For older patrons, navigating QR codes and smartphone apps can feel overwhelming, turning what should be a relaxing dining experience into a frustrating ordeal.
We spoke to several senior diners about their experiences, uncovering how digital menus are reshaping the way they dine and what restaurants can do to ensure no one is left out.
Retired lecturer Aznan Mat Piah, now in his mid-70s, shared his journey with digital menus.
"Those who are not digitally literate may face challenges adapting to this new way of ordering food,"he said.
Though initially hesitant, Aznan gradually learned to use digital menus.
However, he noted that they can be inconvenient, as the process lacks the seamlessness of flipping through a printed menu.
He suggested that restaurants should not overlook the needs of older patrons who are "digital immigrants,” unlike the younger generation, whom he described as "digital natives.”
"So, consider this issue if they want old people to patronise their restaurants and give them the option to browse a printed menu," he added.
Another retired lecturer, 62-year-old Amran Bahar, finds digital menus difficult to navigate.
When dining out, he prioritises restaurants offering printed menus.
In cases where only digital menus are available, he relies on friendly waitstaff for assistance.
"This motivates me to return to the restaurant, even if they primarily use digital menus," he said.
Amran values printed menus for their simplicity.
"Oldies like me don’t want unnecessary complications when dining out. We just want our meals served as quickly as possible," he added.
"Having more staff to assist senior citizen customers to order food would create more job opportunities.
"This effort not only helps senior citizens but also brings a sense of barakah (blessing) by sharing profits more equitably," he said.
For Abdul Muiz Dzihni Abdul Aziz, a 62-year-old government retiree, digital menus feel overly formal and detract from the leisurely experience of dining out.
"Sometimes, people go to restaurants just for fun and to relax. We get inside, sit down to allow the waiters to serve us," he said.
While Muiz prefers traditional menus, he acknowledges that some restaurants only offer digital options. In such cases, he seeks assistance from friends, family or staff.
"Staff support is vital. It ensures accessibility for everyone, especially senior citizens, by bridging the gap between digital and traditional approaches," he said.
Similarly, Abdul Hannan Abdul Aziz, a 59-year-old salesperson, said he would not avoid restaurants with digital menus, as he could always seek help from others when ordering.
However, he still values traditional menus for their ability to foster human interaction.
"I go to eateries not just to eat, but to enjoy the atmosphere and interact with people," he said.
Looking ahead, Hannan envisions digital menus becoming the standard, potentially rendering printed options obsolete.
However, he emphasied the need for staff to assist those who are less digitally literate.
He added that traditional menus should still be considered, as they foster human interaction, an essential aspect of dining out.
To address this shift, he emphasised the importance of having staff available to assist those who are less digitally literate, particularly senior citizens.
As digital menus continue to rise in popularity, striking a balance between innovation and accessibility becomes crucial.
By doing so, restaurants can create an inclusive and welcoming experience for diners of all generations.