile to make guests comfortable, from helping customers take photos to setting up fans during warmer hours. Prices are slightly higher than other options on this list, with many dishes starting around RM17 and drinks typically ranging from RM8 to RM13, though customers mention the price is lower than that of typical cafés.
Best Suited For: Quiet café visits or spending a few hours working in a cosy setting.
4. Ayam Penyet Express
Location: Berjaya Times Square
Website/Social media: https://penyet.express/
Popular Dishes: Ayam penyet paha, Soto ayam, Bakso
Ayam Penyet Express is a long-standing restaurant chain in Malaysia known for serving Indonesian comfort food at affordable prices. The menu centres around classics like ayam penyet served with rice and sambal, along with options such as Soto ayam, Bakso, Fried fish, and Noodle dishes. Diners can also add vegetables or side dishes to round out the meal, along with familiar Malaysian drinks.
A highlight for many customers is the free-flow sambal, which fans say has kept the same flavour over the years. Meals typically start from around RM15, while drinks usually range from about RM4 to RM10.
Best Suited For: Fans of Indonesian flavours and anyone craving a spicy ayam penyet meal with unlimited sambal.
5. Selera Kampung
Location: Berjaya Times Square
Website/Social media: https://www.instagram.com/selerakampung_berjaya/
Popular Dishes: Chicken rice, Korean food, mixed rice
Located within the Taste of Asia Food Court, Selera Kampung offers a wide variety of dishes in one place. The stall serves everything from chicken rice and mixed rice selections to Korean dishes, Western options, and sizzling hot plate meals. Customers often mention that the food tastes similar to home-cooked meals, and the stall also offers a good selection of fresh vegetables and different types of fish.
Portions are generous, making it easy to put together a satisfying meal depending on what you feel like eating. Prices typically range from around RM15 to the low RM20s, depending on the dishes you choose.
Best Suited For: Diners who want a wide variety of food options in one convenient food court stall.
6. Hock Kee Kopitiam
Location: TUAH 1895 (3 mins from LaLaport)
Website/Social media: https://www.hockkeegroup.com/
Popular Dishes: Egg tarts, Nasi Lemak Banjir, Hock Kee Signature Laksa, Classic Kopitiam Beverages
Hock Kee Kopitiam serves a wide range of local Malaysian favourites in a classic kopitiam-style setting. The menu includes everything from toast, egg tarts, and polo buns to heartier options like chicken rice, noodle soups, and nasi lemak. There are also desserts and a few vegetarian-friendly options, mostly rice-based dishes, making it easy for groups with different preferences to find something they like.
Many customers highlight the egg tarts in particular, noting their crispy crust and soft filling. The meats in dishes like chicken rice are also often praised for being fresh and tender. Prices remain fairly accessible, with lighter bites such as toast and egg tarts around RM5 to RM8, main dishes usually ranging from RM16 to the mid-RM20s, and classic kopitiam drinks typically under RM8.
Best Suited For: Malaysians looking for affordable local eats in the city, especially fans of classic kopitiam pastries and a wide variety of familiar dishes.
7. Boat Noodle
Location: Berjaya Times Square
Website/Social media: https://boatnoodle.com.my/
Popular Dishes: Boat noodles, Khao Soi Chicken, Tom yum, Sticky mango rice
Boat Noodle specialises in Thai street-style food, with its signature bite-sized bowls of boat noodles being the main highlight. Customers often praise the rich, flavourful broth and the good texture of the noodles, which make the small portions surprisingly satisfying. Aside from the noodles, the menu also includes dishes like Khao Soi chicken, Tom yum soup, grilled meats, and bite-sized sides such as spring rolls and wontons.
The restaurant also serves familiar Thai drinks like Thai milk tea, and many diners mention that the staff are friendly and welcoming. The tom yum is known for being quite spicy, making it a good option for those who enjoy stronger flavours. Boat noodles are about RM3 per bowl, and while they are small, many customers typically order around four bowls for a filling meal. Other mains are usually around RM19, while drinks range from RM6 to RM10.
Best Suited For: Spice-seeking foodies or noodle lovers who enjoy sampling different flavours in small portions.
8. Tangkak Beef Noodle
Location: Berjaya Times Square
Website/Social media: https://www.facebook.com/tangkakbeefnoodle/
Popular Dishes: Beef noodle soup, Angus beef don, Money belly tendon beef noodles
Tangkak Beef Noodle focuses on hearty beef-based dishes, with its signature beef noodles being the main highlight. Diners can customise their bowl by choosing different cuts and parts of beef, such as sliced meat, stomach, belly, tenderloin, or meatballs. The menu also includes both dry and soup versions of beef noodles, along with options like fish noodle soup, rice dishes, hotpot selections, and sides such as steamed mushrooms.
