Supporting local businesses is something many Malaysians are happy to do. But when a single latte costs RM20, some find themselves thinking twice.
A Malaysian Threads user sparked a discussion after sharing their frustration over the price of coffee from local businesses.
The post drew more than 14,000 likes, with netizens discussing everything from small portions to whether specialty beans justify a higher price.
‘A latte alone is already RM20’
In the brief post, the user wrote:
You want to support local, but a latte alone is already RM20.”
Although no particular shop was named, the remark struck a chord with others who shared similar experiences.
One commenter compared what they said was an RM11.20 Spanish latte from a coffee chain with a roadside version priced at RM13.90.
Another felt that customers were sometimes judged for not supporting local sellers, even when they found the prices too high.
Small cups, café prices
For several commenters, the frustration went beyond the price alone. They also questioned the portion sizes.
One said some local sellers charged high prices while serving drinks in small cups. Another agreed, joking that it took only two or three sips to finish a drink.
Others questioned why coffee sold from car boots or tent booths came with café prices.
One commenter also claimed that a latte they had in the United Kingdom cost around RM18.90 after conversion, making the RM20 price here harder for them to accept.
These replies shared a similar sentiment: customers wanted to support local businesses, but they also wanted to feel they were getting their money’s worth.
Some say specialty beans can explain the price
However, other commenters offered a different perspective, pointing out that the beans used could affect how much a drink costs.
One argued that specialty coffee made with higher grade beans should not be compared directly with cheaper commercial options.
They encouraged customers to ask the barista why a drink costs more, adding that buyers had every right to understand what they were paying for.
Another commenter claimed that certain specialty beans could cost more than RM5 per cup for the beans alone.
Others questioned whether the RM20 latte used particularly expensive beans that might explain its price.
Quality matters too
One commenter felt that RM20 could be reasonable if the drink was made well.
They questioned whether customers were getting a large cup that tasted mostly of milk or a standard 8oz serving made with specialty grade beans and a balanced coffee flavour.
If it was the latter, they felt the price could make sense.
The original post did not specify the latte’s size, beans or preparation, leaving commenters divided over whether RM20 was excessive or justified.
How much would you be willing to pay for a good cup of latte?
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