Does it make sense for a bachelor to cook for himself / herself?

Fried rice

Cooking for yourself (especially from scratch) is always cheaper, usually tastier and often faster than dining out. Yes, there is a required investment in equipment, ingredients and practice, but I assure you it is ultimately worth it.

Restaurants are trying to serve as many people as possible in as short a time as possible, so their food has to be palatable to as wide a range of people as possible. This usually means food is sweeter, saltier and richer than it needs to be, in order to please everyone at least a little bit; at the same time bolder spices are usually used sparingly. Conversely, when you cook for yourself and your friends, you can adjust the flavour profile to the occasion. It's your prerogative to taste and adjust your food, so of course your food will taste better than whatever I plate for you.

To keep their doors open (and turn a profit), restaurants charge as much as they can, while paying as little as possible in return. This isn't to say that they gouge and cut corners (though some do), but that they need to maximize their investment. This means that customers aren't simply paying for the ingredients and utilities (both cheaper for the restauranteur due to economies of scale), but also the wages of the entire staff, rent and upkeep of the building, and the profit for the owner. As such, the cheapest entrée on many menus is about RM12- RM15, with fast food ranging RM25 - RM50 for a full meal.

Conversely, if you buy decent 'scratch' ingredients in any kind of bulk, you can easily bring your price-per-serving down to RM8 - RM15. Whether you cook for a few other people, save leftovers for another meal, or divide and freeze portions of meat, etc, this is exceptionally easy to realize. Even if you splurge on premium ingredients, your costs won't balloon nearly as quickly as similar fare at a restaurant.

If equipment and know-how are holding you back, that's an easy fix too. A starter kitchen set can be put together easily and affordably at the Salvation Army or Walmart, and resources like All Recipies and the Joy of Cooking are excellent for novices and experienced cooks alike. Conversely, you can do what a friend of mine did to learn how to cook, and start hosting regular potluck/group dinners.

Here are several reasons why:

1. Health: Cooking at home allows for better control over ingredients and portion sizes, which can lead to healthier eating habits compared to relying on takeout or processed foods.
2. Cost: Preparing meals at home is often more economical than dining out or ordering food. Buying ingredients in bulk can further reduce costs.
3. Skill Development: Cooking is a valuable life skill. Learning to prepare meals can enhance culinary skills and boost confidence in the kitchen.
4. Variety: Cooking for oneself allows for greater variety in meals, as you can explore different cuisines and recipes based on personal preferences.
5. Social Opportunities: Cooking can be a social activity, whether inviting friends over for dinner or sharing meals with family.
6. Convenience: Having home-cooked meals on hand can save time and effort during busy days, as you can prepare meals in advance and store them.

Overall, cooking for oneself can be a rewarding and practical choice for a bachelor. 

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