FORMULA 1 FANS heading to the Sepang International Circuit this weekend may want to budget more than just the cost of their tickets, as eating at the track could come with some serious sticker shock.
Ahead of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026, food prices listed by the event’s official vendors have caught attention, with some familiar Malaysian favourites carrying decidedly unfamiliar price tags.
Among the prices listed are RM35 for nasi lemak with a fried egg, RM30 for chicken rice, RM30 for Indomie with a fried egg and RM20 for cut fruit.
For comparison, RM35 for a plate of nasi lemak with a fried egg is enough to make some Malaysian fans do a double take.
The same goes for a simple serving of Indomie with a fried egg at RM30, while chicken rice comes in at RM30. Even a serving of cut fruit is listed at RM20.
Paying F1 prices for Malaysian favourites?
The reaction is likely to be particularly strong among local fans because these are not exactly exotic dishes.
Nasi lemak, chicken rice and instant noodles are everyday Malaysian staples, making their presence on a premium-priced event menu particularly noticeable.
With the Bahrain Grand Prix expected to attract more than 110,000 spectators, there could be plenty of hungry fans inside the circuit over the three-day event.
The event itself is being positioned as much more than a race. Bahrain International Circuit and Sepang International Circuit are bringing elements of Bahraini culture, food, entertainment and hospitality to Malaysia, including the Bahrain Village and other fan attractions.
That means food will inevitably be part of the overall race-day experience. However, for fans planning to eat inside the circuit, the vendor prices could become a talking point of their own.
RM100 could disappear quickly
For a family or group of friends, the costs can add up quickly.
Four people ordering one RM35 nasi lemak each would already cost RM140. Four RM30 chicken rice meals would come to RM120, before adding drinks or snacks.
And if four people simply wanted cut fruit, that would cost another RM80.
With tickets, transport and other race-day expenses already adding to the bill, food is another cost fans may want to factor into their F1 budget.
The pricing comes as Malaysia prepares to use the return of Formula 1 as a major tourism and economic opportunity. Tourism authorities and local businesses are expecting the event to generate spending across accommodation, transport, food and other sectors.
So while the F1 experience may be bringing Bahrain’s culture to Sepang, Malaysian fans could be asking a very local question:
RM35 for nasi lemak with telur goreng — pole-position price or pit-stop pain?
One thing is certain: fans heading to Sepang this weekend may want to check the menu before they check their bank balance.
