[Review] Treatsure App: Can This 'Buffet Dabao' Platform Truly Tackle Food Waste & Save Malaysians Money?

The Product Snapshot

Treatsure is a mobile-first platform (available as a web app and on iOS/Android) that connects consumers with surplus food from hotels and high-end buffets, as well as near-expiry groceries from retailers. Its core proposition is anti-food-waste, offering users significant discounts on quality food that would otherwise be discarded.

• 📦 Product: Treatsure App (Platform)
• 🏷️ Category: Food Tech / Sustainability Platform
• 💸 Price Range: Variable; "Dabao" buffet boxes start from ~RM30 (S$10 equivalent), grocery items heavily discounted (e.g., 50-70% off).
• 🎯 Target Audience: Cost-conscious urbanites, foodies seeking premium experiences at lower costs, environmentally-conscious millennials & Gen-Z, and households looking to reduce grocery bills.

The Hook: Why It Matters Now

Treatsure isn't new globally, but its recent push and proven model in Singapore make it highly relevant for Malaysia now. With rising food prices and growing consumer awareness about sustainability, the platform hits a nerve. It addresses two acute pain points simultaneously: the hospitality industry's struggle with unpredictable food surplus and the consumer's need for value. In a market like Kuala Lumpur with its dense concentration of hotels and buffets, the potential for scale and impact is substantial. We're reviewing it to see if the experience matches the compelling promise.

The Deep Dive: Features & Experience

Upon testing the app, the first thing users will notice is the straightforward, deal-centric interface. It feels more like a food discovery app than a charity platform. The process is simple: browse available "Buffet-in-a-Box" collections from partner hotels (like Hilton or Marriott) or surplus grocery items, purchase a time slot for pickup, and collect it yourself. The experience transforms the abstract concept of "saving food" into a tangible, rewarding ritual—scoring a box of high-quality sushi, roast meats, and pastries for a fraction of the dine-in price.

For the business owner or F&B manager, this means a direct, monetised solution for end-of-day surplus, turning a cost center (waste disposal) into a small revenue stream and a powerful CSR story. The platform handles the transaction and listing, reducing operational friction. The core USP is this win-win: dramatic cost savings for users and waste reduction with added revenue for partners. Compared to generic food delivery apps, Treatsure's inventory is uniquely curated around surplus, creating a sense of discovery and urgency ("get it before it's gone").

Under The Hood: Specs & Performance

• Platform & Access: Native iOS & Android apps, with a functional web app. Performance is smooth, with critical flows (browsing, purchasing) optimized.
• Partner Network: Key Spec: Partners with major hotel chains (e.g., Hilton, Pan Pacific) and supermarkets. This is its primary "spec"—the quality and reliability of supply.
• Discount Range: Offers savings of 50% to 70% off regular retail prices for groceries and buffet takeaways.
• Operation Model: User-pickup only (no delivery), which is crucial for its economics and freshness guarantee. Pick-up windows are typically tight (e.g., 8-10 PM).

The Verdict: Buy or Skip?

Treatsure is a brilliantly conceived platform that delivers genuine value, but it demands a slight shift in consumer behavior. It's not for the spontaneous diner or those who demand ultimate convenience. It's for the planner, the savvy saver, and the eco-advocate. Verdict: A strong BUY for its target audience. The savings are real, the food quality is high, and the positive environmental impact is a significant feel-good bonus. Its success in Malaysia will hinge on expanding its partner network beyond major urban centers and educating consumers on the "surplus food is still great food" mindset.

• 🎨 Design & UX: 8/10 (Simple, functional, and focused on the deal.)
• 🚀 Performance & Reliability: 7/10 (Dependent on partner consistency; app itself is stable.)
• 💎 Value for Money: 10/10 (This is its unbeatable core strength.)

"Treatsure turns the ethical choice of reducing food waste into a personally rewarding and financially smart habit for urban Malaysians."