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Food Truck vs Café in Malaysia: Which One Makes More Profit in 2025?

  • Writer: Nabihah
    Nabihah
  • Oct 11
  • 3 min read

Table of Contents

Food truck rental Putrajaya with delivery and installation

Introduction

The F&B business is booming — but which is more profitable: a food truck or a cafĂ©?

In 2025, demand for affordable, fast, and creative food continues to rise. Across Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and Penang, more young entrepreneurs are choosing food trucks over traditional cafés.

This article will help you decide based on real costs, profits, and strategic locations.


Startup Cost Comparison: Food Truck vs Café

Component

Food Truck

Café

Rental Space

None (flexible locations)

RM3,000 – RM8,000/month

Renovation

Minimal (depends on truck type)

RM30,000 – RM100,000

Licenses & Permits

RM1,000 – RM3,000

RM3,000 – RM6,000

Startup Capital

RM50,000 – RM100,000

RM120,000 – RM300,000

✅ Clearly, food trucks require lower startup costs, making them ideal for small-scale or new entrepreneurs.

Monthly Profit & Operating Costs

  • Food Truck Operating Cost: RM3,000 – RM6,000/month (fuel, staff, maintenance)

  • CafĂ© Operating Cost: RM8,000 – RM20,000/month (rent, utilities, staff)

  • Net Profit – Food Truck: RM8,000 – RM20,000 (depending on sales & location)

  • Net Profit – CafĂ©: RM5,000 – RM15,000 (higher overhead, slower ROI)

📊 Food trucks often have a higher profit ratio, especially in strategic areas like Bangi, Shah Alam, Ipoh, and Melaka.


  • 🚚 Mobile & flexible — move to where the crowd is

  • 💰 Low cost & fast ROI

  • 🌼 Perfect for street food, desserts, and coffee

  • 📍 Popular in KL, Klang Valley, Johor, Penang & Terengganu

  • đŸŽȘ Great for events, bazaars, expos & carnivals


Advantages of Traditional Cafés in Malaysia

  • đŸȘ‘ More comfortable dining experience

  • ☕ Offers a wider, more complex menu

  • đŸ§Ÿ Full POS system & structured business model

  • 🏱 Fixed location = stronger brand presence

However, cafĂ©s carry higher risk if there’s no steady customer flow.

Popular Food Truck & Café Locations 2025

Food Truck Hotspots:

  • Night markets & festival sites in Putrajaya, Bangi, Seremban

  • Office & industrial areas in Shah Alam, Senai, Pasir Gudang

  • Tourist zones in Melaka, Penang & Kuala Terengganu

Café Hotspots:

  • University & mall areas like Sunway, Cyberjaya, Ipoh Parade


Want to Start Fast? Rent a Food Truck with Us

🚛 We provide ready-to-use food trucks for new vendors:

  • Fully equipped with kitchen, sink & power supply

  • License & permit assistance available

  • Ideal for festivals, events & bazaars

📍 Available in KL, Selangor, Johor, Melaka, Penang & nationwide.


Affordable food truck Selangor with flexible payment plans

🚚 Want your food truck to look professional and eye-catching?

We also offer:

đŸ–šïž Printing & on-site installation

🚛 Moving billboard concept to attract customers wherever you go

📱 Perfect for branding in high-traffic areas like KL, Penang, JB & Terengganu.


Conclusion

If you want lower startup costs and faster returns, a food truck is your best choice for 2025.However, if you’re building a premium brand with dine-in service, a cafĂ© still has potential.

Across Kuala Lumpur, Klang Valley, Johor, Melaka & Penang — both models can succeed, depending on your budget and strategy.

Food truck catering Kuala Lumpur for corporate events

FAQ

1. How long does it take to start a food truck business?

If renting a ready-made truck, you can start within 1–2 weeks.


2. What licenses do I need for a food truck?

You’ll need a PBT license & site permit — we can help with the application.


3. What’s the average food truck size?

10–14 feet, depending on your menu & kitchen setup.


4. Can you make and install stickers quickly?

Yes — design, print & install within 5–7 working days.


5. What’s the minimum rental period?

1 week minimum, with monthly & event packages available.

✅ Rent a ready-to-use food truck for 2025

✅ Get professional sticker design & mobile advertising

✅ Available in KL, Johor, Penang, Terengganu & across Malaysia


 
 
 

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