Wondering which food franchise is a fail-safe option for your first venture? You’re not alone! Many aspiring entrepreneurs in Malaysia are searching for ways to enter the food and beverage (F&B) industry without breaking the bank.
The good news? A food franchise business with low startup costs isn’t just a dream – it’s a very achievable reality.
Introduction
In Malaysia, a low startup cost typically refers to a franchise investment below RM30,000, covering essentials like licensing, equipment, and initial inventory. With rising living costs and a strong culture of dining out, food franchises continue to be one of the most attractive options for business-minded individuals.
Franchising offers the perfect balance between brand recognition and operational support, especially for first-time business owners. If you’re looking to start a food franchise business with low startup costs, here are 10 popular franchise categories worth considering in the Malaysian market.
1. Quick Service Restaurant (QSR)
Quick service restaurants, or QSRs, are fast food outlets serving popular Malaysian staples like fried chicken, burgers, and rice dishes.
- Startup Cost: RM30,000 to RM1,000,000 or more.
- Why it’s attractive: Proven menus, steady customer base, and consistent foot traffic.
- Key Benefit: Easier to manage with streamlined operations and established branding.
This type of food franchise business with low startup cost is perfect for high-traffic urban areas or near residential neighbourhoods.
2. Dessert Franchise
From ice cream kiosks to doughnut stands, dessert-focused businesses continue to thrive in Malaysia’s tropical climate.
- Startup Cost: RM2,000 to over RM1,000,000, with the majority falling between RM30,000 and RM200,000.
- Why it’s attractive: High profit margins and year-round appeal.
- Key Benefit: Low ingredient costs and strong impulse-buy potential.
If you’re aiming to enter the food franchise business with low startup costs and love all things sweet, this one’s for you.
3. Mobile Food Franchise (Truck or Cart)
Mobile food businesses like burger trucks or Roti John carts offer flexibility and lower overheads.
- Startup Cost: RM15,000 to RM20,000 (for smaller scaled ones) or more.
- Why it’s attractive: No permanent location required, making it easy to test markets.
- Key Benefit: You can bring your brand to festivals, night markets, and popular street food spots.
A great entry point for those wanting a food franchise business with low startup costs and high mobility.
4. Specialty Sandwich Kiosk Franchise (Grab-and-Go)
Sandwich kiosks that focus on grab-and-go options such as subs, wraps, or local-style sandwiches are catching on.
- Startup Cost: RM5,000 to RM50,000.
- Why it’s attractive: Lower inventory requirements and less kitchen equipment needed.
- Key Benefit: Simple training and fast prep time make operations smooth.
This category makes it easy to start a food franchise business with low startup costs without needing a big kitchen setup.
5. Specialty Snack Franchise
Think popcorn, keropok lekor, or flavoured fries – any snack franchise that focuses on one signature item.
- Startup Cost: RM15,000 to RM60,0000.
- Why it’s attractive: Perfect for mall kiosks or tourist spots.
- Key Benefit: Low wastage, easy to scale, and high-volume sales.
An ideal food franchise business with low startup costs for those wanting a niche but scalable concept.
6. Delivery-Focused Pizza Franchise
Pizza chains that operate on a cloud kitchen or takeaway model are booming in urban Malaysia.
- Startup Cost: RM30,000 to RM1,000,000.
- Why it’s attractive: Reduced dine-in costs and higher efficiency.
- Key Benefit: Leverages Malaysia’s growing demand for food delivery services.
This model is a smart move if you want a food franchise business with low startup costs and a tech-forward setup.
7. Bagel Franchise
Bagels and similar baked goods are becoming trendy breakfast and brunch items, especially in urban centres.
- Startup Cost: RM15,000 to RM1,000,000.
- Why it’s attractive: Rising interest in artisanal and Western-style bakery items.
- Key Benefit: Small footprint, often requiring only a compact stall or kiosk.
Bagel shops are an emerging food franchise business with low startup costs that appeals to a younger, trend-chasing crowd.
8. Healthy Snack Franchise
Granola bowls, fruit cups, and protein bars – healthy snacking is gaining popularity among Malaysians.
- Startup Cost: RM30,000 and beyond.
- Why it’s attractive: Targets the health-conscious demographic.
- Key Benefit: Aligns with wellness trends and pushes for a healthier nation.
This is a modern food franchise business with low startup costs that taps into a fast-growing lifestyle segment.
9. Frozen Yoghurt Franchise
Frozen yoghurt, or “froyo,” remains a hit thanks to its guilt-free indulgence and customisable toppings.
- Startup Cost: RM30,000 to RM1,000,000.
- Why it’s attractive: Strong brand potential and repeated customers.
- Key Benefit: Relatively low overhead with self-service models.
Another food franchise business with low startup costs that thrives in malls and family-centric areas.
10. Pre-packaged Meal Franchise
With busy work schedules, more Malaysians are opting for easy to prep meals like bento sets or frozen nasi lemak.
- Startup Cost: RM3,000 and beyond.
- Why it’s attractive: Minimal prep required and strong B2B potential.
- Key Benefit: Scalable through vending machines or retail partnerships.
This model is a future-forward food franchise business with low startup costs that can also serve corporate clients.
Ready to start your food franchise business?
Starting a food franchise business with low startup costs in Malaysia is no longer out of reach. With options ranging from mobile carts to niche snack kiosks, there’s something for every budget and business goal. The key is to choose a model that aligns with your passion, market demand, and operational capacity.
And if you’re looking for a franchise that offers strong brand recognition, comprehensive training, and Malaysian-made menus loved by all, consider exploring Marrybrown’s franchise opportunities. As a proudly homegrown brand, Marrybrown’s proven business formula supports entrepreneurs every step of the way.
Your F&B journey awaits! Reach out to us today to begin your food franchise business with low start up cost.