15 Best Affordable Student Meals in KL & Selangor (Under RM20)

Let’s be real — food prices in Malaysia aren’t what they used to be.  If you’re a student figuring out where to makan without burning through your budget, every ringgit counts. 

With the rising cost of living in Malaysia for international students, finding affordable meals is a must and luckily, KL and Selangor are full of budget-friendly options.

If you’ve ever typed “student meals under RM20 KL” or “cheap eats Selangor under RM20” into Google, you know the struggle is real. Cafés are getting pricier, fast food isn’t always enough, and hawker stalls can be hit-or-miss. 

That’s why we’ve put together this list, 15 solid places that students actually eat at, covering everything from hawker favourites and mamak staples to affordable cafés and fast-food deals.

So if you’re tired of instant noodles, keep reading. This guide will point you straight to where your RM20 (or less) can get you the most satisfying student meals around KL and Selangor.

Best Meals Under RM20 in KL & Selangor

Here’s a handy list of 15 places where you can eat well without spending more than RM20. Whether you love hawker staples, fast-food deals, or café lunches, this list has you covered.

Why students love these picks ❤️

Cheap but filling – most meals fall between RM8–15, so you can grab a drink and still stay under RM20. Perfect for tight student budgets.

Mix of local + international – from nasi lemak stalls in Kelana Jaya and Central Market KL to Thai sets in Bangsar South or fast-food chains across the Klang Valley, there’s always variety.

Easy access to student hubs – many of these spots are near Subang Jaya, Kota Damansara, Bangsar, and KLCC, making them convenient for students living around universities.

Student-friendly vibes – food courts in UM, PJ, and Subang are always buzzing with students, proving these places are go-to cheap eats in KL and Selangor.

If you’re exploring SS15, Bangi, or Kota Damansara for cheap eats, you’ll notice these are also some of the best student areas in Kuala Lumpur to live and study.

Budget Cafés & Healthier Plates That Still Stay Under RM20

If you’re watching your diet but don’t want to blow your wallet, good news, some cafés around KL offer lighter meals like salad bowls, soups, and rice sets that hover around RM15–20. Perfect for students who want something wholesome without paying café-luxury prices.

1. Agrain (Bangsar South & The Gardens Mall)

Build-your-own bowls with bases like brown rice, quinoa, or salad, plus protein and veggies. Their Mini Bowl starts around RM14.90–RM18.90, making it one of the most affordable healthy chains in KL.

2. La Juiceria Superfoods (Mid Valley & Mont Kiara)

Known for their nutritious bowls and wraps. While some mains go beyond RM20, you can still find Super Bowls like the Teriyaki Chicken or Nasi Lemak with a healthy twist from RM18.90–RM19.90.

3. Salad Atelier (KLCC & Subang)

Another student favorite for custom salads and light rice sets. Their Petite Salad and some wrap options start around RM16–RM19, which fits right into the budget.

Tips to Keep Your Meal Cost Under RM20

Studying (and eating) in Kuala Lumpur doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little planning, you can easily keep your meals student-budget friendly while still enjoying good food. Here are some tried-and-tested hacks:

1. Look out for set lunch specials 

Many cafés, kopitiams, and even Japanese or Korean restaurants offer lunch sets between RM12–RM18. These usually include rice/noodles, a side, and a drink — cheaper than ordering à la carte. Perfect for weekdays when you’re near campus or in malls like Mid Valley or Sunway Pyramid.

2. Share portions (especially at mamak stalls) 

Mamak meals are often huge, one nasi goreng pattaya or murtabak can easily fill two people. Splitting meals is a smart way to stretch your budget while still trying different dishes.

3. Use student promos, delivery vouchers & cashback deals 

Apps like GrabFood, Foodpanda, and ShopeeFood often give out vouchers, especially for first-timers or lunch-hour deals. Combine these with student discounts (some chains like McDonald’s or Tealive run them) and you can shave off RM3–RM5 per meal.

4. Avoid premium & tourist-heavy zones 

Eating inside KLCC, Bukit Bintang, or Pavilion almost always means higher prices. Walk a few minutes away; for example, Jalan Imbi or Kampung Baru and you’ll find nasi lemak or chicken rice for RM8–RM10 instead of RM18.

👉 Besides eating smart, you can explore more ways on how to save money as a student in Malaysia to stretch your budget further.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where can students find cheap food in KL under RM20?

Students can enjoy plenty of cheap food in KL for under RM20, especially at hawker stalls, mamak restaurants, and university-area food courts. Popular picks include nasi lemak, roti canai, and fried rice, often priced between RM6–RM12. Budget-friendly cafés also offer lunch sets around RM15–RM18, perfect for students.

2. What are the best affordable food spots in Selangor for students?

In Selangor, student hotspots like Subang Jaya, Kota Damansara, and Bangi are packed with affordable food options under RM20. From chicken rice and banana leaf meals to Thai and Korean student sets, meals usually range from RM10–RM18. Local kopitiams and night markets are also great for cheap eats in Selangor.

3. Are there student-friendly restaurants near universities in KL?

Yes! Areas around UM, Sunway University, and Taylor’s University are filled with student-friendly restaurants in KL. You’ll find mamak stalls, budget cafés, and affordable chain restaurants offering meals from RM8–RM15. These spots are popular among students for both low prices and convenient locations.

4. What are the best affordable cafés in KL for students on a budget?

Several affordable cafés in KL serve sandwiches, pasta, and salad bowls under RM20. Places in Bangsar South, Subang Jaya, and Sri Hartamas often have student lunch promos for RM12–RM18. They’re ideal for those who want healthier meals without overspending.

5. Can I get a full meal under RM15 in KL?

Yes, many local stalls and mamaks offer meals under RM15 in KL, including nasi lemak, mixed rice, and noodles. Drinks like teh tarik or kopi usually add RM2–RM4, keeping your total cost within budget. These are among the best cheap eats in KL for everyday student dining.

6. Where are the best budget restaurants near KLCC and Subang Jaya for students?

Near KLCC, cheaper food can be found at Kampung Baru or Jalan Imbi, where meals start from RM8. In Subang Jaya, SS15 is a student haven with budget-friendly restaurants and cafés under RM20. These areas are well-known for their mix of local hawker stalls and trendy but affordable dining spots.

Bottom Line

Finding student meals under RM20 in KL and Selangor isn’t as hard as it seems. From nasi lemak at your neighbourhood mamak to value lunch sets at cafés, there are plenty of filling, delicious options that won’t blow your budget. In fact, some meals can still be found for under RM10, while most sit comfortably around RM15–RM18, perfect for students who need to stretch their allowance.

Exploring these cheap eats not only saves money, but also lets you discover the rich variety of Malaysian food culture. Whether you’re studying in Malaysia long-term or just here for a semester, supporting local hawkers and food courts is a great way to eat well, live affordably, and feel at home.

It’s no surprise that KL is considered the best city to study in Malaysia, with cheap food, student-friendly areas, and endless choices for budget meals.