Almost everything has increased in prices since the GST has been implemented by the government in April. Some people start to shun away from eating outside at restaurants and choose to cook at home to reduce unnecessary expenses. To help our users survive the impact of GST, we have done some research and narrow down some popular restaurants in KL and PJ that still offer delicacies at affordable prices in the post-GST era. All dishes recommended here are below RM10. Let’s take a look! (The restaurants are listed in no particular order. Some of the establishments below are not halal.)

1. Coca’s Giant Laksa (RM8 for giant size)

The Giant Laksa offered by this humble stall located at Coca Sea Food Restaurant at Selayang has become one of the most talked about hawker foods on social media lately. The Curry Laksa here is indeed gigantic with curry noodles that are topped with more than 10 different ingredients, including char siew, roasted pork, curry chicken, blood cockle, pork ball, fish ball, fried bean curd, long bean, bean sprout, fried pork lard and so on. What’s more, this gigantic laksa only costs RM8 with extra ingredients! To try this famous laksa, you need to wait for at least an hour, and the laksa is often sold out by 10am or earlier.

2. Sing Kee’s Mini Buddha Jumps Over the Wall (RM6.50)

This hawker stall nestled in Sing Kee Kopitiam opposite Pearl International Hotel at Old Klang Road has become a hit on social media recently, as they offer "Mini Buddha Jumps Over the Wall" at only RM6.50 each, what a steal! The dish is prepared using lots of premium ingredients, including 2 pieces of chicken drumsticks, dry scallop, fish maw, abalone slices, mushroom and red wolf berry. The soup is only limited to around 20 bowls per day. Visit this stall in KL early to avoid disappointment.

3. Peter’s Pork Noodles (RM6)

Peter’s Pork Noodles is no stranger to lovers of pork noodles, as this stall is famed in KL for offering one of the best pork noodles in town. There is a slight increase of 50 sen from the previous price. Now a bowl of small Pork Noodles with Egg is RM6, and a big one is RM7, still considered affordable, given its consistency in taste and quality. Adding a soft-boiled egg is a must, as the running egg yolk matches perfectly with the flavorful pork soup!

4. Ah Weng Koh Hainan Tea (RM6.20 for breakfast set)

Located at the wet market of Imbi, Ah Weng Koh Hainan Tea needs no introduction, because it is well-known to be one of the best places in KL for authentic Hainan Tea. Most patrons come here for their classic breakfast set that comes with 2 half-boiled eggs, 2 pieces of toasts with kaya and butter, and a cup of Hainan Tea, which combines tea and coffee with saturated milk. The price of Hainan Tea has slightly increased, but RM6.20 for a set of 3 items is still considered value for money.

5. Oasis Portuguese Grill Fish (RM8.35)

Oasis Food Court is located on the 2nd floor of Mid Valley. It houses more than 10 stalls offering different types of cuisine, and one of the most popular stall here is definitely the Portuguese Grill Fish stall. Customers can choose from 6 different types of fish, including ikan kembong, ikan pari, ikan bawal, ikan tenggiri, ikan cencaru, and ikan dory. The fish can also be mixed and matched with other seafood, such as clam, squid, prawn or cockle. They charge GST (which tells us how good their business is) and a plate of grilled stingray is priced at RM8.35 after GST is added.

6. Super Kitchen Chilli Pan Mee (RM7)

Surprisingly, the price of Super Kitchen’s Chilli Pan Mee remains the same after GST is implemented. They have probably chosen to absorb the additional costs. Their signature Chilli Pan Mee is served with a soft-boiled egg with runny egg yolk, fried ikan bilis, and minced meat. Add as much chilli flakes as you like to add a spicy kick to the taste. Now, rice dishes are also offered here to suit different needs.

7. Village Park Nasi Lemak (RM9.50)

Village Park is so famous in PJ that it has become synonymous with Nasi Lemak. Although they charge GST, there isn’t any sign of business slowing down. You still need to queue up when you visit the restaurant on weekends. Their best-selling Nasi Lemak with fried chicken is a must-try. The nasi lemak is served with a whole chicken drumstick with crispy skin and succulent meat. It is priced at RM9.50 after the GST is added.

8. Maluri ABC (RM3)

You probably wouldn’t notice this ABC stall when passing by the street, as it’s hidden in a small shack covered by canvas. Patrons like to visit this place in the afternoon (when the sun is at its strongest) to cool down with their delicious and refreshing ABC. The stall’s owner has creatively combined Gula Melaka with maltose to make the Gula Melaka stickier. Their signature ABC is served with a mountain of shaved ice drizzled with Gula Melaka and topped with roasted peanuts and nata de coco. Dig deeper and you’ll see some red beans and grass jelly hidden underneath too.

9. Nana’s Green Tea Tatedora (RM4.80 w/o topping, RM6 with topping)

Do you believe that you can buy a dessert below RM5 at Mid Valley? Head to Nana’s Green Tea's new kiosk on 3 Floor Mezzanine at Mid Valley to try their brand new product called Tatedora, which is a modern version of Dorayaki. The bean paste (i.e. red bean, black sesame, chocolate and lemon) is folded by a piece of freshly made pancake. By adding an extra RM1.20, you get to choose a topping (i.e. strawberry, salted butter, and gyuhi) to make your Tatedora even more delicious.

10. Michael's Western Food (RM9)

Michael's Western Food at Kuan Yew Coffee Shop is well-known in PJ area for their affordable steaks. Although the price has increased recently, the price is still justifiable, because their signature chicken chop is served in big portion with fries and coleslaw. Pay RM1 more for the equally popular Chicken Chop with Mexican sauce. Fish ‘N’ Chips is priced at RM9, while the more premium Sirloin Steak is priced at RM18. Definitely a budget-friendly place to visit if you are craving for some Western steaks. Satisfy your palate with these amazing cheap eats! Click here for the Chinese version of this article.