A Budget Lunch at the Etiqa Building Food Court in Bangsar

Intro

Kuala Lumpur is often described as an affordable city, but daily expenses—especially lunch around office districts—don’t always feel cheap anymore.

That doesn’t mean budget-friendly meals are gone. If you know where locals actually eat, it’s still possible to get a proper lunch in Bangsar for under RM15. One of the most reliable places is inside office buildings, and the Etiqa Building food court is a good example.

Etiqa Building exterior signage in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur — The Etiqa Building, located next to Bangsar LRT Station.

Why Office Building Food Courts Are a Hidden Hack

Office building food courts are designed for employees, not tourists. That usually means:

Reasonable prices
Fast service
Actual meals, not “Instagram food”

Many of them are open to the public, and Etiqa Building is one of the best examples.

Seating area inside Etiqa Building food court in Bangsar — Spacious seating at the Etiqa Building food court after lunchtime (2~3pm).

Etiqa Building Food Court (Bangsar)

Location: Next to Bangsar LRT Station
Building: Etiqa (Maybank Group)
Food Court Floor: Level 11
Public Access: Yes

Etiqa office tower in Bangsar viewed from street level — The Etiqa office tower in Bangsar, where the food court is located on the upper floors.

This food court is popular with nearby office workers, which keeps prices competitive and quality consistent. The Etiqa Building food court isn’t limited to one type of cuisine. Alongside Malay staples like nasi campur, there are also Thai dishes, kebabs, fried snacks, and a variety of small local stalls.

Menus are displayed clearly at the entrance, making it easy to scan your options before deciding. If you’re not in the mood for spicy food, there are plenty of alternatives beyond sambal-heavy dishes.

Food stall signage at Etiqa Building food court showing multiple cuisine options — A variety of food stalls at the Etiqa Building food court, offering more than just nasi-based meals.

What I Ordered: Nasi Kak Wok

Price: RM14.90
Includes: Rice + main dish + drink.
Spice Level: Extremely spicy

The set includes rice, a main dish, and a drink. My main dish was fried dory fish served with curry, which made the meal more filling than it looks at first glance.

For the drink, you can choose between a syrup-based beverage or coffee. I went with the coffee—not an Americano, but a lightly sweetened black coffee. The syrup option is a bright red drink that’s commonly served at local food courts, though I didn’t try it this time.

I ordered from Nasi Kak Wok, a stall known for bold flavors. The sambal is no joke—this one is properly spicy.(For reference: I eat Buldak ramen, and this was still intense.)

That said, sambal varies a lot from stall to stall. Not every place serves it this hot—some versions are milder, slightly sweet, or more balanced rather than aggressively spicy. If you’re sensitive to heat, it’s worth asking before ordering, but don’t write off sambal entirely. Part of the fun of eating in Malaysia is trying different sambals and eventually finding the style that suits you best.

Rice set meal with fried dory fish, curry, sambal, and iced drink at Etiqa food court — A typical set meal: rice with fried dory fish and curry, served with a drink.

If you’re looking for an even more budget-friendly option nearby, there’s another hidden gem just a short walk from here. For those who want a satisfying meal or a high-quality drink for just RM12, I highly recommend checking out Medium Coffee in Bangsar, which offers some of the best value-for-money lattes and light bites in the area.

Is It Worth It?

If you work or live around Bangsar, this food court is a solid option for:

Budget-friendly lunches
Quick weekday meals
Avoiding overpriced cafés

Under RM15 for a full meal with a drink is increasingly rare in Kuala Lumpur—and this spot still delivers.

Local food stall counter and menu board at Etiqa Building food court — One of the local stalls at the Etiqa Building food court, with menus displayed clearly above the counter.

Quick Summary

✔ RM15 or less
✔ Filling local food
✔ Easy access via LRT
⚠ Very spicy options (ask first)

Jom Makan food court entrance sign inside the Etiqa Building — “Jom Makan,” the food court inside the Etiqa Building.

FAQ

Is the Etiqa Building food court open to the public?

Yes. Although the building primarily houses offices, the food court is open to the public and commonly used by nearby workers and visitors. From the ground level, you can take the designated elevator to the food court on the 11th floor. Just follow the signs that say “Jom Makan.”

What types of food are available?

There’s a good mix of options, including Malay dishes, Thai food, kebabs, fried snacks, and other local stalls. It’s not limited to nasi-based meals.

Is everything spicy?

No. While some stalls—like Nasi Kak Wok—are known for strong heat, many others offer milder or non-spicy dishes. It’s worth checking the menu boards or asking before ordering.

What time is best to go?

Weekday lunch hours can get busy, especially around noon. Arriving a bit later—around 2 to 3 PM—helps avoid queues and makes the experience more relaxed.

Where to Eat Lunch Under RM15 in Bangsar: Etiqa Building Food Court