SINGAPORE:

A dining experience turned sour after a customer’s jaw-dropping bill of S$246.36 at Vietsea restaurant sparked outrage, leading to a bizarre online confrontation. The restaurant owner responded to the customer’s complaint not with an apology, but with mockery and threats on social media.

On October 27, Facebook user Hoàng Mỹ Tiên Lena shared her dismay on the COMPLAINT SINGAPORE page, revealing her astonishment at the hefty bill. She highlighted that the prices at the Vietnamese eatery were “unreasonably expensive” and far surpassed her spending expectations. Moreover, she raised eyebrows over the absence of a Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration number on her receipt, a requirement stipulated by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). According to IRAS guidelines, all business receipts must include the GST registration number and the statement, “Price payable includes GST.”

As her post garnered traction, many commenters backed Ms. Hoàng’s claims. They scrutinized the high prices and showed unease regarding the missing GST number. Some even advised her to escalate the issue to IRAS for investigation.

However, the story took a shocking turn when Ms. Hoàng reported that instead of addressing her concerns, the restaurant owner retaliated with a public Facebook post. "Instead of taking responsibility, she chose to post about me on her personal Facebook account, publicly insulting me,” she updated the original complaint.

The owner purportedly wrote a message implying she would print Ms. Hoàng’s photo and ban her from the restaurant, stating, “Go ahead and report, kid… I’m going to print their face and hang it at the shops, banning entry.” This response left Ms. Hoàng feeling derided and questioned the quality of customer service the restaurant had to offer.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about consumer rights and the social responsibility of businesses, particularly during a time when online presence can greatly impact a restaurant's reputation. Ms. Hoàng’s experience has raised awareness among potential patrons, urging them to fully understand their rights when dining out.

Both Ms. Hoàng and Vietsea Food Connection have been reached out to for further comments, as this saga unfolds, leaving diners anxiously awaiting answers and the potential consequences for the restaurant's unprofessional conduct.