22/08/2026

SATURDAY | AUG 22, 2026

LYFE 20 World’s expensive delicacies o From mushrooms to meat, some luxury foods cost entire month’s worth of rent

LYFE

█ BY NOEL WONG YAN MING T HOUGH Malaysians love a good, cheap meal, there are some delicacies out there that cost an entire fortune to enjoy. Whether they are pricey due to the scarcity of ingredients or because of the effort needed to prepare them, these are dishes that most can only dream of tasting. So, if you happen to have some money to burn, here are a few culinary treasures to try out in the future.

Treasured eggs. – PIC FROM CARBON CAVIAR

Almas caviar Older Malaysians might reminisce of a time when fish roe was given away freely by fishmongers, whereas these days, roe even from ordinary fish tend to be quite pricey. So imagine just how expensive fish roe can get when it is in the form of caviar – caviar specifically from albino fish. Almas caviar is really the eggs of the rare albino sturgeon, which can only be found in a specific part of the Caspian Sea. As though the price requires further reasons to be as high as it is, the fish has to be aged between 60 and 100 years old. In some places, 100g of the stuff can cost anywhere between RM3,000 to RM9,000, depending on the grade and supplier of the caviar.

Gorgeously red. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @MIYASMARKET

Densuke watermelon It used to be that watermelon was among the cheapest fruits anyone could buy, with slices of the fruit selling for maybe RM1 to RM2 at the neighbourhood fruit stand. If you plan on getting an upgrade in terms of fruit, the Densuke watermelon should be added to your shopping list. Originating from Hokkaido, Japan, these watermelons have a distinctive almost-black exterior, with the flesh within a bright red with firm texture. These watermelons are famous for being particularly sweet and their high cost is attributed to their low harvest numbers – only about 10,000 annually. To that end, a Densuke watermelon will probably cost you at least RM1,000, though people have paid as much as RM27,000 for the finest specimens.

Precious fungi. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @LOT25FOODS

White alba truffles Sometimes referred to simply as white truffles, these fungi are generally found only in the Piedmont region of Italy. Unlike black truffles that can be grown by humans in controlled conditions, white Alba truffles can only be cultivated from the wild, in this specific part of the world. Specially trained dogs and pigs are needed to help people track down these elusive truffles, which grow on the roots of certain trees such as oak and hazelnut. Because of the difficulty in harvesting them, the cost of the white Alba truffle ranges from RM1,500 to RM3,000 for a mere 100g. As to what these truffles taste like, they are often compared with garlic and shallots, with an intense injection of umami to the palette.

Sweet, rich fish. – PIC FROM GLOBAL SEAFOODS

Spice of kings. – 123RFPIC

Marvellous marbled meat – TRIPADVISORPIC

Saffron The pride of Persian-Iranian cuisine, this spice is harvested from the saffron crocus flower, with many flowers required to produce a small amount of spice. For context, for 100g of saffron, you will need to harvest at least 12,000 flowers, if not more. The extensive cost of labour as well as the time taken to harvest is why saffron is a particularly expensive spice compared to more common options. Professional chefs and international kitchens are willing to pay, however, as the sweet taste and rich scent of saffron are more than reputable. Wish to spice up your meal? Expect to fork out between RM950 to RM2,000 for 100g of the precious spice. Most domestic cooks buy 1g or 2g portions for a reason.

Bluefin tuna Rich, succulent, sweet, this delight from the sea is among the world’s priciest foods as well as among its most coveted. In a bitter twist of irony, the bluefin tuna’s price is due to its rapidly dwindling population, as rich patrons across the world tuck into the fish’s flavourful flesh. Some steps have been taken in certain countries to counter overfishing, but the damage likely has been done and who knows if it is reversible. Either way, bluefin tuna is primarily used for sushi and sashimi, but is also sometimes served grilled or as a tartare, to highlight its unique taste. The most expensive part of the bluefin tuna is its belly meat, which can cost up to RM1,200 per 500g. Will you contribute to possible extinction for a quick bite though?

Kobe beef This Japanese beef traces its heritage to Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture and is known for its rich, buttery texture, coupled with umami intensity. The reason why Kobe beef costs as much as it does is because it only comes from the black Tajimi-ushi breed of Wagyu cattle from the Kobe region. Unlike most cows, these Wagyu cows live in a stress-free environment, being fed on a special diet with beer and grains. This is to ensure that their muscles remain tender, right up to the moment they are turned into delicious slabs of beef. For 500g of Kobe beef, expect to pay at least RM500, though the price may spike to RM3,000 depending on the cut of meat you are looking at.