You may have heard the terms food hall and food court used often. But, what exactly is the difference between the two? Both offer multiple food options in one place, but there are key differences in how they work and what they offer. Let’s explore what each one means, how they differ, and examples of food halls and food courts in Malaysia.

What is the Meaning of Food Hall?

A food hall is a shared dining space that offers a variety of cuisines and dishes to the customers. It usually gives a more premium gourmet food experience. The major focus is on giving unique experiences to the customers. The food is prepared from scratch (frozen ingredients aren’t used) because the goal is to give a unique experience and not a fast experience. 

The seating is usually communal, allowing people to gather and share the experience of eating in a lively, yet refined, setting.

Food halls often have a trendy and upscale vibe. The vendors here are typically small-scale businesses, chefs, or even established restaurants testing new concepts. This variety allows you to enjoy specialty foods that you might not find in a typical restaurant setting.

What are Examples of Food Halls?

1. The LINC KL
2. The Sphere at Bangsar South

Where Did Food Halls Originate?

Food halls originated in Europe, with one of the earliest examples being Harrods in London, which opened its food hall in 1902. These European-style food halls were all about offering a curated dining experience. They have since spread globally, especially in the U.S. and Asia, and have evolved into more diverse spaces, combining quality dining with social interaction. In Malaysia, the food hall trend has also caught on, offering diners a more upscale alternative to traditional food courts.

What is a Food Court?

On the other hand, a food court is a more common concept, especially in malls. A food court typically consists of fast food vendors, quick-serve restaurants, or local chains offering affordable meals. The focus here is convenience and variety. A food court serves a large number of people, and the dining area is more functional than stylish.

Food courts usually offer popular choices like fried rice, burgers, pizza, or nasi lemak. The seating is communal, but food courts are often noisier and busier than food halls. The vendors in a food court are often well-known chains, and the meals are prepared quickly to cater to the large foot traffic.

What are Examples of Food Courts?

1. Esplanade Food Court, Penang
2. Food Republic Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur

Food Hall vs Food Court: What’s the Difference?

While both food halls and food courts offer multiple dining options, the experience is quite different. Here are some key points of comparison:

• Quality of Food: A food hall focuses on offering artisanal, high-quality, and often gourmet dishes. In contrast, a food court is about fast and affordable food.
• Type of Vendors: Food halls typically host small, independent vendors or chefs who specialize in unique cuisines. Food courts tend to feature well-known chain restaurants and fast food outlets.
• Ambiance: The ambiance in a food hall is usually more refined and trendy. It’s designed to offer a more pleasant, relaxed dining experience. Food courts, however, are designed for quick and functional meals. The seating areas are often packed, and the environment is noisier.
• Customer Experience: In food halls, diners are looking for a unique, high-quality meal, often accompanied by craft drinks or desserts. In a food court, customers want a quick meal, often grabbing something to eat while shopping or during a work break.
• Price Range: Food halls generally offer higher-priced meals due to the quality of ingredients and the experience. Food courts, on the other hand, are more budget-friendly and cater to a larger number of people who are looking for affordable, fast meals.

Which Concept Should You Choose?

If you are considering expanding into a shared space, think about what type of experience you want to offer.

• If your restaurant specializes in unique, gourmet, or artisanal dishes, a food hall may be the right choice. The focus here will be on providing a high-quality dining experience that aligns with the food hall’s trendy vibe.
• However, if you’re aiming for fast service, affordable pricing, and high foot traffic, setting up in a food court could be more suitable. The food court offers more exposure to a broad customer base and is often located in high-traffic areas like shopping malls.

Both options have their benefits depending on your business model, but understanding the core differences will help you make a better decision.

The next time you’re thinking about expanding your restaurant business, consider whether a food hall or food court is the right fit for your brand. A food hall offers a unique, upscale dining experience, while a food court focuses on speed, affordability, and convenience. Both have their advantages, and knowing the differences can help you choose the right path for your restaurant’s growth.

By knowing the ins and outs of both, you can make a decision that not only suits your business but also delivers the best experience to your customers.