GEORGE TOWN: Breakfast for RM2.50 in the heart of George Town? A decent RM7.50 nasi kandar meal for lunch? These are available, if you know where to look.While it is true that food prices have increased, there are parts of the city where one can find a decent and affordable meal.

       Checks by The Star found that roadside stalls still offer the best deals, although some were costing more than before.

       For a stall in Tamil Street, next to Chowrasta Market, selling in huge volumes is key to keeping prices low.Owner Abdul Majeed Seeni Mohamed, 48, a fourth-generation food operator, said his regulars kept coming back for his RM1 teh tarik.

       One can also get nasi lemak for RM1.30 or roti canai for RM1.20.

       The kuih at Abdul Majeed’s stall cost 70 sen a piece while breakfast – comprising two kuih and a teh tarik – is only RM2.40.

       “I took over this stall from my father in 1985. People come here for breakfast. Nasi lemak and teh tarik, only costs RM3.

       “I can’t just increase the price of my teh tarik although the cost of tea powder, milk and sugar have increased, as I have many regulars.”Mansur Rahman Idris, who runs a stall in Union Street, is however, selling his teh tarik at RM1.70 and nasi lemak at RM1.80.

       “I have six workers. Prices have been raised by 40 sen as ingredient prices have spiked,” said Mansur.

       Nasi lemak, a kuih and teh tarik at the stall cost can cost up to RM5.

       At another stall in Market Lane, a piece of kuih is 60 sen, while teh tarik and roti canai are RM1.20 each.“Roti canai is now RM1.50.

       “We can’t keep the cost down any more if there is going to be another price hike. But for now, we are happy to serve our customers,” said owner Nazumuteen, 40.

       At the corner of nearby Bishop Street, a piece of chicken or fish with a vegetable dish and curry cost RM7.50 at Merican Nasi Kandar.

       “The same would cost about RM9.50 at others shops. You can see our chicken and fish are fresh.

       “Office workers in Little India frequent our shop. We do not believe in increasing prices as we serve working people,” said operator Sabura Kadershah Merican, 32.

       “People can still have a hearty lunch for RM8, or even prawn and mutton dishes for between RM10 and RM12.”

       At a coffee shop at the junction of Church Street and Penang Street, char bee hoon is sold for RM1.50, with a bigger portion for RM2.

       The stall operator, known only as Sim, 60, said her yam cakes were only RM1.50 per piece.

       “I increased the price by only 20 sen from RM1.30.”