A local man expressed frustration after being charged $6.50 for what he described as a “small portion” of vegetarian food at a coffee shop stall. The meal, which consisted of bee hoon with curry vegetables and mock duck, was purchased at a stall located at Block 269 Queen Street on January 29 around 3 p.m.
The Stomper, identified as Ang, questioned why vegetarian meals—often associated with affordability—are priced so high. In his opinion, the cost contradicted the values of vegetarianism, which he believes should be about providing affordable nourishment to those in need.
“Vegetarian food is supposed to be economical, helping those less fortunate to satisfy their hunger,” Ang commented. “Instead, this stall is taking advantage of people’s goodwill and making excessive profits, essentially committing daylight robbery. I urge people to avoid such establishments and protest against them.”
Ang further noted that in contrast to the commercial prices, some temples in Singapore offer vegetarian food for free, relying on voluntary donations. He suggested that patrons could contribute to charity while also helping those in need.
When asked about what he considered a fair price for the meal, Ang explained that while the food industry needs to make a profit, many hawkers, in his view, take advantage of their customers. “Hawkers in Singapore should charge prices that allow everyone to survive, not exploit citizens who are struggling to make ends meet,” he said. “While factors like rental and utility costs can affect prices, many hawkers unjustifiably raise prices following government policy changes, like the GST hike.”
He also pointed out the relatively low cost of vegetables compared to meat, yet the price of vegetarian meals often exceeds that of meat-based ones.
“I’ve even heard of coffee shops charging extra for kopi-o gao,” Ang added, referring to a type of local coffee. “It’s time to expose such unethical practices, and I would like the authorities to investigate unreasonable price hikes in the hawker industry.”
Ang’s comments highlight concerns about rising food prices and the potential for unfair pricing practices in Singapore’s hawker stalls.
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