Relatively new in the neighbourhood, Boran's second outlet quickly caught up to speed with its Subang Jaya customers. The shop is consistently busy at meal hours, no doubt doling out consecutive orders of their Grilled Pork Neck With Rice (RM10.90). While the pork neck used to only grace the snacks menu, its popularity earned it a spot with the big boys. This A-list meal comes with a sizeable portion of sliced neck, fried egg (with a perfectly runny yolk), rice and the flavour bomb basil chilli sauce. Also good is the Classic Pork Noodles (RM5.20), a succinct bowl of clear soup comfort, as well as the quintessentially Thai Basil Minced Pork On Rice (RM8.30). Even with the most expensive meal in the menu, there is budget to spend on drinks — go for the Thai Milk Tea (RM5.30) in a 250ml takeaway canister that will last you long past lunch.
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler chingwens a
If dry noodle dishes like kolo mee and wanton noodles excite your taste buds, give the lesser known Kampua noodles a chance at this cosy joint in Aman Suria! The dish is done two ways at Mian, one of which is the owner's hometown-inspired Black that features the wavy, Foo Chow-style noodles doused in a dark sauce. For Kampua noodle purists, there is the White that offers a lighter, nuttier profile that pays homage to the Fujian recipe. We especially like the texture of their noodles sourced fresh from Sitiawan, slightly thick and pleasantly sticky with flavour. Tastemaker Kaelyn Pu also advocates for their fascinating pickled garlic condiment, which really helps to augment flavours! From RM7.90 a portion, plus the no-brainer option to add their caramelised, oven-baked Char Siew from RM1, this easily clocks your meal in under RM10.
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Kaelyn Pu
Nestled in the reserved SS17 neighbourhood, this cafe with maximum chill vibes — wooden everything and upside down plants! — rises above with a menu of feel-good food that hits the spot for all ages. It's never easy passing up on their Cheese Sandwich (RM10) that packs hot, oozy cheese between house-baked sourdough, so do it only to try the classic OG Waffle (RM8), a delightfully dense sourdough waffle served with butter and maple syrup. When here for dinner, try their Lucy Juicy (RM15) a double-beef patty brioche bun burger that hits the spot. A good number of items are shy of the RM15 mark, promising great value in their generous portions. If you can set aside a separate budget for good joe, spend it on Analog's killer Filter Coffee (from RM14), spanning selections from all over the world. Here's another piece of good news for you: parking in this residential area is easy and better still, free.
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler Rueann Dass
Set along Jalan Bangsar, the rustic Makanhouse is backed with local lunch options and not just any, but the heritage-nuanced Melaka Portuguese and Kelantanese food. Run by an amicable family celebrating time-honoured recipes, the small eatery dishes out their best deals at breakfast. Look out for the brown rice paper-wrapped goods, such as the Nasi Lemak (RM5), Nasi Dagang Ikan Gulai (RM12) and the blue-tinged Nasi Kerabu with Spice-Fried Chicken (RM15). Since the shop only opens at 10am, we recommend coming in for first dibs at these ready-to-eat meals, which are all wholesome enough to pass off as lunch! On the pricier side, they also lay out a bountiful buffet-style lineup for lunch every afternoon. Featured in here is a dish that might be worth breaking the bank for: the Salted Fish Ambilla Curry (price varies).
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Tiffany Ng
If it's the high prices attached to healthy eating that keeps you at bay, shimmy on over to Chimichurri. This do-it-yourself salad bar in Jaya One sees an emphasis on using fresh, non-processed ingredients, and the bargain it drives at RM9.90 a bowl is just the icing on the cake. There are over six proteins to choose from, though we urge you keep your choice (and your budget) to the Chicken (RM9.90), Dory Fish (RM11.90) or Beef Brisket (RM14.90). From there, decide on your greens and then, a tummy-filling base of either couscous, quinoa, cauliflower rice or brown rice. Apart from its affordable price point, there is also much to love about their sauces, which is really where their flair is found — think delicious stuff like rendang, chimichurri, creamy butter and even spicy sambal!
