SINGAPORE: Dining experiences in Singapore have sparked debate on social media, with one Reddit user describing restaurant visits in the city as "dish
SINGAPORE: Dining experiences in Singapore have sparked debate on social media, with one Reddit user describing restaurant visits in the city as “disheartening.” He highlighted his recent dining experiences, remarking, “You pick up a ticket, wait to be seated, scan a QR code to order and pay, and receive minimal interaction from the staff, who only serve the food and clean up after. It’s surprising that this limited service still warrants a 10% charge on the bill.”
Comparing Singapore’s dining practices to those in Korea and Japan, the user noted that in these countries, diners often receive complimentary ice water and sometimes wet wipes right after sitting down. “In Korea, small side dishes are free and refillable. In Japan, some places even have complimentary items already set on the table,” he added, sharing his appreciation for the attention to detail in these countries.
Reflecting on European customs, he pointed out that meals are often served at the same time so no one has to wait awkwardly, and bread baskets are sometimes offered at no extra charge. These additional touches, he observed, enhance the overall dining experience without extra cost.
In some places, like Korea and Europe, customers even receive “post-meal perks,” he explained, with restaurant owners offering free items to enhance the experience or even providing a complimentary digestif. “It’s hard to compare a typical Singaporean restaurant to even a roadside stall in Japan or Korea,” he noted, expressing his disappointment.
The Redditor voiced frustration over some practices in Singapore, such as being charged for tap water or wet wipes, which he described as outdated in a time when people are more conscious about hygiene. He added that dining solo limits his options as ordering side dishes often results in too much food.
Although he did not advocate for a tipping culture, he suggested that some restaurant staff could improve their approach, mentioning, “I’m doing almost half the work by taking my own queue number and handling the ordering and payment process, yet I’m still expected to pay a service charge. That doesn’t sit right with me.”
The post sparked reactions from fellow Reddit users, with one remarking, “Charging for tap water feels like penny-pinching.” Another user, Varantain, praised countries that legally require restaurants with liquor licenses to provide free tap water.
As Singapore’s dining landscape continues to evolve, the question remains: will the local industry adapt to meet rising expectations for a more enjoyable dining experience?
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