A Thread post by @heyitstaqi comparing RM10 bazaar curry puffs with IKEA’s cheaper option sparks heated debate among Malaysians, with netizens divided over supporting small vendors versus questioning overpricing.
A Thread post by @heyitstaqi comparing the price of curry puffs at a local Ramadan bazaar with those sold by IKEA has sparked heated debate among Malaysian netizens.
In the post, the user highlighted that four curry puffs at a bazaar were priced at RM10 for four pieces, effectively RM2.50 per piece and compared it to IKEA’s offering, which many perceive as more affordable. The simple price comparison post quickly sparked strong reactions, with Malaysians split between defending small traders and criticising what they see as overpricing.
Many defended the bazaar culture with passion. queenofflowersae commented: “IKEA is a rich company. If you don’t buy from them, nobody goes starving. But buying from a small vendor, you help them feed their family.”
“I would still buy bazaar curry puffs at RM10 for 4 pieces. Don’t get me wrong, IKEA curry puffs are good. But I prefer to channel my money to small stall vendors compared to big corporations. Every profit these vendors make can improve their living,” mrsdreamheart added.
However, others argued that supporting local businesses does not justify steep prices.
“There’s no need to compare with IKEA curry puff prices. RM10 for just 4 pieces is already excessively expensive. Food prices at bazaars are getting more and more ridiculous.”
echoed this sentiment: “I support local businesses but they need to think about pricing. If you sell overpriced food, people will ignore you and of course they will buy the affordable ones,” rakibqp4u added.
Some netizens felt the comparison itself was unfair.
wafiemaboy questioned, “For me it’s hard to compare like this because later people will say IKEA mass produces, buy local first. Simple — compare this shop’s spiral curry puff with another makcik’s by the roadside or at the same bazaar. Same rental, right? Are they using wagyu beef? Are they using ayam cemani chicken? If not, what’s the difference? Then tell me why others can sell 4 for RM5 but suddenly this one is 4 for RM10?”
Meanwhile, emeireirfan_ bluntly wrote, “It’s RM2.50 per piece, mate. Size-wise it’s not even big. Just overpriced.”
Others took a more balanced view.
farahatnazmi shared, “In my opinion, a valid argument only opens once we’ve bought and tasted it ourselves. At least we have a solid opinion.”
asyraf1212 added humorously, “I don’t mind as long as it’s delicious. If the bazaar tastes better than IKEA, why not? Specs on paper can’t measure quality. But if it’s expensive and not nice — see you in the afterlife field!”
“That’s spiral curry puff. It may not look the best, but it’s decent. I don’t mind paying RM2.50 per piece as long as the filling is tasty and the pastry is flaky. It’s hard to make a good spiral curry puff. That artistry contributes to the texture and taste. In the end, food prices must be justified by flavour,” ninaimullahnoor91 added.
The Sun Malaysia
