Finance

$13.20 Fries? Just Dipped in Oil! — Diner's Sticker Shock Sparks Debate as Singaporeans Respond: "You Did See the Price, Right?"

2024-12-20

Author: Arjun

SINGAPORE: A recent uproar emerged on social media after a netizen expressed his shock over the price of french fries at a café in Marina Square.

Priced at a staggering $13.20, the diner's complaint ignited a lively discussion among netizens, with many reminding him that prices were clearly displayed.

In a post shared on the Complaint Singapore Facebook group on December 15,

the user added a snapshot of the fries alongside a receipt from dal.komm COFFEE, which confirmed the hefty price tag. “$13.20 fries what? Just normal fries dipped in oil, and there’s no truffles,” he commented, suggesting that the cost was excessively high.

Interestingly, he clarified that he wasn’t the one who purchased the fries;

rather, it was his wife who willingly paid, while he remained silent. This detail led to snarky responses from commentators, who pointed out that while his wife had no qualms about the expense, he was the one making a fuss.

Commenters quickly reminded the original poster that as long as restaurants keep their pricing transparent,

there should be no issue. One notably pointed out that eateries in Marina Square tend to be on the pricier side due to high rental costs.

A quick look at the receipt revealed that the establishment was not inexpensive overall,

with a slice of cake priced at $9.80, a double serving of vanilla ice cream at $9.20, and a large green tea latte for $8.80.

Many observers suggested that if he was looking for cheaper dining options,

he could easily head to various coffee shops and hawker centers around Singapore, known for their affordable prices and local flavors.

One clever netizen humorously advised him to purchase a bag of frozen french fries from the grocery store and fry them himself if he was so concerned about the price.
Interestingly, comparisons were made to the cost of fries at the well-known American fast-food chain Five Guys,

where a large order of fries also falls in a similar price range, costing about $11 in Singapore.

Another netizen cheekily suggested,

“Next time you may want to consider McDonald's for your fries… they’re tasty and the prices are much more affordable too. With many outlets across Singapore, it’s a convenient option!”

Despite the controversy, it was noted that the fries did appear quite appetizing.

The ongoing discussion highlighted a key aspect of modern dining — the balance between quality, experience, and cost, which varies greatly depending on location and establishment.

As the price of dining out continues to rise, diners are left to navigate their choices carefully, weighing the joy of a cafe experience against their wallets.