SINGAPORE: A recent dining experience turned into a public spectacle when a customer expressed her shock over an exorbitant S$246.36 bill at a Vietnamese restaurant, only to be met with unexpected online backlash from the restaurant owner.

The incident, which unfolded on social media, raises concerns about customer service and the handling of complaints in the restaurant industry.

On October 27, Facebook user Hoàng Mỹ Tiên Lena took to the COMPLAINT SINGAPORE page to share her dismay after dining at Vietsea restaurant.

Ms. Hoàng detailed her astonishment at the steep charges, particularly criticizing the prices of certain items that she deemed "unreasonably expensive."

In addition to her billing concerns, she highlighted a serious issue regarding the receipt.

While the meal was subject to the customary 9% GST, her receipt notably lacked the required GST registration number, violating Singapore’s tax regulations according to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). Receipts must clearly display the GST number and state that the price includes GST.

As the post garnered attention, many commenters echoed her sentiments, expressing alarm over the high prices and the missing GST information.

Some encouraged her to escalate the matter to IRAS, reflecting a wider public engagement on the issues of price transparency and consumer rights.

However, the situation took a sharp turn when Ms. Hoàng updated her post.

She revealed that instead of addressing her complaints, the restaurant owner publicly insulted her on her personal Facebook account. "Instead of addressing my concerns, the owner chose to post about me on her personal Facebook account, publicly insulting me. She even threatened to print my photo and ban me from her shop," she stated.

According to her claims, the restaurant owner allegedly stated, "Go ahead and report, kid… I’m going to print their face and hang it at the shops, banning entry."

Ms. Hoàng commented, "This post speaks for itself about the kind of 'customer service’ this restaurant offers." The confrontation has since sparked discussions on social media about accountability and professionalism in customer service.

The Independent Singapore has reached out to both Ms. Hoàng and Vietsea for further comments regarding this escalating social media incident.

As diners become increasingly vocal about their experiences, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful communication and the need for restaurants to address customer feedback constructively.

Will Vietsea restaurant respond adequately, or has it crossed a line in its treatment of customers?

Only time will tell.