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler Shin D
The formerly Bangsar-famous Aunty Christina has upgraded to her own flagship this year, now selling her sublime Sarawak Laksa in Seapark. Despite the move, crowds have not diminished but take heart that the standalone joint is better equipped to serve many more laksa lovers. At RM9 a bowl, we won't count this as cheap hawker fare. It is rather, an expertly executed Sarawakian delicacy, plated with quality ingredients and sheer finesse. Every bowl comes out of the kitchen looking identical, beautifully topped with deshelled prawns, sliced chicken, omelette and coriander garnish. Because the focus of the dish is in its strong, spice-laced broth, the portion of bee hoon is kept modest so as to prevent it from soaking up all that soupy goodness. If more is better in your books, upsize your bowl for an additional RM1.
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Nicholas Ng
Located along Old Klang Road, this cafe is fast becoming the Burpple community's go-to for affordable rice bowls. While their forte is in freshly made pastas and award-winning coffee, it doesn't stop Littlepeople from dishing out a stellar Ducky Rice Bowl (RM12). The bowl straddles skillfully cooked smoked duck slices and wobbly soft boiled egg atop a fragrant bed of rice drizzled with sesame oil. In case duck doesn't agree with you, try the chicken instead. Their Pollo Rice Bowl (RM12) resembles the Japanese oyako don, which sees chicken and egg, cooked together into a moist, chunky omelette over rice. Pro tip: Valet service is free as long as you get your parking ticket validated at the cafe — parking, however, is still chargeable.
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler Jeff Lim
Here's a formidable ramen joint, run by true blue Japanese bossman who also runs Sanuki down the road. The outdoorsy setup sporting bench tables and chairs makes it prime for casual dinner and drinks with a friend or two, and for cheap! Try the Tonkotsu Ramen (RM9), as recommended by Tastemaker Nicholas Ng, for the umami chashu and rich, flavourful broth that steers clear of excessive oil. It's also what we believe to be the cheapest pork bone-based ramens in town. Coming in at a close second is the Miso Butter Ramen (RM10.50), miso-fragrant and equally creamy despite the lack of meat in its base. Most of the ramen dishes come with a halved marinated soft boiled egg, chashu and a flurry of crunchy beansprouts — but to avoid disappointment, make sure to skim over the description for specifics!
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler Jocelyn Ting
This Cheras stalwart exudes the vibes of a bustling cha chan teng, except it sees a menu of local Chinese rice plates that are halal-friendly. Quan's daily sets are what to come for, with prices starting from RM13.50 for a meal that includes a soup of the day, main, drink and ice cream for dessert. There's a special place in our hearts for their Butter Fish Rice, a highly underrated rendition of the local favourite. The batter-fried dory fish remains crisp while slicked in buttery sauce — the latter is excellent ladled over the fried egg-topped rice it comes with. The Mongolian-style dishes also fare well, provided you stay away from the often-too-tough fried chicken version. If you're a fan of salted egg yolk, the Salted Egg Yolk Fried Rice successfully incorporates the ingredient for subtle yet punchy flavours. Ice cream wise, get the Mango for something super refreshing and chock-full of mango bits!
Avg price per person: RM15
Housed in a spacious car workshop, this humble all-day restaurant nails a mix of mamak Malay and modern Western eats, in addition to their car expertise. While seating wise it's perfect for big groups, take note that service can be slow when crowds pick up. The Malay owner-operators are to thank for their local authenticity, especially in the flavour-packed Nasi Goreng Ayam Kunyit (turmeric chicken fried rice, RM6.50) and the comforting Sup Ekor (oxtail's soup, RM8). If you're craving Western, go for their affordable pastas, which don't skimp on size or flavour. The Carbonara (RM12.90) is a fan favourite, melding beef bacon with mushrooms and chopped onions, while the Currynara (RM11.90) is a spiced play on the former featuring curry leaves and chicken chunks. Other than menu offerings, there are also hawkers stationed outdoors selling Satay (from RM1) and Otak-Otak (from RM1), among other small bites.
