7 Food Business Ideas in Malaysia in 2024 You Should Know

Are you interested in the food and beverage business? If yes, you must know food business ideas in Malaysia so that you can gain more profit. 

In Malaysia, the food service sector gained a profit of RM80.9 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow bigger in the following years. 

Even though the trend declined during the pandemic, the revenue is seen increasing after the reopening of international borders in 2022 or post-pandemic. 

In addition, the revenue from the food market in Malaysia is USD 45.26 billion and grows 2.4%.  

Malaysia has its food service market segmentation that brings primary profit, such as quick service restaurants, full-service restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream shops, and bars.

This guideline will lead you to the list of food business ideas in Malaysia you can choose for future business. 

Food Business Ideas in Malaysia

As a culturally diverse country, Malaysia offers various foods to taste. This can be your opportunity to open a food business in this country. If you are still confused about what business you should take, explore the list of food business ideas in Malaysia below. 

1. Coffee Shop

The first food business idea you can take note of is a coffee shop. In Malaysia, there were 4.58 thousand cafes and bars in 2022 and this is estimated to grow to approximately 5.54 thousand in 2026. 

Moreover, the coffee market in Malaysia is gaining a revenue of USD215.3 million in 2024. 

This information reveals that the coffee shop business may become one of the most profitable food business ideas in Malaysia. 

Despite having pricey equipment, such as a coffee shop's rent and machine, it makes sense since it gives access to a sizable, recurring client base that can be reached through social media promotion.

To create a truly unique menu, you may combine and blend various beans and ingredients to further explore the art of coffee.

2. Food Truck

Recently, food trucks become popular in Malaysia as you can spot some trucks parking sideways. 

In addition to delivering your delicious cuisine to every corner, it also allows you far more creative freedom over the menus you create as you gain knowledge of the culinary arts.

This business is also suitable for those who want to open a business in food and beverage, but do not have the cost of setting up a restaurant because you only need to set up a vehicle and a kitchen. 

Additionally, you do not need much manpower at the beginning of starting this business and even can work by yourself. 

However, if you decide to open a food truck business, please pay attention to the regulations because some cities have particular zoning laws regulating the time and the place you can open a business. 

3. Ice Cream Shop

As a tropical country that sometimes experiences hot and humid weather, opening an ice cream parlour in Malaysia can be one of the street food business ideas you can do. 

You can sell ice cream in a booth, cafe, food truck, or any platform you are convenient to. 

However, it's possible to lose yourself in your imagination while creating ice cream, so focus on a smaller target market and provide your most self-assured taste.
 

4. Nasi Lemak Business

Nasi Lemak has become everyone’s favourite with its sambal (spicy sauce), fried anchovies, and coconut rice. 

For many Malaysians, this cherished meal has become an indispensable breakfast option due to its tremendous popularity.

If you can cook nasi lemak, opening a nasi lemak stall can be one of the homemade food business ideas you can choose. You can sell it in the food court, shop, or in your own home.

5. Bubble Tea Shop

One of the food business ideas in Malaysia you can go for is the bubble tea business. Bubble tea or boba tea has become popular in many countries, including Malaysia. 

The market for bubble tea in Malaysia, estimated to be worth USD 64.57 million in 2022, is projected to expand by 6.6% between 2024 and 2028. 

Therefore, opening a bubble tea business can be profitable and reach a wider customer base. 

To distinguish your bubble tea business, try experimenting with unusual flavours, providing customizable toppings, and concentrating on utilizing premium components. 
 

6. Meal Kits

One of the food business ideas in Malaysia you can choose from is selling meal kits. Meal Kits is a business offering pre-measured supplies and cooking directions so that customers can cook it by themselves.

If you want to sell food remotely, providing meal kits can be one of the online food business ideas you can go for. 

By providing meal kits, you can help students or busy parents to cook simple meals without worrying about shopping for the ingredients separately in the supermarket. 

To open a meal kits business, you can research the demand and the best recipes. Additionally, do not forget to pay attention to food hygiene, including the packaging, tools, and your kitchen. 

7. Organic Food Business

Last but not least, one of the food business ideas in Malaysia you can pick is starting an organic food business. 

You can provide organic vegetables without pesticides or produce food with organic ingredients. 

Customers are increasingly drawn to organic products, therefore using organic components in your branding might work in your favour. 

Yet, it may be challenging to find the best source of organic products or to grow ones. 

Those are the food business ideas in Malaysia you can put on your list for future reference. 

In addition to choosing what kind of business to start in Malaysia, you also need to plan for other things, particularly the marketing strategy. 

You might go for inexpensive marketing, such as SEO. By using SEO, you might be able to increase your internet profile and draw in more potential clients.

Additionally, you may target potential clients with pertinent keywords and increase website traffic and income by producing excellent SEO-friendly content.

Try our SEO Services today to find out how we can assist you in using relevant keywords to improve your listings, content, and website!