Customers often mention the satisfying texture of the noodles and the rich beef flavours in the broth. While portions may look slightly smaller than expected at first, many say the meal ends up being quite filling. Prices for most mains range from around RM17 to the higher RM20s, with drinks typically around RM5, making it slightly pricier than some other options on this list.
Best Suited For: Meat lovers and noodle enthusiasts who enjoy customising their beef noodle bowls.
9. Sun San Curry
Location: LaLaport
Website/Social media: https://sunsancurry33.com.my/
Popular Dishes: Omurice, Bento chicken teriyaki
Sun San Curry serves a variety of Japanese comfort dishes in a casual dining setting. The menu includes favourites such as omurice, rice bowls, bento sets, ramen, and udon, making it easy to find something whether you are in the mood for noodles or rice. They also offer lunch sets that provide a convenient and filling option during midday meals.
Most dishes are priced around RM16 to the mid or higher RM20s, keeping them relatively accessible for mall dining. With its broad selection of Japanese-style meals, the restaurant works well for groups where everyone may want something slightly different.
Best Suited For: Diners with different preferences who want a wide selection of Japanese-style dishes in one place.
10. Madchilli Pan Mee
Location: Berjaya Times Square
Website/Social media: https://www.facebook.com/madchillipanmee/
Popular Dishes: Dry chilli pan mee, curry laksa mee
Madchilli Pan Mee focuses on comforting noodle dishes, with its signature dry chilli pan mee being a standout favourite. Each bowl is served with the restaurant’s signature chilli paste on the side, allowing customers to adjust the spice level to their preference. Portions are satisfying, and diners often highlight the slightly bouncy, chewy texture of the noodles, whether you order them dry or in soup.
Some menu items also come with free noodle refills, adding extra value for those with a bigger appetite. Because the stall is popular, customers often mention that wait times can be longer during peak hours, so visiting during quieter times may be more convenient.
Best Suited For: Noodle lovers who enjoy bold flavours and customisable levels of spice.
What Counts as “Budget Food” in KL Malls?
Budget food in and around KL malls looks a little different from what you would pay at a roadside stall or kopitiam. Context matters here. A nasi lemak that costs RM8 at a hawker centre might easily be RM12 or more inside a mall because of higher rent, utilities, and operating costs. Even places located just outside tend to follow similar pricing due to the area.
For this guide, budget means meals that are around RM20 or under. At that price point, you can usually get a full meal from food court stalls, quick-service counters, or nearby casual eateries. The goal is simple: decent quality, reasonable portions, and food that doesn’t burden your wallet.
Smart Tips to Discover Good Eats Nearby
1. Social Media is Your Best Friend
Food review accounts are everywhere, but the hidden gems often come from smaller creators. Their recommendations tend to feel more personal and offer genuine insights into their dining experiences.
That said, taste remains subjective. What works for someone else’s palate might not work for yours, so use these accounts as a starting point rather than gospel.
2. Sometimes Ratings Don’t Tell the Entire Story
A solid 4-star rating is a good starting point for your search. Chasing near-perfect 5s can mean missing out on great food from places that simply had an off day or two.
Remember that reviews often factor in environment, service, wait times, and price. What someone else considers a dealbreaker might not matter to you at all.
3. Check What Regular Customers Are Ordering
Scan the tables before you order. If everyone’s eating the same two or three dishes, that’s your shortlist of the best food an eatery has to offer.
Popular items at a stall usually got that way for good reason, and you’ll avoid the menu fillers that kitchens only make just because they have to offer variety.
4. Don’t Underestimate the Humble-Looking Stalls
Flashy signage and Instagram-worthy interiors don’t guarantee good food. Sometimes the best meals come from vendors who’ve invested in their recipes rather than their renovations. Judge by the food itself, not the facade.
5. Look for Consistent Crowds During Peak Hours
A stall with a steady stream of customers during lunch or dinner rush isn’t just popular by chance. Regulars keep coming back because the food delivers, and that’s a stronger signal than any online review.
Conclusion
Budget eats do not have to be disappointing. Sometimes it just takes a bit of effort to find the right spot that offers good flavour, satisfying portions, and prices that still feel reasonable for a mall setting.
Hopefully, this guide has given you a few ideas on where to grab your next meal when you are around LaLaport or Berjaya Times Square. It might even encourage you to look at mall dining from a new perspective and realise that with a little exploration, there are more worthwhile options than you might expect.
