Cheap cheap cheap - Tommy Wiseau

Fans of fried chicken, make a beeline for this nondescript Segambut stall. Affectionately known to regulars as the 'drug chicken' (it's super addictive!), the Fried Chicken (from RM4.80) here is the stuff made of crunchy batter and moist, tender meat. From the plethora of parts to choose from, go with Burppler Amayzing's usual order of Double Whole Chicken Leg (RM17.60) that's best for value and super yum! Apart from being our favourite part of the chick, the upsized portion also guarantees there is enough chicken to go around for seconds. Don't let the lacklustre looks of plain white rice disappoint you, it packs enjoyment when had with their fiery chilli sauce. It will cost you an additional RM0.50 for extra sauce but trust us — the flavour boost is well worth the dime.
Avg Price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler Amayzing

As is the trend at many places in Sentul, the snaking queues start at this nasi lemak stall at opening hours — a small window for dinner between 6-8pm. Spot Uncle Loo's setup outside an aquarium pet shop, where he dishes out his Chinese-style nasi lemak spread that's to die for. The Nasi Lemak on its own, is an absolute steal at only RM2, so go ahead and splurge on the variety of mouthwatering sides. You must get the stall's claim to fame, Pork Curry (RM2.80), which features fall-off-the-bone ribs slathered in a brightly spicy sauce. The combination always works with a slice of Luncheon Meat (RM1) or two, to soak up all that delicious curry sauce. If you need more options to mix things up — and why not when it's at such pocket-friendly prices — look to the likes of their piquant Sambal Petai (RM1), Stir-Fried Kangkung (RM0.80) and zesty Ayam Rendang (RM2.80).
Avg Price: RM5 per person
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

Hidden along a quiet street off the main road, this conventional-looking coffeeshop surprises with a somewhat novel menu. For lunch, fill your tummy on hearty plates like the Pork Chop Rice (RM7.50). The tender pork chop slices are slicked in a dark, sweet-sticky sauce, which plays nice with white rice for punchy yet balanced flavours. Do like Burppler Muriel A and top up RM1 for the perfectly oozy fried egg! Noodle recommendations run wide here, with the Foo Chow-style Red Wine Chicken Mee Sua (RM7.50) at the top of our list. But it is worth noting that the heartwarming dish sells out early, especially on rainy days. If that's the case, try their interesting take on wok hei-fragrant Fried Chee Cheong Fun (RM6.50) that resembles char kuey teow with chee cheong fun rolls, or join the rest of Chin Heng's customers in ordering the comfort food choice: Chicken Chop (RM9.50).
Avg Price: RM10 per person
Photo by Burppler Muriel A

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

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

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

Tucked away on Jalan Vivekananda, Money's Corner and its select food court fare will come through for a penny-pinching meal. What's more, the location within a parking area means you'll never have to worry about finding a spot. It's essential you try Peter's Pork Noodle at least once, especially if you spot semi-retired proprietor Peter in action. A bowl of his Pork Noodles (RM6.50) features plenty of minced pork, mixed innards and the cloudy, comfort-giving broth that boasts a delicate sweetness. Although the same stall also operates in the nearby Restoran One Sentral, it is this Money's Corner 'original' that holds their claim to fame. For a rice alternative, Tastemaker Brian suggests hitting up Moorthy's Mathai for a handsome Banana Leaf Rice (from RM6.50) spread. The deeply flavoured curries — especially the fish and chicken — have the perfectly runny consistency to ladle over rice. Also consider upping your quota on greens with the Fried Bitter Gourd (from RM2), thinly sliced for an extremely crispy bite.
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler Amayzing

Spacious kopitiam Say Huat is laden with all-day hawker options but if you're a regular or an informed Burppler, the choice is a cinch — head straight for star stall Robert's Char Kuey Teow. Hardy hawker Robert dishes out a delectable rendition of the Penang favourite, and speaks fluent English too (a strong plus for the younger crowd). An order of Char Kuey Teow (RM7) sports plenty of prawns, lap cheong (waxed sausages) and cockles, whipped together with thin flat rice noodles and flavour-packed pork lard. This is also one of the rare stalls that open for long hours( (from 11am - 10pm), so either whizz over on your lunch break or grab a quick dinner here after work. We recommend the latter for a more enjoyable experience, since the chef often has his hands full during the lunch rush.
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler Anna Wong

This cozy little neighbourhood joint serves some killer filter coffee, fantastic sandwiches (we’re told) and a very decent minced pork rice bowl. There’s a beautifully swirled egg on top of the juicy, fatty minced pork, and everything’s seasoned well. It’s a hearty, hefty bowl but the Foodgazer’s distended stomachs are up to the task. We did, however, begin yearning for more contrasting textures and flavours halfway through — perhaps something spicy or citrusy to give the dish that extra lift towards the end. That said, it's still a formidable bowl, and it's hard to nitpick when it costs just RM12!
Avg price per bowl: RM15

If the idea of crispy fried chicken and curry rice makes you squeal in delight, a visit to Lim Fried Chicken is in order! This time-tested name used to operate out of a hawker stall, and has since expanded to over three standalone restaurants. The focus is on its feel-good food, so the space sees a simple and practical setup. Make it your go-to for a no-frills dinner with a friend when you need a sumptuous meal that's also affordable. Order the namesake Lim Fried Chicken Signature Combo (RM9.80), which comes with a whole chicken leg fried to juicy perfection. The rice is doused in their delicious curry gravy, and then topped with a dollop of spicy sambal to boot. For greens, choose between stir-fried cabbage and crunchy long beans with preserved soybeans — we prefer the plain cabbage for the balance it gives the already flavour-packed meal. This combination spells comfort!
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler Edric Lee

On a casual night out with friends, come to Dukes & Duchess for wine, beer and best of all, value-for-money dinner dishes. Get hunger pangs sorted with the Grilled Pork Chop (RM14) served with sweet apple slaw and fries. For those who need their grains for dinner, get the intensely flavoured Wild Boar Curry (RM14) served with either white rice or bread. Then, wind down with a glass of house pour wine (from RM23.90) while sharing a plate of crunchy East Coast Fish Keropok (RM9). Avg Price: RM40