Avg price per person: RM15
Now up to their third location, Uncle Don's entices with their 'Dine Like A Don' tagline and sure enough, it ticks all the right boxes for a cheap and good meal with beer to boot. That said, not all dishes here meets the mark so we're here to help you order only the hits. To go with their Xtra Cold Carlsberg (from RM9.95 a mug), the Spicy Bacon Pizza (RM14.80) is not only delicious, but good to share between (at least) two. The pocket-friendly pie will help cut down on your spending on food, perhaps to funnel it into more drinks instead. But if you're more of a must-have-rice-for-dinner kind, the menu has something fantastic for you. The Filipino recipe for Sizzling Sisig (RM12.80) is a flavoursome delicacy made from parts of a pig's head and liver and before you cop out of this exotic dish, know that it tastes and looks much better than it sounds. It's also served with rice and keropok on the side.
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler Foodie Moo
For just RM6, you can get a very decent meal at this steamed rice specialist. Nasi Kukus is a Kelantanese favourite and it's done to near-perfection at Ilham. Doused in a delicious three-blend gravy, the rice emerges incredibly warm and dense — almost mimicking the texture of glutinous rice without being an overtly heavy dish. It also comes with a large piece of ayam berempah that leaves little to be desired. The hustle and bustle at the shop can be quite unnerving so if it's your first time here, simply stand in line for your turn at a brown paper packet of nasi kukus. Don't forget to also snag a bag of Keropok (fish crackers, RM3) and crush a handful of it over your rice for an extra crunchy, extra yummy effect.
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh
With set meals clocking in at under RM10, it's a wonder Sri Petaling's Cafe Korea is not more known to the masses. The casual Korean eatery is marked by its wardrobe feature of traditional-meets-trendy costumes, which customers can throw on for a more authentic dining experience. Try the tasty Kimchi Chicken Noodle Set (RM9). It comes in a hearty, hefty portion, next to a side of kimchi and Korean green tea — perfect for a solo, self-sustained lunch. Come nightfall, the place fits the bill for dinner and drinks wtih the group — after all, it's got the fun factor. Make sure you look to the beer promos on offer. It varies from a three Hite cans for RM10 deal to the 'Chimaek' (chicken and beer) Combo, which yields a can of beer and a basket of fried chicken.
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler Jovern Oh
Set in an old Cheras apartment, this unassuming cafe is a great spot to hole up at for a quiet afternoon with budget-friendly eats. There is a sense of serenity in being here, surrounded by friendly staff and nice neighbours from nearby residences. Feel right at home with an order of their top dish, the Minced Pork Scrambled Egg Rice Bowl (RM12), finished with a smattering of bonito flakes. Steeped in Japanese dashi stock to cook, the scrambled egg has an especially pronounced umami flavour. While not a spectacular dish, its simplicity accounts for spot-on flavours and warm comfort. The hearty portion also makes it a penny-smart choice to fill up on. If not, the cafe also stocks Tommy Le Baker's famously yummy Ribeye Steak Baguette (RM12) that should do the trick for a light lunch.
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler Foodgazer
Kesom's capability to whip up a good Nasi Kerabu (RM8) is a well-known, but it rarely comes to mind because of its offbeat location. Mark this down for the next time your wallet starts to thin! Come in small groups only, as the humble hole-in-the-wall fills up fast and sells out faster. The nasi kerabu here is a hefty blue beauty, sporting a plentiful supply of chopped ulam (greens), serunding (meat floss), pickled vegetables and salted egg. Even cheaper is the Nasi Kukus (RM5), the plainer counterpart that relies on curry gravy ladled over warm, moist white rice to satisfy. Kesom also has its run of terrific sides, whether it's the Ayam Goreng Berempah (RM6), the Ikan Goreng (RM8) or the Tenggiri Fish Curry (RM8) you feel like having.
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler Shirley Lai