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AS the holy month of Ramadan approaches, the rising prices of hotel buffets have become a hot topic of discussion, with many members of the public deeming the costs exorbitant and unaffordable.
With promotional offers flooding the market, some hotel buffets now charge upwards of RM300 per person, which has raised eyebrows among both working professionals and families.
Berita Harian cited Saidatul Akmar Mat Isa, a 39-year-old bank officer, raising her concerns, stating that the cost of breaking fast should not come with a hefty price tag.
"Looking at the prices, it’s just not logical. It’s too expensive. In reality, when we break our fast, we don’t eat that much, so it’s definitely not worth it," she said.
She added that she had no intention of opting for a hotel buffet, as the price was not justifiable for the amount of food she could consume.
"If it’s RM200 to RM300 per person, that’s way too expensive. With that amount, I could treat my entire family. For breaking fast, I usually don’t spend more than RM50," she explained.
Azim Jainufah, a 43-year-old private sector worker, expressed similar concerns, highlighting that Ramadan should be more about worship than indulging in excessive food.
"I have a family of four. Even if all of us eat, it won’t cost RM300. To me, that’s just wasteful during Ramadan," he said.
For Azim, Ramadan should be a time for spiritual focus, not overindulgence in food.
"We usually break our fast with dates, a little snack, pray Maghrib, and then eat rice. That’s enough," he added. He also acknowledged the quality and variety of dishes offered by five-star hotels, but still felt that the price tag was difficult to justify.
"Maybe the variety of food is wide, but we won’t be able to eat everything. Especially if you’re with friends, you end up chatting more than eating. So, it’s not really worth it," Azim concluded.
Meanwhile, 54-year-old food business owner Azizah Mohamed Aziz argued that the traditional practice during Ramadan is to break the fast with family, which makes the high cost of hotel buffets a burden.
"If you have children, how can you afford it? RM100 to RM200 per person is just not worth it. Anything below RM100 is still okay," she said.
She added that while a family set priced at RM300 might be acceptable for a group of five or six, charging per person for the same amount was wasteful.
"If it’s RM300 for a family set, maybe that’s fine. But RM300 per person is definitely a waste," Azizah said.
For 38-year-old private sector worker Saufi Ahmad, Ramadan buffets in hotels are only relevant when sponsored by employers or companies.
"People usually go because they’ve been invited or sponsored by their company. But if you bring your family and pay with your own money, it’s just not right," he explained.
Saufi also stated that a reasonable price for a buffet would be anything below RM100. "RM70 or RM80 would be acceptable, but RM318 per person is just too much," he said.
He also noted that buffet prices have been increasing year on year.
"The prices are going up. If you’re going to audit it, then do it. Because, honestly, if one person is paying RM300, they’re not even eating that much," Saufi added.
The rising costs of Ramadan buffets have sparked a wider conversation about the affordability and value of dining out during the holy month, with many questioning whether these extravagant prices align with the spirit of Ramadan. - February 2, 2026