Restaurant was shocked to receive a bill with over $80 in GST and service charges

SINGAPORE: A recent dining experience at Putien Great World City left one diner in disbelief when he received a bill for more than $80 in GST and service charges.

Expressing his frustration on social media group Complaint Singapore, the diner recounted his evening with two other couples, where he claimed the culinary offerings did not match the high price tag.

“We had dinner with two couples (six people in total) at Putien Great World City. GST and service charge came to over $80. The starters were lackluster; six adults shared seaweed taupok and a few pieces of cold intestines. For the main course, we ordered the $388 set. We didn’t order any fancy drinks, just two Chinese teas and four plain chrysanthemum teas,” he explained.

Surprised when the bill arrived, revealing a staggering total of $505, he said: “The food was not impressive and I wouldn’t come back.” »

Triggering a wave of reactions from other like-minded diners, one commenter lamented the rising cost of dining out, pointing out that “eating out can be expensive when you add a 10% service charge and GST. You could get a good assortment of food at a cafe for the same amount.”

Others echoed the same dissatisfaction with the prices given the quality of the restaurant’s food, with another recalling a disappointing experience with Putien’s breakfast buffet, exclaiming: “Their Weekend buffet had no meat at all, just mee hoon, vegetables and rolls, yet it cost almost $70 for two people! »

Another diner suggested: “It’s best to choose dishes directly from the menu based on your preferences.”

At the same time, many concerns about the rising costs of dining out were raised, with one commenter pointing out how restaurant prices appeared to have inflated significantly in recent years.

“In fact, all restaurant prices are now inflated. Hawker prices became cafe prices, cafe prices became food court prices, food court prices became restaurant prices, and restaurant prices became restaurant prices. Restaurant prices have increased by another 10-20% in the last three years,” the user lamented.

Several others confessed that they avoid restaurants altogether because of these extra fees. “Service charge and GST are a drag on dining at the moment,” said one, while another joked: “If you don’t have money, eat street food. » /TISG

Read also: Rising food prices mean even the middle class can no longer afford to dine out

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