A customer in Singapore expressed shock and disappointment after being told to pay S$25 for a plate of salted fish bean sprouts, also known as “tau-gei,” at a local hawker center. The customer, who wished to remain anonymous, shared her experience on social media, stating that she was charged an exorbitant amount for a small portion of the dish.
According to the customer, she had ordered the salted fish bean sprouts from a hawker stall that she had visited several times before. However, on this occasion, she was surprised to see the price had increased significantly. When she questioned the stall owner about the price, she was told that the cost of ingredients had gone up.
To add to her surprise, the customer noticed that a plate of sashimi from the same stall cost only S$11, which made her feel even more taken advantage of. She expressed her frustration, stating that she felt the price was not justified for a simple dish made with bean sprouts, salted fish, and some seasonings. She also noted that the portion size was much smaller than what she had received in the past.
This incident has sparked a debate on social media, with some users expressing their disbelief at the high price, while others have defended the stall owner, citing rising food costs and inflation.
Regardless of the reasons behind the price increase, it is essential to maintain fair and reasonable pricing for food items, especially at hawker centers, which are known for their affordability and accessibility. As consumers, it is also crucial to be aware of the prices of the food we consume and to speak up when we feel overcharged.