Menu Psychology - The Menu Trick That Makes You Spend More (You’ve Been Played)

How Restaurant Menus Trick You Into Spending More — And How to Outsmart Them

Every time you open a restaurant menu, you are already being guided toward a specific choice. Menu psychology is a powerful tool in the F&B world, and one of its most effective tactics is the use of “decoy items.” These high-priced dishes are designed to influence your perception — not your appetite. Today, we break down how this trick works and how Malaysians can avoid getting played.

What Is a Decoy Item and Why Is It There?

A decoy item is a dish priced so high that most customers would never consider ordering it. But that’s exactly the point.

Its real purpose is to make everything around it look cheaper.

For example, if a menu lists a lobster dish at RM138, the RM48 grilled chicken suddenly feels “reasonable,” even if it’s actually overpriced. You aren’t choosing the best value — you’re choosing the option that feels like a bargain compared to the decoy.

Real-Life Example in Malaysia

Think of high-end cafés or bistros where the top-right corner of the menu includes one extremely premium item. Most Malaysians assume it targets wealthy diners. In reality, it exists to push regular diners toward the mid-tier items that make the restaurant the most profit.

How to Outsmart Menu Psychology

Here are simple tricks to regain control:

1. Scan the Top-Right Corner First

This is where restaurants plant their decoys. Identify them early so you can judge the rest of the menu fairly.

2. Compare Prices Horizontally

Instead of reading down the list, compare across similar dishes. This shifts your focus from psychological anchoring to real value.

3. Watch for RM-Less Prices

Removing currency symbols reduces the “pain of paying.” Be aware when menus hide prices in subtle ways.

Conclusion

Menu psychology is everywhere — but so are the ways to outsmart it. By understanding decoy items and recognizing common design tricks, Malaysians can make smarter, clearer decisions when dining out. For more insider F&B insights, visit: https://linktr.ee/bestrestauranttoeat