Ever ordered your usual $4 Kopi O anget and then kena charged $5 for some fancy ‘premium blend’ you never asked for? Or maybe your chicken rice suddenly comes with ‘extra special’ toppings and a bigger bill? Sounds familiar, right? This kind of kopitiam drama happens more often than we think, and one Redditor’s recent experience really struck a chord.
Hawker Upsell Tactics
It seems like a classic scene: you order a simple dish, but the hawker decides to give you the ‘upgraded’ or ‘set’ version without asking, then expects you to pay more. One Singaporean Redditor shared how they ordered a $4.30 chicken rice, only to be charged $5.30 for a ‘set’ they didn’t request. The hawker’s excuse? “You didn’t say normal or set, so I made the set.” This isn’t an isolated incident; many have faced similar situations where the default seems to be the more expensive option, or extras are added without explicit consent. Usually, the expectation is clear: if you don’t specify, you get the basic, most affordable version.
- Current Situation
“I simply said 白鸡饭 打包 (white skinned chicken rice takeaway). The menu says it’s $4.30. He then charged me $5.30 and I asked why. ‘You didn’t say normal or set, so I made the set.'”
“nothing wrong. Usually default is the smallest portion until informed.”
The ‘Already Made’ Problem
The real frustration kicks in when you try to correct the order. The common pushback is, “I made already. Can’t change.” This puts customers in an awkward spot. Do you pay for something you didn’t want, or stand your ground? It’s a uniquely Singaporean dilemma sometimes, navigating politeness with not wanting to be taken for a ride. The Redditor in question faced shouting and cursing when they refused to pay and walked away. This kind of aggressive response from a hawker, unfortunately, isn’t unheard of and adds to the unpleasantness. It’s a clear contradiction: the customer is expected to be clear, but the hawker isn’t always transparent.
- Challenge Description
“‘You weren’t clear. I made already. Can’t change.’ … He started shouting and cursing till the whole kopitiam was staring at me.”
“Smlj make liao cannot change… Just don’t give the extra stuff that makes up the set only mah. He can guai lan I also can guai lan.”
Your Kopi Kiaw Rights
So, what can you do when faced with such a situation? The Reddit community overwhelmingly supported the original poster’s decision to walk away without paying. This is a powerful move. Firstly, re-confirm your order clearly if you sense ambiguity. If the wrong order arrives, state calmly that it’s not what you asked for. If the hawker insists you pay for their mistake, remember you’re not obligated to. Walking away, as uncomfortable as it might be with an angry hawker, is a valid response. Another community-backed strategy is to leave an honest review online, like on Google Maps. This warns other potential customers about such practices.
- Solution
“Yes, you never say set. He was trying to pull a fast one. He probably got away with many others but not you. Good job.”
“Do leave a review on google maps and expose his bad manner. I guess this is not the 1st time he pulls this trick on someone.”
Ultimately, while most of our beloved hawkers are honest and hardworking, it pays to be aware and assertive. Don’t let anyone make you pay for their ‘mistake’ or unclear upselling. Your wallet, and your chicken rice, will thank you for it!
